Aplysia juliana? in Kiama rock pools, NSW
August 9, 2005
From: Francis Hawkshaw
Dear Bill
Thank you very much for your answer [#14485].
What amazing sea creatures they are ... they remind me of a Dugong or a Hippo the way they graze on the sea grass. You mentioned one of the animals in my photos may have been Aplysia juliana. Are the attached photos of Aplysia juliana?
They are also found in the Kiama Rock saltwater swimming pool. The pool seems to be a perfect ecosystem. [Kiama on the south coast of New South Wales, eastern Australia].
Thanks again
Francis
Dear Francis,
Yes these are Aplysia juliana. The brown bodies with whitish patches, is typical of one colour form of the species, as is the way the parapodia are joined quite high at the back as you can see in your upper photo. The artificial rock swimming pools built many years ago up and down the coast of New South Wales have proved a very favourable spot for Sea Hares. Unfortunately some local authorities are concerned that they will be sued if someone slips on a patch of algae, so they regularly clean the pools and their surrounds with chemicals - killing the animal life in the process.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
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