Dolabella auricularia is a large, wedge-shaped sea hare that is relatively common in the Marshalls. Large specimens are most often seen at night on lagoon pinnacles and on the seaward reef. As the first photo (from Hawaii) below shows, they can release a reddish-maroon ink when disturbed. It is also common in Hawaii. Dolabella auricularia was first reported in the Marshall Islands at Enewetak and Kwajalein Atolls by Johnson & Boucher (1984). It has also been found at Rongelap Atoll.
Below is the anterior end of a large specimen.
Juveniles are often more greenish in color and can be found under rocks.
Below is a specimen from Rongelap found by Ken Cone and Beth Van Zummeren.
Created 31 January 2007
Updated 3 March 2021