Beautiful or bizarre, this creature's presence in Malta is living proof that the seas are getting warmer.
The Maltese marine ecosystem has a new long-term resident, thanks to its increasingly warmer climate. Marine biologist Prof. Alan Deidun recently shared a stunning photo of the spotted sea hare (Aplysia dactylomela), which was captured in Maltese waters by diver Aidan Sciberras.
The spotted sea hare is typically found in tropical and warm temperate seas around the world. It made its first appearance in the Mediterranean Sea in 2002, off the coast of Lampedusa. By 2008, it had already reached Maltese shores, and has since settled into local ecosystems, despite being an alien species.
Far from the most attractive of sea creatures, the spotted sea hare is a species of large sea slug, identifiable by its black-ringed spots on a light grey or greenish background. In true slug-like fashion, its body is soft and flattened, and you’re likely to see it slowly gliding along the rocks and seagrass beds.
Anyone who spots a spotted sea hare is encouraged to report it through the citizen science campaign called ‘Spot the Alien’, which aims to help scientists keep track of changing biodiversity in the Mediterranean and how global warming may be playing a role in the migration of tropical species northwards.
Have you spotted one of these in Maltese waters?