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Additional Photos
![](../thumbnails/Aplysia-reticulata-A165bs.jpg)
side
![](../thumbnails/Aplysia-reticulata-A165es.jpg)
underside
![](../thumbnails/Aplysia-reticulata-A165fs.jpg)
front
![](../thumbnails/Aplysia-reticulata-A165cs.jpg)
interior
![](../thumbnails/Aplysia-reticulata-A165hs.jpg)
large, pale
![](../thumbnails/Aplysia-reticulata-A165ds.jpg)
swimming
![](../general/spacer.jpg)
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Aplysia reticulata Eales, 1960
![Aplysia reticulata](../photos/Aplysia-reticulata-A165a.jpg)
Maximum size: about 100 mm.
Identification:
This
sea
hare is a cream animal densely reticulated with brown lines and
blotches that become larger near the edges of the parapodia,
rhinophores and cephalic tentacles.
Natural history:
Aplysia reticulata
is a rare species reported from the outer face of solution benches and
fringing reefs. (Watson, 1973) It's been found in Halimeda kanaloana beds at 7 m (24 ft) but also in as little at 1 m (3 ft)
(Hoover, 1998). In addition, it may be found on floating debris in open water. Unlike
other Hawaiian Aplysia spp., it can swim by
flapping its parapodia. (Note 1)
Distribution:
Maui, Oahu and Kauai: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific. (Note 2)
Taxonomic notes:
It's listed as Aplysia pulmonica Gould, 1852 in Kay, 1979 as well as Hoover, 1998 & 2006 (changed to "Aplysia sp." in 2019 printing). It's referred to
as the "pulmonate sea hare" in Hoover, 1998 & 2006. It was formerly listed as "Aplysia sp. #1" and is the same as "Aplysia sp." on page 389 in Gosliner, et. al., 2018. (Note 3)
Photo: PF: 35
mm: found on drifting net; off Makena, Maui; Sept. 8, 1999.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: To see a video of one swimming (by Anuschka Faucci) go here.
Note 2: Some animals illustrated on the Sea Slug Forum (and elsewhere) as Aplysia kurodai (Baba, 1937) or A. pulmonica are this species.
Note 3: ID provided by Matt Nimbs.
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