BEACHCOMBER

APLYSIA VACCARIA, commonly known as a California black sea hare, is a species of large sea slugs. They are mollusks without the hard exterior shell but do have a small interior shell. The body of the California black sea hare is firm and can survive exposure to air for periods of time. The black sea hare, which has a lifespan of one year, can grow to more than 3 feet long and weigh as much as 30 pounds. They are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning they have male and female sex organs so any two individuals can reproduce with each other.

A diet of brown algae gives the herbivores their dark coloration. They have three stomachs, two with rasping teeth for chewing. Unlike other sea hares, black sea hares do not produce ink to defend themselves. The brown algae they eat produce a toxin called acetoxycrenulide, which is extracted during digestion and accumulates in the tissue, providing a natural defense. Their large size also discourages natural predators. The habitat of the black sea hare ranges from coastal Northern California to Baja California. As juveniles, they live in deeper waters moving to tidal and subtidal zones as they mature. There, they are more protected from rough ocean conditions and food is plentiful. ■

Class: Gastropoda Order: Anaspidea Family: Aplysiidae Genus: Aplysia Species: A. vaccaria

California black sea hare

CORONADOBEACHCOMBER

Coronado’s shoreline changes with the weather, tides and time of year. Coronadobeachcomber explores our shores daily on the beach or at the bay, paying attention to the interesting animals, shells and sea life. Follow @coronadobeachcomber on Instagram.