Dolabella auricularia

Datasheet

General Description

The Dolabella Sea Hare, also known as the Wedge Sea Hare, is a species of sea slug characterized by its green coloration. Reaching up to 30.5cm in size, this sea slug is a peaceful herbivore that plays a crucial role in algae control within marine environments.

Aquarium Suitability

The Dolabella Sea Hare is considered suitable only for expert aquarists due to its specific care requirements. It is known for being an efficient algae eater, particularly targeting hair algae. However, it can release a purple dye when startled, necessitating a reliable chemical filtration system to promptly remove the toxin in a home aquarium setting.

Demands, Care and Hardiness

This species demands meticulous care and a stable environment. It thrives best in aquarium setups with ample live rock and sandy areas for grazing on algae. To prevent issues, it requires environments free from high copper levels and excessive nitrates. Maintenance of ideal water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, dKH of 8-12, and specific gravity between 1.023-1.025 is paramount.

Reef Suitability

Reef enthusiasts will find the Dolabella Sea Hare suitable for invertebrate-friendly reef tanks. Their peaceful temperament makes them a valuable addition to a reef community, where they contribute to algae management without posing a threat to coral or other reef inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

A well-established aquarium with ample hiding spots and coverage from bright lights is recommended for the Dolabella Sea Hare. Providing a spacious environment with suitable algae growth and additional supplementation of foods like parboiled lettuce and dried kelp is essential for their well-being.

Behaviour

These sea slugs are generally peaceful creatures, focusing on their algae-eating activities within the aquarium. They may release a purple dye when feeling threatened, emphasizing the need for a stress-free environment to prevent such occurrences.

Feeding and Diet

Being herbivorous in nature, the Dolabella Sea Hare primarily feeds on algae. While they are efficient at consuming hair algae, supplementing their diet with foods like Caulerpa, parboiled lettuce, and dried kelp is necessary if natural algae growth is insufficient in the tank.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, the Dolabella Sea Hare is commonly found in shallow areas with seagrasses and coral rubble, favoring shaded regions for shelter. Their habitat preferences should be mimicked in the aquarium through the incorporation of live rock, sandy areas for grazing, and appropriate hiding spots to ensure their overall well-being.