Mystery mollusc at Point Lonsdale

Special thanks to all the kids, parents and others who took part in the Baykeeper shoreline shell surveys in January 2010. True to form, every beach was different, highlighting the wonderful diversity of species that live in the Bay. Each survey is a journey of investigation and learning, sometimes into the unknown!

This mollusc (about 60mm long) was one of several of its kind found in rock pools at Pt Lonsdale Marine Park. They were quite easily seen as they were on open sandy areas in the pools. The most striking features are the limpet-like shell (which seems way too small for the animal to hide in) and the dark-edged flaps surrounding the shell It released an inky fluid when handled. On checking reputable references I’m guessing it may be Aplysia parvula one of the so-called ‘Sea Hares’.