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California Sea Hare

Aplysia californica

Photo by HemaShah
Published on Project Noah
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37.44, -119.355

Field Notes

Description:

i think that this is a Sea hare which has washed up on th ePacific Coast because of the El Nino phenomenon. I tis blob like and organ like. Purplish and dead. Sea hares die after laying eggs and also turn purplish in self defence, I saw tons of sea hare eggs in long beach,California

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (3)
Neil Ross
That is massive for a sea slug! Would love to see one day. It is just so wonderful to explore rock pools and things on the beach. I wish I had more opportunities to do so.
HemaShah
I believe you are correct Neil. these can grow up to be at least 12 to 15 ilbs.Big for a sea slug is it not. Funny part is though these look so transparent when in water ,that in-spite of seeing them alive in Bolsa Chica i could not get a picture. They look so different on land.Neil,Sea Slugs is another category you must look into. The diversity and beauty can be amazing!
Neil Ross
Very interesting. I've never seen one. This might be it, although I don't know how many species there are. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_sea_hare
Photographed
PublishedMay 30, 2016

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