Notarchus
Notarchus indicus
Notarchus punctatus
Notarchus (Cuvier, 1817) is a genus of sea hares, belonging to the family Aplysiidae. A more general description can be found on the page of the superfamily Aplysioidea. The parapodia (= fleshy winglike outgrowths) of Notarchus are almost completely fused, forming the parapodial cavity. There is no shell. They are able to swim by jet propulsion, through sucking in water through the small anterior opening of the parapodial cavity and then squirting water from the back of it. While doing so, they tumble and make a series of backward somersaults. In this manner, they move quickly out of harm’s way over short distances. The antics of this sea hare are amusing and spectacular.
Notarchus indicus Schweigger, 1820 : Indian Sea Hare*Distribution : in shallow waters of NW Indian Ocean, NW Pacific, Mediterranean.*Description : fine papillae scattered over the mantle; no armed penis; feeds on green alga Caulerpa.Notarchus punctatus Philippi, 1836*Distribution : Japan, Indo-Chinese seas, Mediterranean.*Length : 5 cm*Description : penis with spines. External link Image of Notarchus indicusImages of Notarchus punctatus
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