Dolabella Sea Hare

The Dolabella Sea Hare (Dolabella auricularia) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its camouflage coloration, mottled patterns, unique rounded “ear-like” body shape, and impressive algae-grazing ability.

Males typically appear similar in size and coloration to females, as the species shows little sexual dimorphism, while juveniles are generally smaller, with softer body textures and less pronounced markings.

They reach about 8–12 inches in length as adults and should be housed in aquariums of at least 75 gallons. Provide a soft sandbed, ample live rock with algae growth, and open grazing areas, along with stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4). A secure lid is recommended, as sea hares can climb and occasionally escape.

Their diet should consist primarily of macroalgae (such as hair algae, Caulerpa, and Ulva), supplemented with dried seaweed/nori if natural algae is insufficient. With proper care and an adequate food supply, the Dolabella Sea Hare makes a valuable and fascinating addition to a marine aquarium, particularly as an efficient algae controller.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.