TankBud

Wedge Sea Hare

Dolabella auricularia

Also known as Blunt-End Sea Hare, Dolabella Sea Hare, Shoulderblade Sea Cat, Ragged Sea Hare

SaltwaterInvertebrate

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
11.8 in (30 cm)
Minimum tank
50 gal (190 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Common
Reef safe
Reef safe
Origin
Widespread across the Indo-Pacific, grazing shallow sandy lagoon flats and seagrass beds.
Family
Aplysiidae

Overview

It needs an established tank of at least 190 litres at 24 to 27 C and pH 8.1 to 8.4 with a steady supply of hair and film algae. It is strictly herbivorous and will not touch dry or frozen foods, so once it clears the algae it slowly starves unless you offer sheets of nori. Keep it away from pump intakes and overflows, and skip copper based medications, which sea hares do not tolerate.

In the wild

The wedge sea hare is a large lumpy sea slug, usually mottled brown or green, with a blunt squared-off rear end that gives it the name. It plows slowly across sand and rock mowing down algae. Big individuals can reach the size of a fist or larger.

Good to know

Dolabella auricularia can grow to around 30 cm and is one of the bulkiest sea hares kept in aquariums. When alarmed it can release a cloud of purple ink, and a large dying animal can foul a tank quickly.

Did you know

Compounds first isolated from this sea hare, the dolastatins, became the chemical starting point for several modern anti cancer drugs.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Marine inverts

Keeping Wedge Sea Hare?

Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.

Sign in or Start a tank →

Related species