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Sea Slug, Black-Ringed Sea Hare

Aplysia argus

Sea Slug, Sea Hare, Spotted

Invertebrate

Mollusca

Gastropoda

Aplysiidae

Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Shore Intertidal
Rocky Reef Subtidal
Rocky Reef Subtidal

Feeding:
Predator
Predator
Distribution:
North Island
North Island
Edibility:
Unknown Edibility
Unknown Edibility
Size:
Shoulder width Sized
Shoulder width Sized



The complete exterior of the body is covered in black rings connected by a series of black lines.


Most commonly found in the low intertidal through summer and autumn.


This large Sea Slug feeds primarily on sponges.


If threatened can discharge a dark purple inky "substance." Stringy egg masses can sometimes be seen. This is the most common Sea Hare found in the Northern NZ. It is unable to swim and the shell is flattened and completely internal. It is cosmopolitan in all tropical and subtropical seas.



NZ Molluscs: Powell NZ Coastal Marine Invertebrates; Vol 1