Dolabella auricularia is a marine gastropod with an internal calcareous shell. Common names include Blunt-end sea hare, Sea hare wedge, Sea hare hatch and Shoulder-blade sea cat. Its body is wedge shaped with a small head and a large, flattened posterior disk that makes it look like its hind end has been chopped off[1]. The colour of D. auricularia varies from dark brown to mottled brown, and whitish green. It has a small grove like inhalant siphon in its midline. It can reach a maximum length of 50cm. Individuals are hermaphrodites[2].
This species is present across the Indo-Pacific region. Recorded depth range is between 2 and 71m. It is found in rocky areas, in tide pools and various other subtidal areas. It is also common in seaweeds, seagrass, lagoons and sheltered bays. It is nocturnal, hiding in crevices and below rocks during the day. It feeds on a variety of brown green and red macroalgae. Sea hares often mate in chains of three individuals and its eggs glued together have a form of filament.[1]
The conservation status of this species has not been evaluated yet.
[1] ‘Dolabella Auricularia: Main Page’.