Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   side   underside   front   interior   large, pale   swimming	Aplysia reticulata Eales, 1960   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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