Aplysia fasciata in Portugal

January 28, 2006
From: Mark Williams


This animal was seen near the mouth of the river at Tavira, Algarve Portugal in may 2005. There were up to 10-12 of the animals close to the surface of the water and free swimming. they appeared to be feeding on algae.

Locality: Tavira, Algarve, sthn Portugal. At the surface. Length: 30 cm. 29 May 2005. River with freestone/sand bed. Photographer: Mark Williams

Can you tell me what they are?

Mark Williams

mark.williams27 @btinternet.com

Williams, M., 2006 (Jan 28) Aplysia fasciata in Portugal. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15666

Dear Mark,
This is a Sea Hare, almost certainly Aplysia fasciata which is apparently quite common swimming on the coasts of Portugal and certain times of the year. Like most sea slugs, it usually crawls on the bottom, but many Sea Hares use their large wing-like parapodia to swim, especially when they are disturbed, or swept off the bottom by waves or currents. They feed on certain red and green algae [sea weeds]. I have included a close-up of part of your photo to show the yellow spaghetti-like egg ribbon on the green algae. This is almost certainly the egg ribbon of Aplysia fasciata.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Jan 28). Comment on Aplysia fasciata in Portugal by Mark Williams. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15666

Factsheet

Aplysia fasciata

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