Sea Hare from Wales

April 3, 2002
From: Warren Fairclough

Could someone please help me identify a sea slug I came across whilst beach combing in Abersoch, North Wales, United Kingdom. It was observed 31 March 2002 at or around the high tide mark on a sandy beach at Llanbedrog which is situated between Abersoch and Pwllheli.

The slug was approximately 6 inches long, brown/green speckled in colour, had flaps covering a dark red area on its back from which it ejected bright purple ink when disturbed.
Regards
Warren Fairclough

warren.fairclough@amec.com

Fairclough, W., 2002 (Apr 3) Sea Hare from Wales. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6670

Dear Warren,
Your slug is a Sea Hare. If you go to the Sea Hare Page you will find links to various pages on the Forum with information on these animals, incluidng one to a photo of a Sea Hare producing its characteristic ink.

Three species of Aplysia are reported from the British Isles all of which could fit your description - Aplysia fasciata, Aplysia depilans and Aplysia punctata, but my understanding is that A. punctata is the only one that is common.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Apr 3). Comment on Sea Hare from Wales by Warren Fairclough. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6670

Factsheet

What are Sea Hares?

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