What is this -- sea slug, sea hare, nudi on steroids?

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

Anybody know what this creature is? I stumbled across it as I was exiting the water at Phil Foster park in Riviera Beach, Florida. It was about 6-8 inches long and 3-4 inches in diameter. I couldn't find it in Reef Creature Identification -- Florida, Caribbeaan, Bahamas by Huann & Deloach.

 

[Rick Murchison]

I believe you have a sea hare there. Never seen that particular color pattern, but from what I can tell of the general morphology, it's an Aplysia sp. I think. Maybe.
Rick

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

Thanks, Rick. In the Reef Creature Identification book by Humann and Deloach it is similar in size to an Atlantic Black Seahare but the coloration is entirely different.

 

[archman]

Often the colour shades can be different when the animals are sick or breeding. I've seen spotted sea hares that were deep maroon to chocolate-brown, for example. I originally thought they were atlantic blacks, but it turned out they were spotted's in breeding coloration.

Unless it's a sneak from the west Atlantic, something the Humann guide didn't cover, or a *gasp* exotic, I'd go with the Atlantic Black (Aplysia morio).

 

[Mako Mark]

looks like a sea hare to me.

 

[DeepBlueResort]

Hi

I would agree, it looks like a Sea Hare

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

The photos were sent off to two Marine Biologists who are Sea Hare experts, one at University of British Columbia and another at University of Miami. Unfortuately, they aren't sure what species of sea hare this represents. Probably an Atlantic Black Seahare but I guess we can't be sure.

You can always count on the Blue Heron Blvd Bridge to see some new and exciting creatures!