Aplysia reticulata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Mollusca
- Class
- Gastropoda
- Order
- Aplysiida
- Family
- Aplysiidae
- Genus
- Aplysia
- Species
- Aplysia reticulata
Aplysia reticulata is a small sea hare from the family Aplysiidae. Sea hares get their name from the two rolled rhinophores on the head, which look like a rabbit's ears.
This one has a maroon body covered in white speckles, with wing-like parapodia folded over its back. Nudibranchs of the Philippines also shows a second colour variety, so colours can vary.
Like other sea hares it grazes on algae, and Aplysia can release a cloud of ink when threatened.
It is small for a sea hare, so check algae-covered rocks and rubble closely. A gentle approach keeps it from inking or tucking in.
It appears on page 294 of Nudibranchs of the Philippines.
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