Sea Hare

Dolabella auricularia

Due to variations within
species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate
size range may also vary between individual specimen.

Care Level: Expert Only

Temperament: Peaceful

Color Form: Green

Diet: Herbivore

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78? F, dKH 8-12, pH
8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025

Max. Size: 1'

Origin: Philippines

Family: Aplysiidae

The Dolabella Sea Hare also known as Wedge Sea Hare is a
very effective algae eater and will clean up hair algae in no time.

If it becomes startled, it may release a purple dye to
repel attacking fish. In the home aquarium, the Dolabella Sea Hare will need a
good chemical filter system to quickly remove this toxic dye before it causes
problems.

In the wild, it is usually found in shallow areas of
seagrasses and coral rubble, preferring the shaded areas. Cover from the lights
in the aquarium should be provided. It requires a large area in which to move.
It prefers an aquarium with live rock and open sandy areas so that it can graze
on algae. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and will
not tolerate bad water conditions (high nitrates).

If regular feedings of Caulerpa are not possible, it will
need a supplemented diet of parboiled lettuce and dried kelp.