Sea hare swelling after eating GHA

xiaoyuliang · Jan 20, 2023

My sea hare swell and looks like it’s gonna explode every time when it’s eating algea on the rocks . Is this normal?

fishguy242 · Jan 20, 2023

hi ,is it showing signs of splitting on topside of body ?

xiaoyuliang · Jan 20, 2023

fishguy242 said:
hi ,is it showing signs of splitting on topside of body ?

The swelling is on the front side. But it wil go back to normal when it’s now eating algae. But really quickly swell after touching/eating algea. And I do notice this one is not eating algea as fast as previous one. Also it’s a small one (~2 inches)

fishguy242 · Jan 20, 2023

best to just keep eye on him for now , body starts splitting remove.

xiaoyuliang · Jan 20, 2023

fishguy242 said:
best to just keep eye on him for now , body starts splitting remove.

What will happen when the body is splitting? Nuke the tank? And it will die?

fishguy242 · Jan 20, 2023

yes sign of dyeing, as far as nuke tank ,not sure of your species, size of tank,
normally dolabella do not nuke tank, jmo, let's ask for help ...
@Erin1971Texas ?

xiaoyuliang · Jan 20, 2023

fishguy242 said:
yes sign of dyeing, as far as nuke tank ,not sure of your species, size of tank,
normally dolabella do not nuke tank, jmo, let's ask for help ...
@Erin1971Texas ?

Thanks man! Yeah it’s Dolabella auricularia

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Jan 21, 2023

fishguy242 said:
yes sign of dyeing, as far as nuke tank ,not sure of your species, size of tank,
normally dolabella do not nuke tank, jmo, let's ask for help ...
@Erin1971Texas ?

I'm not sure. I've had dolabellas and recall being warned they could "ink" the tank but I don't remember if that was supposed to be harmful.

Edit: from https://reefkeepingworld.com/dolabella-sea-hare-care/ ...
The Dolabella sea hare releases a purple ink substance if it’s startled. It’s a defense mechanism. It is safe for humans to touch. It will stain skin, though.

While this ink is not toxic to humans, it can harm your small fish. When the ink is concentrated in one area, it acts as a toxin in small fish.

If, at any time, your sea hare inks in your saltwater tank, clean the ink out immediately. Ink is released when sea hares die also. Remove a dead sea hare as soon as possible to avoid harm to any of your other fish.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Jan 21, 2023

Erin1971Texas said:
I'm not sure. I've had dolabellas and recall being warned they could "ink" the tank but I don't remember if that was supposed to be harmful.

Edit: from https://reefkeepingworld.com/dolabella-sea-hare-care/ ...
The Dolabella sea hare releases a purple ink substance if it’s startled. It’s a defense mechanism. It is safe for humans to touch. It will stain skin, though.

While this ink is not toxic to humans, it can harm your small fish. When the ink is concentrated in one area, it acts as a toxin in small fish.

If, at any time, your sea hare inks in your saltwater tank, clean the ink out immediately. Ink is released when sea hares die also. Remove a dead sea hare as soon as possible to avoid harm to any of your other fish.

Edit again... Found a few other places that say the ink isn't toxic to the tank. Obviously though, any large dead critter can potentially affect water quality.

EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal · Jan 21, 2023

Seems like maybe it's just a thing...

Thread 'Dolabella Seahare issue' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/dolabella-seahare-issue.559610/

xiaoyuliang · Jan 21, 2023

Erin1971Texas said:
Seems like maybe it's just a thing...

Thread 'Dolabella Seahare issue' https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/dolabella-seahare-issue.559610/

Wow that looks identical to what I saw. But seems no one know why. Thanks man!