'sea-bat' from southwestern France

July 10, 2002
From: Xavier

Dear SSF
Can you help identify the following, seen on our travels? I have been told by a fisherman neighbour that it is a sea-slug, and have arrived at your site after some unsuccessful searches elsewhere on the net.

Location: South West France, in a marine lake (salt-water, tidal). Seen from the bank, in the shallows at the edge of the lake, there being sufficient depth for it to 'swim'.

Pitch velvety black all over, about 30 to 35 cm long and about 10 or 12 cm diameter at thickest part. Mainly cylindrical body tapering to an approximately point at the tail. Small pointed projections at various points along body. Head: hammer-shaped with 'frilly' undulating edge at front (mouth?). 'Wings': a wide (maybe 15 cm in places) 'skirt' that appeared to encircle most of the 'waist' (that is, half way between head and tail) of the creature. Continually undulating when animal was still, then used in co-ordinated fashion both 'sides' of the body to propel the animal, very much as if flying with undulating wings though the water.

(Sorry, the pictures are not wonderful - it was below the water and I was above!)
Xavier

xavier@abelard.org

Xavier, 2002 (Jul 10) 'sea-bat' from southwestern France. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7481

Dear Xavier,
Your 'sea bat' is indeed a sea slug and more particularly a Sea Hare, most probably Aplysia fasciata. Have a look at my reply to Hans Rothauscher's message from southern France for further information on Sea Hares and their swimming.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Jul 10). Comment on 'sea-bat' from southwestern France by Xavier. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7481

Factsheet

Aplysia fasciata

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