Spotted sea hare

Aplysia punctata appears on the Heraklion terraces from March through June in significant numbers, feeding on the red algae that grows between gorgonian bases and releasing purple ink when disturbed — a defence mechanism derived from dietary pigments. The species is a mollusc, not a true sea slug, but its dramatic size (up to 20 cm) and striking spotted mantle make it a favourite macro subject for underwater photographers working the site's shallower sections. Seasonal aggregations appear to coincide with local spawning events, with egg masses visible in string-like white ribbons attached to algae and soft substrate from April onwards.