This Sea hare is covered with branched papillae (extensions of the skin), which make it look like a woolly ball. It has a greeny-brown body with black flecks and shiny blue or green spots which are light sensitive. The shape of the animal is oval when resting or elongated when moving.

Usually found on sea grass beds from the low tide zone to 5m below water. It can quite often be found on mudflats in the summer.

It is a grazer on seaweeds.

This slug produces a dark purple ink when disturbed. It breeds in summer and can grow very rapidly.

Photo Credit: Rod Morris. Photos available at www.rodmorris.co.nz