Common Name
Wedge Sea Hare
Scientific Name
Dolabella auricularia
Distribution
Indian Ocean and Western and North Western Pacific Ocean.
Habitat
Normally found on rocky reefs, seagrass beds, sandy substrates or mudflats in sheltered bays and lagoons. Sometimes also found in large intertidal pools.
Appearance
Mottled green and brown colouration and covered in soft fleshy nodules and skin flaps to camouflage with the natural environment.
Size
Maximum length is 40cm.
Diet
Brown, green and red macroalgae.
Life cycle
Wedge sea hares are hermaphroditic and can form mating chains of three or more individuals where the middle individual can act as both a male and female at the same time. Adult wedge sea hares lay spiral masses of eggs with 1 to 5 embryos in each egg capsule. Research on the lifespan of Dolabella auricularia is quite limited, but most sea hares live for around 1 year.
Interesting facts
- When disturbed, Wedge sea hares produce a thick reddish-purple ink from an opening on their backs. The ink is thought to act as a screen or decoy, distracting predators and allowing the sea hare to escape. Sea hares may also incorporate toxins from the algae that they ingest into their skin to also deter predators.
- Wedge sea hares are nocturnal and can be found grazing along the sea floor at night. During the day, they are usually found hiding in cracks and crevices or under rocks.