Buying One for a Clean Aquarium

Sea Hares require large amounts of algae and can quickly starve once nuisance algae is depleted if supplemental feeding is not provided.

Leaving Powerheads Unprotected

Sea Hares are slow-moving and can be injured if they enter uncovered pump intakes or overflow systems.

Expecting Permanent Algae Control

A Sea Hare addresses the symptom rather than the cause of algae growth. Nutrient management remains essential for long-term success.

Is the Winged Sea Hare the best algae eater for hair algae outbreaks?

Many reef keepers consider the Winged Sea Hare one of the most effective natural solutions for hair algae. A healthy specimen can consume impressive amounts of nuisance algae and often produces visible results within days.

What happens when a Winged Sea Hare runs out of algae?

Once nuisance algae is depleted, the Sea Hare may require supplemental feeding with dried seaweed sheets (nori) or other algae-based foods. Without an alternative food source, starvation can occur.

Can a Winged Sea Hare clear an entire reef tank of hair algae?

In many cases, yes. Large Sea Hares are capable of consuming substantial amounts of algae and are often used to tackle severe outbreaks that other clean-up crew members struggle to control.

Does a Winged Sea Hare release ink in an aquarium?

Yes. Like many sea hares, this species can release a purple defensive ink when severely stressed. While this is uncommon in healthy aquariums, good filtration and prompt maintenance are recommended if it occurs.

Is a Winged Sea Hare safe with corals and anemones?

Yes. Winged Sea Hares are generally considered reef safe and do not intentionally consume corals, anemones, or other desirable reef livestock.

Why is my Winged Sea Hare climbing the glass?

Glass climbing is normal behaviour and often indicates the animal is searching for algae-covered surfaces to graze. They commonly move between rockwork, substrate, and aquarium walls throughout the day.

Sold out

Aquamarine Aquaristic

Winged Sea Hare (Aplysia dactylomela)

Name: Winged Sea Hare (Aplysia dactylomela)
Brand: Aquamarine Aquaristic
SKU: 49780458717430
Price: 50.0 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$50.00 each

Out of stock

Winged Sea Hare (Aplysia dactylomela) Description The Winged Sea Hare is a highly effective algae-grazing sea slug renowned for its ability to consume large amounts of nuisance algae in marine...

Read full description →

Arrive Alive guarantee Replacement or store credit

Door-to-door delivery Australia-wide options

Secure checkout

Description

Winged Sea Hare (Aplysia dactylomela) Description

The Winged Sea Hare is a highly effective algae-grazing sea slug renowned for its ability to consume large amounts of nuisance algae in marine aquariums. Recognisable by its distinctive spotted pattern and wing-like body flaps, this fascinating invertebrate is often introduced to reef tanks experiencing outbreaks of hair algae and other problematic algae species. Despite its unusual appearance, the Winged Sea Hare is peaceful, reef safe, and can quickly become one of the hardest-working members of a clean-up crew. Due to its appetite and eventual size, it is best suited to established aquariums with abundant natural algae growth.

Shipping To Tasmania	NO
Shipping To Western Australia	NO

Husbandry

Care guide

Care difficulty

BeginnerModerateExpert

Moderate

Temperament

SkittishPeacefulSemi-agg.Aggressive

Peaceful

Maximum size 40cm

0 cm 15 cm 30 cm

Recommended Stocking

200 Litres

Reef safe

Yes

Diet

Winged Sea Hares primarily feed on: Hair algae, Green filamentous algae, Turf algae, Film algae, Macroalgae, Dried seaweed (nori) when supplemental feeding is required

Avoid these pitfalls

Common mistakes to avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls when caring for marine livestock.

Sea Hares require large amounts of algae and can quickly starve once nuisance algae is depleted if supplemental feeding is not provided.
Sea Hares are slow-moving and can be injured if they enter uncovered pump intakes or overflow systems.
A Sea Hare addresses the symptom rather than the cause of algae growth. Nutrient management remains essential for long-term success.

Help centre

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about our products and shipping.

Many reef keepers consider the Winged Sea Hare one of the most effective natural solutions for hair algae. A healthy specimen can consume impressive amounts of nuisance algae and often produces visible results within days.
Once nuisance algae is depleted, the Sea Hare may require supplemental feeding with dried seaweed sheets (nori) or other algae-based foods. Without an alternative food source, starvation can occur.
In many cases, yes. Large Sea Hares are capable of consuming substantial amounts of algae and are often used to tackle severe outbreaks that other clean-up crew members struggle to control.
Yes. Like many sea hares, this species can release a purple defensive ink when severely stressed. While this is uncommon in healthy aquariums, good filtration and prompt maintenance are recommended if it occurs.
Yes. Winged Sea Hares are generally considered reef safe and do not intentionally consume corals, anemones, or other desirable reef livestock.
Glass climbing is normal behaviour and often indicates the animal is searching for algae-covered surfaces to graze. They commonly move between rockwork, substrate, and aquarium walls throughout the day.