DSC_4204 Little sea hare (Aplysia parvula) on sea emerald. The smallest sea hare found in New Zealand. The skin is peppered with white, and the mantle characteristically edged in a narrow black line. Common on coralline algal turf in intertidal pools on rocky reefs throughout New Zealand. Brighton Beach *
P_2240085 Little sea hare (Aplysia parvula) ' inking' - producing a cloud of purple ink from its mantle cavity after being disturbed in a rock pool. There is evidence sea hares store noxious chemicals from algae, in their skins. When these chemicals are secreted, they provide a powerful defence against predators. Brighton Beach *
P_2240005 Little sea hare (Aplysia parvula) ' inking' - producing a cloud of purple ink from its mantle cavity after being disturbed in a rock pool. There is evidence sea hares store noxious chemicals from algae, in their skins. When these chemicals are secreted, they provide a powerful defence against predators. Brighton Beach *