cc Is this a variety of sea slug?

March 27, 2007
From: Molly Hogan

On 23 March 2007, we observed the following creature, approximately 8 inches long?, in a marina off of the Intracoastal Waterway in southern Florida (Pompano Beach). We were entranced by the flowing movement of the creature as it swam along the surface. We have attempted to identify it without success. Several people have suggested that it might be a variety of sea slug, however, we have not been able to locate a similar photo on an internet search. We'd appreciate any information.

Locality: Intracoastal Waterway, swimming at surface, Florida, USA, Intracoastal waterway, 23 March 2007, Intertidal. Length: 8 in.. Photographer: Molly Hogan.

Thanks!
Molly Hogan

hogan@lincoln.midcoast.com

Hogan, M.B., 2007 (Mar 27) cc Is this a variety of sea slug?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19764

Dear Molly,
This is a type of sea slug known as a Sea Hare. It is probably as species called Aplysia morio which is known from Bermuda and the eastern USA from Rhode Island to Florida and Texas. If you look at other messages on this page you will see it is a swimmer, and is quite commonly found in Florida. Another swimming species, Aplysia brasiliana, is also quite common in Florida. For more information on Sea Hares go to the Sea Hare Fact Sheet which has links to other pages with more information. Also, have a look at the earlier messages on this page.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2007 (Mar 27). Comment on cc Is this a variety of sea slug? by Molly Hogan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/19764

Factsheet

Aplysia morio

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