Taylor's Seahare

Phyllaplysia taylori

Phyllaplysia taylori exhibits two distinct color morphs, bright green and yellow, adorned with characteristic black and white stripes. This sea hare has a dorsally flattened body that provides excellent camouflage among Zostera marina, the eelgrass it predominantly inhabits. Found along the Pacific Coast of North America, from British Columbia to San Diego, it thrives in intertidal estuarine habitats, typically in low salinity environments. They are often seen grazing on epiphytes that grow on eelgrass, such as sponges and diatoms, which can inhibit the growth of the eelgrass itself. Reproduction occurs with two overlapping generations each year, primarily during the summer and fall. The eggs are laid in parallel rows on Zostera, with egg size varying by season. Those hatching in the fall tend to have a longer lifespan of seven to eight months, compared to three to five months for those hatching in the summer. Despite their short life spans, these sea hares reproduce multiple times a year, contributing to their populations even in stable food conditions. Encounters with Taylor's Seahare during dives can be intriguing, as they are often well-camouflaged against the eelgrass. Divers may observe them slowly grazing or resting on the seagrass beds. Though they have limited mobility, their presence can indicate a healthy eelgrass ecosystem. Conservation status is currently not evaluated, but their reliance on specific habitats makes them sensitive to environmental changes.