Sydney Seahare

Aplysia sydneyensis

Aplysia sydneyensis, commonly known as the Sydney Seahare, is a gastropod mollusc found along the Australian coast. This species exhibits a variety of colors, including near-black, brown, red, and yellow, often adorned with spots that range from off white to dark brown. A distinctive black-lined pattern can be seen on its head and sides. The Sydney Seahare can reach a length of approximately 150 mm and has a small, thin, flat shell that is typically concealed by its parapodia. The shell itself features a chestnut coloration in the median region, fading to pale horn-colored margins. This species inhabits the intertidal zone and can be found in tide pools, primarily in tropical waters around Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. It thrives at depths ranging from 0 to 23 meters. The Sydney Seahare primarily feeds on algae, particularly Laurencia obtusa, and engages in copulation and egg-laying from April to June. Diving encounters with the Sydney Seahare can be intriguing, especially when startled, as it releases a cloud of dark purple ink. This behavior can make for a captivating moment underwater. The species is not evaluated by the IUCN, indicating a lack of specific conservation status data.