The sea hare is a large relative of the common garden slug. It is an easily observed inhabitant of the mid-tide zones. It is usually an inconspicuous olive-green or olive-brown color with darker blotches. When disturbed, the animal will exude a dark purple fluid which may be toxic to small animals. A grazer with a voracious appetite, the sea hare has a very complex, multichambered digestive tract. Gills are located beneath the two large fleshy flaps on the back. The external skelton is lacking but a small internal shell is present. A larger relative, the sea cow (Aplysia vaccaria), is often seen in deeper water. It is larger, more muscular, and colored a deep purplish-black with fine lighter spots. Sea hares lay strands of eggs in large masses in protected sites in pools.