Dolabella auricularia
| Latin name | Dolabella auricularia |
|---|---|
| Local name | Blunt-end Sea Hare |
| Family | Aplysiidae - Dolabella |
| Origin | East Indian Ocean, The Red Sea |
| Max length | 50 cm (19.7") |
| Minimum volume |
200 l (53 gal) 
|
|---|---|
| Hardiness |
Average
|
| Suitable for aquarium |
Suitable with care
|
| Reef safe |
Always reef safe
|
| Aggressiveness | Peaceful |
| Recommended |
Macroalgea (Eg. seaweed / nori) Microalgea (Eg. spirulina) |
|---|
This species is very sensitive during transportation and acclimatizing into the aquarium.
This species can eat large amounts of algae (relative to their size) from rocks, like green hair algae and filamentous algae.
As it doesn’t eat every algae type, in case of a specific algae plague, find out more precise information.
Sea hares are very effective at eating most types of algae, although not all of them, so do research this beforehand.
As opposed to Nudibranches they have an internal shell for protection. Furthermore, they will release a kind of ink when feeling threatened. This is not poisonous, but should be removed by changing the water.
Sea hares require a great deal of algae to survive, so it is advisable to pass it on when its task is accomplished.
When it dies, a large amout of nutients are released to the water, so it must not be kept too long without sufficient algae.
Most species are easy to keep in an aquarium as long as there are enough algae, although some species do have slightly more specific food requirements.
Ronald L. Shimek. 2004. Marine Invertebrates (PocketExpert Guide) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Robert Toonen. 2004. Aquarium Invertebrates: Sea Slugs - Part 1, Part II - Advanced Aquarist - (English)
Bob Fenner. The Stomach-Footed Mollusks, Class Gastropoda, Subclass Opisthobranchia, Sea Slugs - Wet Web Media - (English)