Sea hares (Family Aplysiidae) are among the largest (up to 60cm) and
longest lived Opisthobranchs. Most retain some form of shell but these
are usually thin and inconspicuous. Some species (like the one illustrated
below) use the parapodia for swimming. Sea hares are difficult to identify.
Specimens were collected for later identification from the internal
shell. The images below were taken in early summer following extensive
algal blooms on the inshore reefs of Byron Bay. Large populations of
sea hares and other molluscs develop to feed on the algae and an extensive
food chain develops as larger animals (like cow nose ray, Rhinoptera
neglecta) arrive to feast on the invertebrates. Although sea hares can
contain dangerous toxins so may not be on the menu themselves. There
is a rush to grow and mate before the food runs out and sea hares numbering
in the hundred (or possibly thousands) can be seen in one dive. When
the food does run out the molluscs dissappear but very large sea hares
(20-30cm in length) can be found for some time after).
Species: Aplysia sp? (possibly Aplysia gigantea, specimens
in SCU collection)
Location: "Tassie II" wreck, Byron Bay, New South Wales
Depth: 5-6 metres
Date: from 22/10/98 Photo by: Simon L Hartley
Species: Aplysia sp?
Location: ??
Depth: ??
Date: ?? Photo's by: Danny Bucher
