Akera bullata
Muller, 1776

Order: ANASPIDEA
Superfamily: AKEROIDEA
Family: Akeridae

DISTRIBUTION

Known from NE Atlantic coast of Europe and the Mediterranean

PHOTO

Langton Hive Point, the Fleet, Dorset, UK, 25 mm long alive, June 2003. Photo: Helen C. Marshall

Akera bullata is quite similar in shape to Akera soluta from the Pacific. They are very primitive Sea Hares [see Akeroidea Fact Sheet] and have a bubble-shaped external shell, an elongated neck-head region, and parapodia which fold over on each side to partially enclose the body. They spend most of their time crawling or burrowing in fine mud on sheltered shores and bays, but at time form swimming swarms, often in quite large numbers. They swim rather awkwardly with their heavy (shelled) end hanging down, rather like large heavy beetles flying. Can grow to 5 - 6 cm in length.

• Morton, J. E. and Holme, N. A. (1955) The occurrence at Plymouth of the marine opisthobranch Akera bullata, with notes on its habits and relationships. Journal of the Marine Biological Association, United Kingdom 34: 101-112
• Thompson, T.E. (1976) Biology of opisthobranch molluscs. Vol. 1. Ray Society  No. 151, London. 207 pages.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

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