Scientific Name: Stylocheilus striatus
Common Name: Lined Sea Hare

Adult Size: 20 – 65 mm
Depth Range: 0 – 20 m; most common in shallow lagoons and seagrass beds
Biotope / Habitat: Sandy bottoms, seagrass meadows, algal mats, and sheltered reef flats, especially where cyanobacteria are abundant
Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on filamentous cyanobacteria, particularly Lyngbya spp., which it grazes on with a highly specialized radula
Reproduction: Simultaneous hermaphrodite; often seen mating in chains, with individuals playing both male and female roles. Lays tangled ribbons of yellowish eggs on seagrass or algae. Larvae are planktotrophic and widely dispersed.
Fun Fact: Stylocheilus striatus plays a vital role in controlling toxic algal blooms in tropical lagoons. Its keen taste for cyanobacteria makes it an ecological ally, and its tiny, striated body—semi-transparent and dotted with blue spots—is a favourite among macro photographers lucky enough to spot it.

Often overlooked due to its size and camouflage, Stylocheilus striatus is a master of subtle beauty. Its elongated, slender form is lined with fine brown stripes and tiny iridescent dots, perfectly blending with its surroundings. But to the trained eye, this little sea hare is a fascinating and essential part of tropical reef ecosystems.