Wedge Sea Hare (Dolabella Auricularia)

The Wedge Sea Hare is a unique and fascinating marine invertebrate, known for its distinctive wedge-shaped body and excellent algae-grazing abilities. With a mottled brown and green appearance that helps it blend into its surroundings, this species is a functional and natural addition to a reef or fish-only aquarium. The Wedge Sea Hare is highly efficient at consuming nuisance algae, such as hair algae, and contributes to maintaining a clean and balanced ecosystem.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 12 inches.
• Tank Size: 50 gallons minimum; requires a stable tank environment with ample algae growth or supplemental feeding.
• Diet: Herbivorous; primarily feeds on algae. In tanks with limited natural algae, supplement its diet with nori or algae-based wafers to ensure proper nutrition.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; does not bother other tank inhabitants and coexists well with other peaceful species.
• Skill Level: Intermediate; while hardy, it requires a stable, mature tank with sufficient food sources and careful acclimation.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or other invertebrates, making it an excellent addition to reef tanks for algae control.

Special Feature - Algae Control
The Wedge Sea Hare is a prolific grazer, highly effective at controlling nuisance algae, particularly hair algae. Its grazing behavior helps maintain water quality and promotes a healthy, balanced reef ecosystem.

Compatibility
This species is peaceful and safe to house with other reef inhabitants. Avoid pairing it with aggressive fish or invertebrates that may nip at it. Be mindful of maintaining adequate algae levels in the tank to meet its dietary needs.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Wedge Sea Hare has a mottled brown, green, and tan coloration, providing effective camouflage in rocky and algae-covered environments. Its unusual body shape and subtle hues make it an intriguing addition to any tank​
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Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in seagrass beds, lagoons, and coral reef zones where it feeds on algae. In aquariums, it thrives in setups with stable water conditions, mature algae growth, and minimal predation risks​.

Special Note - Ink Defense
When stressed, the Wedge Sea Hare may release a non-toxic purple ink as a defense mechanism. Ensure calm, low-stress tank conditions to minimize this behavior and maintain water quality.