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ALEXANDRE MEINESZ

Sea hare

In Dive.Explo360: Mediterranean · Northeast Atlantic · Atlantic Ocean

Watching a Sea hare move is always surprising. This large brown or green mollusc glides slowly among algae and seagrass. When threatened, it can release a cloud of ink, giving it a few valuable seconds to move away.

Habitat de Sea hare Habitat
Sand, Gravel, Rocky habitat
Profondeur de Sea hare Depth
30-50 m
Groupe biologique de Sea hare Group
Mollusc
Rôle écologique de Sea hare Role
Herbivore

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Aplysia depilans is a large marine mollusc with a soft, oval body and no visible external shell. Its outline is formed by broad lateral lobes called parapodia, which can fold or spread out.Its head bears two slender sensory tentacles, while its eyes are very small. Its colour varies from brown to greenish depending on the environment and diet. A small internal shell exists but remains invisible externally.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It lives on shallow coastal seabeds, particularly sandy or rocky areas rich in algae and seagrass.It is often observed in calm environments, where it can hide beneath algae or in crevices during the day.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

It is herbivorous and mainly feeds on algae. It scrapes surfaces using a structure called a radula, which acts like a tongue bearing microscopic teeth.It is mainly active at night, when it moves around grazing algae on the substrate.

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Same ecological role and depth

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