How many Sea Hare species are there?

May 24, 2002
From: Nathan Loomer

How many species are there of sea hares?
Nathan

cjeske@oasisol.com

Loomer, N., 2002 (May 24) How many Sea Hare species are there?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7017

Dear Nathan,
Most Sea Hares belong in the genus Aplysia. The last major revision of the genus Aplysia (Eales, 1960) recognised 35 species of Aplysia but at least 200 names have been given to Sea Hares worldwide. However, we have no idea how many of those names are superfluous. I am afraid many species have been described from preserved animals, often based on one or two specimens, so the validity of many names is questionable, especially when it seems that many species have a worldwide distribution. Go to the List of Species to see what species of Sea Hare are discussed on the Forum. There are about 25 species on the list and I suspect that once the aplysiids have been better studied, there may only be 10 or so extra species to add to the list. In brief, I suspect the number of species of Sea Hares worldwide would be nearer to 50 than 100.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (May 24). Comment on How many Sea Hare species are there? by Nathan Loomer. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/7017

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