Aplysia punctata (Lamarck, 1809)

Family: APLYSIIDAE

Superfamily: Aplysioidea

Order: Anaspidea

The specific specimen was found at a depth of just 1 m deep in Galissas bay, at Syros island, Cyclades – Greece in January 2004.

These animals (according to my personal observations) are common on the shallow waters during winter times and it was a very nice surprise for me to see one.

The specific animal measures 17 cm and it was browsing on the algae covered vertical wall of a small harbor for small fishing boats, located on the west side of Galissas bay.

The way it swims reminds a dance pattern than a common swimming one as we know it from other aquatic animals. You can see this in this video.

All photos by Andreas I. Iliopoulos/MCH