Walking Seahare

Aplysia juliana

Aplysia juliana is a marine gastropod characterized by its lack of a purple ink gland, which means it cannot produce ink but instead secretes milky substances for defense. This species typically exhibits a brown coloration with lighter spots, though it can also appear entirely black. The maximum recorded length for this sea hare is 300 mm, making it a relatively large representative of its family. The posterior end of its foot can function as a sucker, aiding in its movement and attachment to surfaces. This sea hare is found in tropical and temperate waters across the globe, inhabiting tidal pools and seagrass beds at depths ranging from 0 to 20 metres. It is primarily a benthic species, often hiding in crevices during the day and becoming more active at night. Aplysia juliana is known to come inshore during March and April to lay its eggs, after which the adults typically return to shallower waters before dying. Its diet mainly consists of algae, which it grazes on in its natural habitat. Encounters with Aplysia juliana during dives can be intriguing as divers may observe their slow movements and unique behaviors. They are often found in shallow waters, making them accessible for divers exploring seagrass beds and tidal pools. Conservation status for this species has not been evaluated by the IUCN, indicating a lack of comprehensive data on its population dynamics.