I observed this sea slug at about 2m depth while snorkeling. It was located in a protected bay on large cobble substrate near mudflats. It was approx. 2cm long.
Small individual- about the size of a thumb nail, looked greener than a tradtional Aplysia californica, was feasting on green algae
Found in the mantle of Aplysia californica
@jeffgoddard do you know these? I wish I'd taken a bit more time to photograph them, the patterns are beautiful
@skatingflamingo check those sea hares!
Eggs on driftwood - @jeffgoddard do you have any thoughts on these?
I am 100% certain of this location, and the identification seems very certain. I think this might be important, as it is a very rare species only found alive a few times in the last 6 years. the shape matches a species found in Australia. If it's that species, how did it get here? If it's the California native species, could this be an extended range? Introduced? New species, even??
I am 100% certain of this location, and the identification seems very certain. I think this might be important, as it is a very rare species only found alive a few times in the last 6 years. the shape matches a species found in Australia. If it's that species, how did it get here? If it's the California native species, could this be an extended range? Introduced? New species, even??
That’s sand, right? Not the actual texture of its body?