What is this weird fish/Creature?

[batfish wonderer]

Hi...

I'm new to this... I was in Morocco in July and saw this bat like creature in shallow salt water... There were quiet a few of them in the area swimming/flying through the water very slowly... It flapped it's 'wings' like a bird.... The large thick end was the head, at least I think it was, it was heading in that direction.... We even thought it was a black plastic bag at first! ... It was in the Essaouira area

Thanks

 

[bjohanson1234]

looks like some sort of ray. Like a sting ray or some other type

Brian

 

[dcantucson]

Strange..... !!!???

 

[Gdbyrd]

I have similar things here. We call them ink fish because anytime they're messed with they shoot out ink. I believe they're a type of sea hare. Here's a pic of what I have here...yours looks similar but solid black. They do "fly" through the water, and they are thick where I live.

 

[Bifferwine]

Weird! Never heard of it before.

 

[Gdbyrd]

They are literally like cows..they graze on the rocks of the jettis..They are EVERYWHERE here, lol..and they can get pretty big. They look like a giant winged slug. I found one this evening that was just shy of 8 or 9 inches.

They're very majestic in the water. The ink is bright pink/purple and it has a very distinctive smell.

 

[yote]

That looks like a sea bunny.Same family as the hares,just a bit different.

 

[dcantucson]

Weird and Ugly! The sea "Blob."

 

[Bifferwine]

I want one.

 

[dcantucson]

ewe :shock:

 

[Bifferwine]

ewe :shock:

What? If you met my dogs, you'd quickly realize that I have an apparent affinity for ugly animals.

Of course, my NDB is the exception. He's the handsomest man around. :luxlove:

 

[dcantucson]

You should show that to him. That was so sweet! I think I'm getting a cavity. :lol:

 

[Gdbyrd]

I can get one for you :) I've seen them as small as 2". The ones in my area are mostly yellow. They seem to be pretty hardy.

 

[batfish wonderer]

Thanks aquatic nerds... A sea hare it is! :)

This one was around a foot long.... So if you want a big one go to Morocco...

Cheers people

 

[yote]

Thanks aquatic nerds... A sea hare it is! :)

We actually perfer the term Reef Geeks.:D