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Description:
Reaching 8 inches in length, the ragged sea hare is one of 2 common sea
hares found in east central Florida. Body color is is variable, but
typically ranges from medium brown to tan, with dark brown to black blotches
and spots scattered intermittently. Many elongate, branching papillae
cover the body surface, lending the ragged appearance for which the species
is named. A pair of antenna-like rhinophores is located on top of the
head. Oral tentacles project laterally from the terminal mouth.
Lacks an internal shell as an adult. Egg masses are stringy and tangled, yellow to orange in color.
Habitat:
Ragged sea hares are common in seagrass meadows, on sand and on muddy
substrates where they feed on algae and bacterial films.
Range:
Ragged sea hares are circumtropical with worldwide distribution.
The species is divided into subspecies based on geographic region.
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A ragged sea hare observed in seagrass
near Sebastian Inlet, Florida. Photo courtesy K. Hill, Smithsonian
Marine Station. |
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A ragged sea hare feeding in a seagrass
bed. Photo courtesy K. Hill, Smithsonian Marine Station. |
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Sea hares are hermaphrodites that can act as both males and
females. During mating, individuals often create long chains, with
each individual donating sperm to the animal in front of it, while
receiving sperm from the individual behind it.
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