The five species of Sea Hares documented here were found on Maui, either in tide pools, shallow lagoons, protected coves or old traditional Hawaiian fish ponds — all in less than 2 metres of water. Until one knows what to look for they can go unnoticed, often hiding in the algae they eat, under rocks, in rock crevices and under ledges. Some are so small they appear to be mere specs in the sand. Some are larger than a human’s hand. It is not uncommon to find an abundance of one species in a particular spot one year, and none the next. Rub some sea weed or algae, disturb a sea hare and one may find themselves covered in purple/pink ink-like mucus — their ultimate defense mechanism. Sea Hares, like all opisthobranchs, are hermaphrodites; they can sometimes be seen in mating chains, or literally on top of one another, and most of their eggs are laid in a perfect zizag form or a spongy, spaghetti-like green or brownish mass. All species of Sea Hares on Maui have a thin shell and very noticeable rabbit-like (hence the common name “hare”) cephalic tentacles and rhinophores. For more information and photos, see Sea Slugs of Hawaii.

 

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