{"product_id":"sea-hare","title":"Sea Hare","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSea Hare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e is a fascinating marine gastropod mollusk known for its unique appearance and behaviour. Its scientific name can vary depending on the species, but the most commonly referred-to sea hare is from the genus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eAplysia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. Sea hares are named for their distinctive ear-like appendages, which resemble the ears of a rabbit.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eColoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Sea hares can vary significantly in colour, but they are generally found in shades of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ebrown, purple, green, or red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. Their colour can change depending on their environment, and they often have spots or patches that help them blend in with the surrounding algae and rocks. Some species also have a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003etranslucent or iridescent appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eShape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: They have a soft, oval, and somewhat flattened body, often covered by a large, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eleaf-like mantle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. This mantle can sometimes be held up, covering the body underneath, or folded, exposing the body. The \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003etentacle-like \"ears\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e on their head are specialized appendages known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003erhinophores\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, which detect chemicals in the water.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSize\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Sea hares can vary in size, with some species reaching lengths of up to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e12 inches (30 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e or more, though smaller species may only grow to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e2–3 inches (5–8 cm)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eNatural Range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Sea hares are found in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eshallow coastal waters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e worldwide, particularly in temperate and tropical regions. They are commonly found in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ereefs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ekelp forests\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003esandy or rocky bottoms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. They tend to favour areas with an abundance of algae to graze on.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ePreferred Environment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Sea hares live in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eareas with plenty of food sources\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, such as algae and seaweed. They are most often seen in sheltered, coastal environments, where they can hide among rocks and crevices.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eAquarium Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eTank Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: A sea hare requires a tank of at least 30 gallons, depending on the species and number of individuals. They need plenty of space to move around and feed on algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Sea hares are primarily \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eherbivores\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e and feed on various types of algae. They are particularly fond of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ehair algae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003emacroalgae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ecyanobacteria\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. In aquariums, they can be provided with algae-based foods like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003enori\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e (seaweed), but they thrive best on live algae.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSubstrate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: They prefer a substrate that includes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003elive rock\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003esand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ealgae patches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e. This provides hiding spots and grazing opportunities.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e and typically non-aggressive, sea hares can be kept with other peaceful fish and invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eHowever, they are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003enot reef-safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e because they may graze on some species of corals or invertebrates if insufficient algae is not available.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSea hares are sensitive to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003ewater quality\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e, so stable water parameters are essential for their health.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eReef-Safe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: While not typically a threat to corals, they should be monitored in reef aquariums, as they can sometimes nibble on soft corals and small sessile invertebrates if no algae are available.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eBehavior:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eActivity Level\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: Sea hares are generally slow-moving and nocturnal. They spend most of their time grazing on algae, slowly crawling along rocks and the substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSocial Behavior\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: They are solitary creatures that may interact with others of their species during mating.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eDefense Mechanism\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e: When threatened, sea hares can \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003erelease a cloud of purple ink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e as a defence mechanism. This ink contains chemicals that deter predators. The ink is harmless to humans but can temporarily cloud the water, so it is essential to remove the sea hare if it becomes stressed.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eSea Hare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e is an intriguing and beneficial addition to a marine tank, especially for those with algae overgrowth. Its playful behaviour, unique appearance, and interesting defence mechanisms make it a delightful and valuable species for aquarists who can provide the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003eright\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"\u003e care and environment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cspan\u003e Expert \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eHerbivore\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatible\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAplysiidae\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Medium","offer_id":46222421426416,"sku":"SeaHareMedium","price":39.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":46222421459184,"sku":"SeaHareLarge","price":39.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XLarge","offer_id":48126891032816,"sku":null,"price":44.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/7482\/5712\/files\/DolabellaSeaHare-PhotoRoom_b381b458-4d78-48ac-911c-0c2295911957.jpg?v=1747749376","url":"https:\/\/shop.saltwaterreef.ca\/products\/sea-hare","provider":"Saltwater Pros Inc.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}