Aplysia depilans Gmelin, 1791 - Depilatory sea hare (Sea slug images)

Specimens above were found under a large partially submerged rock in pool on the lowershore at Great Hogus, Marazion, Cornwall. 24.12.14.

The only sign that the adult slugs might be under the rock was a large mass of eggs that were laid on the side of the rock, the egg mass being too large for the native species Aplysia punctata.

Depilatory sea hare
Aplysia depilans
- trio of sea slugs 1

Depilatory sea hare
Aplysia depilans
- single individual 1

Depilatory sea hare
Aplysia depilans
- egg mass on side of rock 2

Depilatory sea hare
Aplysia depilans
- habitat / eggs and adults 1

Three specimens above were found under a large rocks in pool on the lowershore at Great Hogus, Marazion, Cornwall. 11.01.15. The animals were found no more than 40cm apart and were smaller than seen 2-3 weeks previously, but approx. twelve egg masses were laid on rocks in the pool, so not surprising the animals size had reduced. The animals themselves were found under rocks, tightly trapped in crevices under them, in water no more than a few inches deep.

An easy way to distinguish this species from Aplysia fasciata is to run a finger from front to back on the dorsal surface. as seen in the image lateral view 2. If the finger cannot travel all along the animal from head to tail then it is A. depilans.

APHOTOMARINE

An educational resource dedicated mainly to the photography
and diversity of marine life that can be found in coastal waters
and intertidal areas of Great Britain and Ireland by David Fenwick.

APHOTOMARINE

An educational resource dedicated mainly to the photography and diversity of marine life that can be found in coastal waters and intertidal areas of Great Britain and Ireland by David Fenwick.

An educational resource dedicated mainly to the photography
and diversity of marine life that can be found in coastal waters
and intertidal areas of Great Britain and Ireland by David Fenwick.