Sitting by one of the saline lagoons behind Meia Praia beach, I was aware of something breaking the water's surface only a few metres out. Small fish, particularly the mullet frequently appear at the surface. It may even be one of the terrapin species I see on the wetter areas, I thought. Approaching the water's edge, I saw a creature I have never seen anywhere, in this shape and form. In order to identify it, I would have to know exactly what family of amphibious creatures it belongs to and, I haven't the faintest idea!! This creature is around 15cm in length, swims with flapping fins (like a Ray) and has a head resembling a seahorse crossed with a hippopotamus! It really is most peculiar. If anyone can let me know it's identity, I would be most interested. 03-03-2019 Thanks to Natalie and Lars, I am now much wiser in the world of sea slugs and in particular, the Atlantic Black Sea Hare or Sea Horse (Aplysia fasciata). Found on the West Atlantic coast from France down to West Africa and in the Mediterranean also. Some more images from around the area. My only sighting of dolphins from the apartment this Winter, two days ago. Adult Caspian Tern at Alvor. Azure-winged Magpie at the apartment. Singing Bluethroat in a tree (!) at Sitio do Fontes. Glossy Ibis passing through rice fields. Curlew in flight.
Natalie Hunt
3/3/2019 07:28:38 am
Great set of photos. Could the lagoon creature be a sea slug, Aplysia fasciata or something like that?
Nigel Genn
3/3/2019 08:05:30 am
Thanks Natalie. Looked it up and that's certainly it - brilliant! Comments are closed.
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