Aplysia from Florida

May 29, 2003
From: Hollie Greer

Hi there.
I am a wildlife ecology major in Florida, USA, but I don't have much knowledge of marine life. Recently I went to the beach in Melbourne (just south of Cape Canaveral) and saw several what I believe to be sea slugs. Most were hanging out on rocks at low tide but I also spotted a few swimming in shallow waters. I have reviewed the pictures on your site and the closest I can find is the Aplysia fasciata. The tentacles however were different- they had a more defined shape to them - more "bulbous". Is this species common in Florida waters? Are they typically found this close to shore or was there a reproductive or other reason they were in that location?
Thanks for the info. Your website is great, Hollie

holbgol@yahoo.com

Greer, H., 2003 (May 29) Aplysia from Florida. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/9973

Dear Hollie,
In your part of the world the most likely swimming Sea Hares you are likely to find are Aplysia brasiliana and Aplysia morio. Have a look at the messages on those pages for more information, and discussion about the way sea hares sometimes tend to aggregate in large groups.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2003 (May 29). Comment on Aplysia from Florida by Hollie Greer. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/9973

Factsheet

Aplysia brasiliana

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