Massive death of Aplysia depilans in Italy

June 24, 2005
From: Matteo Tassi

Dear Bill,
I live in Ostia, Rome, Italy. In the last two weeks we have seen thousands of Aplysia depilans dying on our beaches. I am trying to understand if there has been any occurence like this somewhere else in order to save and protect these fine animals.

Locality: Ostia Lido, Rome, Italy. Mediterranean. Length: 20-40 cm. 22 June 2005. near rivermouth.

Matteo Tassi
matteo@tecnomar.net

matteo@ilsottomarino.org

Tassi, M., 2005 (Jun 24) Massive death of Aplysia depilans in Italy. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/14121

Dear Matteo,
These mass swarming, and mass mortality events seem to be natural part of the life of Sea Hares. I have recently posted messages [see #14080] concerning mass swarmings of the small sea hare Stylocheilus striatus in both Hawaii and the Caribbean. Have a look at the Mass mortality Fact Sheet for background information on this worldwide phenomenon and links to many other examples described on the Forum.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (Jun 24). Comment on Massive death of Aplysia depilans in Italy by Matteo Tassi. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/14121

Factsheet

Aplysia depilans

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