Aplysia from Japan

February 17, 2000
From: Yasuhiro Shirai

Dear Bill,
Thank you for your replies to my earlier messages. This opisthobranch crawled on rock.
I think it is an Aplysia species.
These animals had shell with their back like my photo.

Could you please identify this animal for me.

Data:
Location: Shima Pref. Mie Japan (Kii Peninsula east coast)
Length: 30mm
Water temperature: 13C
Date Jan. 2000
Depth: 5m
Crawling on rock

Best regards,
Yasuhiro Shirai

yasuhiro@e-net.or.jp

Shirai, Y., 2000 (Feb 17) Aplysia from Japan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1894

Dear Yasuhiro,
Yes this is a Sea Hare. It is a bit difficult identifying which species of Aplysia it is without a better idea of its shape. Both Aplysia juliana and Aplysia cf. parvula can have very dark, almost black, bodies and a horny brown coloured shell like in your photo.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Factsheet

What are Sea Hares? - page 2

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