California Brown Sea Hare

California Brown Sea Hare

Scientific Name: Aplysia californica
Range: Northern California to Baja California
Habitat: Rocky intertidal in areas with light to moderate wave action. Also found in bays, estuaries and harbors. 
Diet: Herbivore; feeds on many different types of algae. 
Size: Up to 16 in (40 cm) long
Fun Fact: To escape predators, this sea hare can release a purple ink to escape predators. The purple color comes from their red algae food source. 
IUCN Conservation Status: Not endangered