quick google search:
looks like the sooty sea hares (the dark purple ones) are among only a few animals which eat the toxic blue-green algae called cyanobacteria. (see link/info below) I wonder if this cyanobacteria may be present in the Gulf causing what some people report as itchy eyes, burning skin? They all seem convinced that it is dispersant causing irritation. I remember the red tide taking my breath away a few times. This sounds similar.
Lyngbya (link)
Lyngbya is a toxic marine cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) which forms clumps or mats of fine strands that attach to seaweed and rocks. Through the accumulation of gas bubbles mats can rise to the surface to form large floating mats, which can wash up on beaches often mixed with seagrass.
Exposure to Lyngbya can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. People who have come into contact with Lyngbya may complain of a stinging, burning or itching sensation within minutes to hours after exposure. Affected areas may appear red and swollen, and small blisters may form. In severe cases, affected skin may peel off.
Reddening and swelling of the conjunctiva of the eye and the mucous membrane of the nose may also occur if those parts of the body have direct contact with Lyngbya."
For a more fun fact I found on the Sooty Sea Hare (link):
"Sea hares are hermaphrodites that can act as both males and females. During mating, individuals often create long chains, with each individual donating sperm to the animal in front of it, while receiving sperm from the individual behind it."
What eats sea slugs? I think sea turtles eat jellyfish, so they may also eat sea slugs?
looks like the sooty sea hares (the dark purple ones) are among only a few animals which eat the toxic blue-green algae called cyanobacteria. (see link/info below) I wonder if this cyanobacteria may be present in the Gulf causing what some people report as itchy eyes, burning skin? They all seem convinced that it is dispersant causing irritation. I remember the red tide taking my breath away a few times. This sounds similar.
Lyngbya (link)
Lyngbya is a toxic marine cyanobacterium (blue-green algae) which forms clumps or mats of fine strands that attach to seaweed and rocks. Through the accumulation of gas bubbles mats can rise to the surface to form large floating mats, which can wash up on beaches often mixed with seagrass.
Exposure to Lyngbya can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. People who have come into contact with Lyngbya may complain of a stinging, burning or itching sensation within minutes to hours after exposure. Affected areas may appear red and swollen, and small blisters may form. In severe cases, affected skin may peel off.
Reddening and swelling of the conjunctiva of the eye and the mucous membrane of the nose may also occur if those parts of the body have direct contact with Lyngbya."
For a more fun fact I found on the Sooty Sea Hare (link):
"Sea hares are hermaphrodites that can act as both males and females. During mating, individuals often create long chains, with each individual donating sperm to the animal in front of it, while receiving sperm from the individual behind it."
What eats sea slugs? I think sea turtles eat jellyfish, so they may also eat sea slugs?
