Aplysia californica

Cooper, 1863

Spotted Sea Hare

Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean: California and Gulf of Mexico.

Size: 30 inches (75 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits intertidal zones where seaweed and seagrass occurs and is usually seen to depths of about 65 feet (20 m).

General Husbandry: Occasionally small specimens are seen in the trade and sold as a major herbivore.

Needs a constant supply of algae/nori to continue to do well, and may be a good eliminator of unwanted algae blooms!

Expel an ink cloud when disturbed; yet it's harmless to fishes.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropoda

Order: Anaspidea

Family: Aplysiidae

Genus: Aplysia

FYI: Has only a one-year lifespan.Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult

Temperature Range: 65 - 78°F (18 - 25°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: Unaffected by intensity

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4