- Kingdom: Animalia.
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda / Subclass: Opisthobranchia / Superfamily: Aplysioidea
- Family: Aplysiidae
- Genus: Dolabella
- Species: Dolabella auricularia
Description: The body is wedge-shaped, with a small head, and ends in a broad, flattened posterior disc. It has two projections that resemble ears (which is why it is known as a sea hare…).
Reproduction: It is hermaphroditic, and mating can occur in groups. In this case, the male and female reproductive organs can be active simultaneously in the same individual. The eggs form a mass resembling strands of spaghetti.
Habitat: On flat, algae-covered bottoms in areas with low water flow. Distribution: Indo-Pacific, also in the eastern Pacific. Color: Variable, ranging from brown with white spots to light green. Size: Up to 450–500 grams.
Caution: When frightened, it releases purple ink that may be harmful to other inhabitants (I do not know of any documented case, but…).
Feeding: A generally nocturnal herbivore that hides beneath rocks during the day (depending on the individual…).
Natural predators: Some documented cases involving Monotaxis grandocularis, Arothron hispidu (the latter is a pufferfish)….
Notes: It is delicate and difficult to acclimate. An insatiable grazer, it may die of starvation. Be careful with circulation pumps….
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