Sea Hare - Aplysia sp.
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The Sea Hare (Aplysia sp.) is a large, gentle marine herbivore known for its impressive appetite for nuisance algae. With its soft, rounded body and graceful swimming motion, this species is a valuable addition to reef aquariums struggling with hair algae or film algae. Sea Hares are peaceful and highly effective grazers but require a mature tank with plenty of natural food to thrive.
Common Name: Sea Hare
Scientific Name: Aplysia sp.
Family: Aplysiidae
Size: 4–12 inches (10–30 cm), depending on species
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Native Region: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific and other tropical marine regions, typically in shallow seagrass beds, rocky reefs, and algae-rich coastal zones.
Tank Size: Minimum of 50 gallons
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Substrate: Live rock with abundant algae growth; stable, well-oxygenated environment is essential.
• Algae Control: Excellent at consuming hair algae, film algae, and sometimes bryopsis—ideal for tanks with heavy growth.
• Diet: Requires constant access to natural algae; supplement with dried seaweed (nori) if natural food becomes scarce.
• Behavior: Slow-moving and peaceful; may release ink if startled, though this is uncommon in stable aquariums.
• Tankmates: Safe with all peaceful fish and invertebrates; avoid aggressive species that may nip at it.
• Care Note: Once algae is depleted, Sea Hares can starve—ensure long-term food availability or plan for relocation to another established tank.