Sea slug or hare? from Florida

March 22, 2006
From: Brenda Stimely

We observed this dark brown/black sea slug of sorts near the shore line in the rocks and swimming freely across the surface of the lagoon. It appeared to swim similar to the "breast stoke." As it waved it's "wings", it's head would bob up and down breaking the surface of the water as if breathing with each stroke. When touched it would release a dark purple ink.

Locality: Peanut Island, West Palm Beach, on or near surface, Florida, United States, Atlantic Ocean inlet, 17 March 2006, Man-made reef/lagoon . Length: approximately 8 inches. Photographer: Brenda Stimely.

Brenda Stimely

brendon8@bellsouth.net

Stimely, B, 2006 (Mar 22) Sea slug or hare? from Florida. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/16137

Dear Brenda,
From the dark brown colour I would suspect this is the Sea Hare Aplysia morio. Another common swimming one in your part of the world is Aplysia brasiliana.

It's nice to see the photo of the animal releasing its purple ink. If you are interested have a look at the Fact Sheet on Sea Hares and the page on their purple ink.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2006 (Mar 22). Comment on Sea slug or hare? from Florida by Brenda Stimely. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/16137

Factsheet

Aplysia morio

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