spotted sea hare

gastropod

Also known as: Aplysia dactylomela

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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A sea hare is a marine gastropod belonging to the family Aplysiidae. These mollusks are recognized by their reduced, flat shell, prominent, rabbit-ear-like tentacles, and smooth or warty bodies. Sea hares primarily consume large seaweeds and are simultaneous hermaphrodites.

The spotted sea hare (Aplysia dactylomela) is an example, characterized by its ring-spotted green appearance and habitat in the grassy shallows of the Caribbean. Sea hares can also secrete fluids, such as a purple fluid, to distract and confuse predators, aiding in their escape. Research on sea hares has significantly contributed to the scientific understanding of the biochemical basis of learning.12

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sea hare
…example is the 10-centimetre (4-inch) spotted sea hare (Aplysia dactylomela), a ring-spotted green species living in grassy shallows of the Caribbean. Research involving sea hares has greatly increased the scientific understanding of the biochemical basis of learning.
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…example is the 10-centimetre (4-inch) spotted sea hare (Aplysia dactylomela), a ring-spotted green species living in grassy shallows of the Caribbean. Research involving sea hares has greatly increased the scientific understanding of the biochemical basis of learning.
Read More