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Sea hare

The sea hare looks like a sea slug – but in fact has an internal shell. They can be up to 20cm long but are usually much shorter.

Scientific name

Aplysia punctata

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Length: 7-20cm
Common

About

The sea hare is a marine snail, found in shallow water and occasionally in rockpools on the low shore. They feed on seaweed and it is thought that this is what gives each sea hare its colour, e.g. green sea hares are eating green seaweeds like sea lettuce whilst the reddish-maroon sea hares are eating red seaweeds. Sea hares have an internal shell, which is around 4cm long and transparent. Like sea slugs, the sea hare is a hermaphrodite and they sometimes mate in chains, with an individual acting as both male and female. They lay eggs in long pink threads, which are deposited on seaweed and look a bit like pink spaghetti.

How to identify

Sea hares reach 7-20cm in length. Normally a reddish-maroon colour, they can also be green or brown. Their upper head tentacles resemble hare's ears - giving them their common name.

Distribution

Found on all UK coasts.

Did you know?

Sea hares get their name from the upper pair of head tentacles that look like a hare's ears!