Aplysia fasciata

Poiret, 1789

Brazilian Sea Hare

Range: Atlantic Ocean: West Atlantic from New Jersey in the north to Brazil. East Atlantic from St Helena and Ghana in West Africa.

Size: 11 inches (27 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits intertidal zones where seaweed and seagrass occurs and is usually seen to depths of about 65 feet (20 m).

General Husbandry: Occasionally small specimens are seen in the trade and sold as a major herbivore.

Generally found in the western Atlantic cooler waters, yet tends to do well in aquaria if temperature does not exceed 76 - 78 degrees. Needs a constant supply of algae/nori to continue to do well, and may be a good eliminator of unwanted algae blooms! Rarely seen in the trade and this species was caught in a shrimp trawlers net and given the aquarist who's photo is shown here.

Very variable in color. The background color can vary from translucent yellow, brown, gray, green or black, usually with irregular patches and mottling of different shades of brown and green, and often with lighter spots of white or yellow. There can also be veins and streaks of black or dark brown.

Feeds on algae of all types.

Expel an ink cloud when disturbed; yet it's harmless to fishes.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropoda

Order: Anaspidea

Family: Aplysiidae

Genus: Aplysia

FYI: A valuable herbivore for algae infested aquariums, however, has only a one-year lifespan.

Was in the past identified as Aplysia brasiliana, Rang, 1828.

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult

Temperature Range: 65 - 78°F (18 - 25°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

Lighting: Unaffected by intensity

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4