Marine Biodiversity
Habitat: Subtidal Fringe
Species: Sea Hare
Scientific name: Aplysia punctata
Size: Usually around 7cm but can grow up to 20cm
Colour: Variations in colour – green, brown, red or purple with blotches of grey and white, often with black or dark-brown spots and veining
Distribution: Primarily in the northern and western coasts of Ireland
The sea hare can usually be found in shallow waters and sometimes in the lower shore or in rockpools. It generally resides in algal seaweed beds which it uses for feeding, reproduction and protection. The body colour of this species is variable and ranges from olive, green, red or purple. This variation is said to reflect the individual’s algal diet.
The sea hare has a long and narrow body with two long, slender tentacles on it’s head. A transparent shell is located internally to protect vital organs and can be seen through a large opening in the mantle. The sea hare can expel both white and purple secretions when it is disturbed. This gastropod can be found along the coastlines of the Northeast Atlantic from Greenland to the Mediterranean.
