Quick Stats
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Care Level: Expert Only
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Diet: Herbivore
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Temperament: Peaceful
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Reef-Safe: Yes
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Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1.5"
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Approximate Max Size: 4"
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Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger
Overview
Dolabella Sea Hares in the wild typically live in shallow waters, grazing on algae in the rubble and sea grasses, preferring shadier areas. In the home aquarium, these sea slugs are extremely effective herbivores, rapidly consuming nuisance algae including the infamous green hair algae. Consequently, aquarists must be sure to provide supplementary macroalgae if none is available in the aquarium as a Dolabella Sea Hare will quickly decimate a green hair algae outbreak and can even starve in smaller aquariums due to its voracious appetite.
If it becomes startled, it may release a purple dye to repel attacking fish. In the home aquarium, the Dolabella Sea Hare will need a good chemical filter system to quickly remove this toxic dye before it causes problems.
If regular feedings of Caulerpa or algae are not possible, you can supplement its diet with parboiled lettuce and dried kelp.
Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The animal you receive may vary slightly in appearance.
