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FAQs about Nudibranch Identification 4
Related Articles: Nudibranchs,
Sea Slugs, Related FAQs:
Nudi ID 1, Nudi ID 2,
Nudi ID 3, & Nudibranchs 1,
Nudibranchs 2, Berghia Nudibranchs,
Nudibranch Behavior, Nudibranch
Compatibility, Nudibranch Selection,
Nudibranch Systems, Nudibranch Feeding,
Nudibranch Disease, Nudibranch
Reproduction, & Sea Slugs,
Marine Snails 1, Marine Snails 2, Marine
Snails 3, | 
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Nudibranch hitchhiker 10/12/09
Hello,
<Hi there>
I set up a new 50G tank about 2 months ago after some success (and
failures) with a 14G nano. As part of the setup, I bought some live
rocks. After the tank was cycled, I saw a black Nudibranch with a thin
blue edge around its body.
<Mmm, though there are many species of Nudibranchs... of many
colour/patterns, I suspect that what you saw/have is actually a
Flatworm.
Please see here for some examples: http://wetwebmedia.com/flatworms.htm>
I tried to identify from your website and other sources from the
internet, but I am not able to find the a matched photo to ID it. From
its structure, I believe it is of the genus Chromodoris or Hypselodoris.
I
understood that they are carnivores, and they are poisonous. The latter
makes me worry. My tank is not large, and because it is new, there can't
be enough living things for the Nudibranch to feed on. At the beginning
I have some bristle worms and amphipods, I can't see them any more, may
be it is the act of the Nudibranch or the Heniochus. I am kind of
surprise it is still living and wandering around (it particularly like
to stay around the water line), but I think it won't be able to survive
long in the tank because I think the tank should not have enough food
for it. If it dies, then I worry it will release poisonous stuff and
kill the other tank mates.
Is this true? If so, should I remove it before the tank mates get
killed?
<In this volume, 50 gallons... I don't think there is much risk of this
animal poisoning anything>
Thanks in advance,
Simon
<Welcome. Bob Fenner>
Re: Nudibranch hitchhiker... Hey, this guy's pretty good...
10/12/09
Hi Bob,
Thanks for the quick response. I read the article you pointed below,
yes, it is a flat worm Pseudoceros sapprinus, and sounds like it is a
beneficial animal. I will definition keep it.
Thanks again,
Simon
<Welcome! BobF>
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Nudibranch? Yes, a Dorid: Likely Rostanga species – 10/2/09
Hi Crew!
<Hello, Nancy, Lynn here today.>
I have an ID question for you.
<My favorite kind!>
I found this little guy on my spider sponge today.
<Beautiful sponge/Parazoanthus combo. Unfortunately, it can be very
difficult to keep the supporting sponge alive. Most often, what you see
is a gradual decline/disappearance of the sponge that ultimately results
in what looks like a melted pile of white Parazoanthus at the base. On
the positive side, some hobbyists have been able to keep these. It’s not
impossible, just very difficult. I’d recommend lots of research!>
I am guessing he is not reef-friendly, or at least sponge-friendly.
<You’re right. This is a good example of a Nudibranch species blending
in with its food source – namely, the sponge. What you have is a Dorid
Nudibranch, most likely in the genus Rostanga. They prey on mostly
orange to red sponges, have upright gills (the posteriorly located
feathery structures), and tend to match their particular prey food in
color and texture. The rather hairy appearance is due to a covering of
caryophyllidia, calcium carbonate/spicule bearing papillae.>
I have quarantined him in a Reef Gently container inside this tank, just
in case you say he's ok to keep, I can easily release him back into my
tank. He's awful cute,
<He is indeed!>
..and would hate to “flush" him. Any suggestions on what to do with him?
<I’m sorry to say that this comes down to a choice between keeping
either the sponge or the Nudi. If you return the Nudi to the tank, it’ll
survive but at the cost of the sponge. If you remove the Nudi from its
sole food source, it’ll slowly starve to death. Unfortunately, one will
die either way, so I’ll let you make that decision.>
I'm pretty sure it’s a Nudibranch, what kind is he??
<It’s a Dorid (family Dorididae), most likely in the genus Rostanga.
Unfortunately, I can’t narrow it down much further without knowing where
this little fellow originated. Even then, these Nudi's vary in color and
texture so it would still be a guess. Solid ID requires examination of
the radula (a tongue-like scraping organ) and rhinophores (the two
anteriorly placed antennae). For examples/more information regarding
these beautiful little Nudibranchs, please see the individual Rostanga
species listed about halfway down this link:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm
Here’s an example (Rostanga bifurcata):
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=rostbifu >
Thanks, Nancy
<You’re very welcome. Take care, LynnZ>
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Nudibranch or Cucumber? Nudibranch: Likely Tritoniid –
9/22/09
Hello Crew!
<Hello, Tim!>
Can you identify this marine invertebrate for me please?
<I’ll sure try!>
It was a hitchhiker on my liverock. I’m not sure if it’s a Nudibranch or
a cucumber.
<It looks like a neat little Nudibranch rather than a Cuke/Holothuroid
but I can certainly understand the confusion. Both have species with
similar body shapes and branched structures around the head/mouth. In
the case of Holothuroids, those structures are actually branched oral
tentacles used for feeding, and typically number anywhere from 10-30. In
comparison, Nudibranchs have oral tentacles along with two “antennae”
called rhinophores. Both tentacles and rhinophores can range in
appearance from simple to highly branched/ornate. I think what you have
is a Nudibranch in the suborder Dendronotina, family Tritoniidae.
Tritoniids feed on soft corals (especially Xenia), so if you have any in
your system, I’d remove this little guy. If you’d like to pursue this ID
further, please see the following link for a list of species in the
above-mentioned family (each is a link with more information/photos):
http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm
Start with the genera Marionia and Tritonia. The genus Marionopsis is
also a possibility, but not listed (try a Google or other search
engine). You might also want to check the family Bornellidae as well (at
the above link). There are some similarities around the head but the
structures (“cerata”) running along either side (down the back) tend to
be simpler in shape (less delicate and finely branched).>
Thank you for the help in advance,
<You’re very welcome – that’s a neat little critter!>
Tim
<Take care, LynnZ>
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Worm? Slug? Nudi? Oh my!
9/20/09
Hi again all, and thanks in advance for all your previous help.
<Hello, and welcome!>
Last week we purchased a Pipe organ coral, on a trip to the coast. Got
it home safely, adjusted well, and is beautiful. However we have another
hitch hiker, one that I have tried for days to identify. it looked like
an
anemone in the middle of the pipe organ, but only able to see little
tentacle things waving once the pipe went to bed.
<I see it too!>
Now this evening, when checking out the tank, and turning off lights, we
noticed the "hitch hiker" looks like a worm, but kinda different. I've
attached pics. Hope someone can help!
Hope it wont hurt any of our sea life. any info would help!
Thanks again!
~Monique
<Looks to be a Nudibranch of the genus Phyllodesmium... Please see the
Net re... some are predaceous on animals purposely kept by marine
aquarists. Bob Fenner>
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Re: Worm? Slug? Nudi? Oh my!
9/20/09
Thanks so much for your help. We have since, found out exactly what he is a
Phyllodesmium briareum and have removed him from our coral tank (pretty sure
he ate ALL of our pipe organ, maybe 3 or 4 tuffs survived ) and have put him
into my FOWLR where there isn't any corals for him to destroy. Not sure if
that means he wont survive, but our precious corals are more valuable at
this point than some hitchhiking punk. Thanks again SOOOooo much for your
help.
~M
<Welcome! B> |
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Nudibranch ID help 05/29/09
I can't find a match for this lil critter, the Nudi's body is apprx. 1/4
"long.
Thank you, Paul
<Hmm, can you give us any more information? Did you find this little guy
on one of your corals? What corals do you have?
Cheers,
Sara M.>
Re: Nudibranch ID Help: Zoanthid
Predator – 5/30/09
<Hello Paul, Lynn here this afternoon.>
I recently set up a new tank, it was a hitchhiker on one of the frags
<Betcha it arrived on the Zoanthids.>
... it was on the glass, if you zoom in it is actually a beautiful Nudi
<Yes, it is.>
..but I have it in a specimen cup till I can find out if it is safe in the
tank.
<Good, because it’s definitely not safe around your Zoa’s.>
It was on the glass not a coral
<Good. What you have looks very much like a notorious Zoanthid eating
Nudibranch. They’re mostly a brownish/orange and white, but take on the
color of the Zoa’s they’re preying upon. For more information, please see
the following link, starting at “Re: Polyp-feeding Nudibranch” all the way
down through the “Re: Perhaps a gorgonian feeder?” posts:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/showall.cfm?base=palyfeed
Terrific photo: http://coralpedia.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=641
More photos, showing color variation: http://coralpedia.com/index.php?module=Gallery2&g2_itemId=415
I’d keep a close eye on your Zoa’s for any indication of predation or signs
of additional Nudi’s. If you see either, please refer to WWM’s FAQ’s for
removal tips. Just enter Zoanthid Nudibranch in the Google search engine:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/Googlesearch.htm >
..but I have frags of Zoa’s, pipe organ, Montipora danae, chalices and good
ole GSP in that tank.
<All but the Zoanthids should be in the clear – at least as far as these
particular Nudi's go! Take care, LynnZ>
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Stowaway Nudibranch, Xeniid pred. 04/20/09
Hi crew :D
I recently bought a lovely colony of red sea xenia which was home to
a Phyllodesmium hyalinum - the little Nudibranch fell off the colony
when it was knocked off the rock work. While this may sound a bit
sad I know, the little guy is rather lovely and although I have no
wish for it to snaffle my xenia I'd like to know if I can help it to
survive, short of putting it back on the xenia colony...
<If it is indeed a Xenia eating Nudibranch, chances are that it
needs to eat Xenia in order to survive. However, you might be able
to feed it any kind of Xenia. Thus, you might be able to set up a
little biotope for it and just feed it xenia frags (if you can find
such for cheap). The other option, you could ask your fellow reef
aquarists if they have excess Xenia (many reef keepers do-- some
even consider the coral a pest at some point).>
after all, I did purchase the animal albeit accidentally!
<I do sympathize, appreciate your sentiment here. I recall a friend
of mine who fell so much in love with two beautiful Nudibranchs that
hitchhiked on his sun corals, that he forgot about the sun coral and
did everything he could to keep the slugs alive by buying dying sun
corals from LFSs, just to feed them. Of course, I don't recommend
this per se, but I do sympathize with any such love for Nudibranchs.
I've also had them as hitch-hikers and always wished I could keep
them. However, do know that these animals don't usually live that
long (even in the wild).>
Will the Nudibranch ultimately cause the death of the xenia, or will
its feeding habits do little more than limit the size of the colony?
<Well, firstly, please do send in a pic so that we can confirm that
this is a Xenia eating Nudibranch. Secondly, *one* Nudibranch on a
large, fast-growing Xenia colony, might not destroy the colony, but
as you say, just keep it "mowed" a bit. The trouble is that the
Nudibranch could likely reproduce. Within a short time, you might
not just be dealing with one Nudibranch, but many many
Nudibranchs... who would likely destroy the colony eventually.>
Many thanks,
Carolyn
<De nada,
Sara M.>
Re: stowaway Nudibranch 04/21/09
Hi Sara,
Many thanks for the reply - have attached a picture of the little
guy.
<Wow, great pic! May I ask, what camera did you use? The slug does
look like a Phyllodesmium hyalinum. Please see here:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=13207
You might even want to write in to this site with your story/pics,
since it is noted to be very difficult to find/see in the wild.
Thus, maybe Bill Rudman would get a kick out of seeing yours (or at
least confirm the ID).>
Carolyn
<Cheers,
Sara M.>
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Unidentified Animal: Aeolid Nudibranch: Soft Coral Predator
- 4/13/09
Hi Crew -
<Hi there, Kevin>
Can you identify the attached image? I found this beast crawling in
my 34G reef tank this morning. Any information you can provide would
be greatly appreciated!
<It looks like Phyllodesmium magnum, an Aeolid Nudibranch with a
taste for soft corals. It’s a beauty, but not something you want to
see cruising around your favorite coral! For more information,
please see the FAQ’s titled: “Nudibranch and baby? 12/11/08” as well
as “Re: Much more re: Nudibranch and baby?-12/11/08” at this link:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudiidf4.htm . >
Thanks,
Kevin
<You’re very welcome. Take care, LynnZ>
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Re: Finger Leather 04/11/09
Sara M.,
The finger leather mentioned below did continue to show signs of spreading.
We fragged off the bad parts. During the night hours, we discovered what was
causing the damage. Attached is a picture.
<Uh oh, looks like trouble!>
Can you confirm that it is a Tritoniopsis?
<I'm no Nudibranch expert, but based on the look of the thing (and where you
found it), I would certainly feel safe assuming that that's what this is.
Especially after reading the info here:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=Triteleg>
We believe that the circle design in the first picture sent was possibly the
eggs from this Nudibranch. There are similar pictures on the Sea Slug forum.
Would you agree with our assumption?
<Yes... now the real question, how will you get rid of them? I would
suggest quarantining the coral for starters.>Thanks again.
Cindy
<De nada,
Sara M.>
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Nice pic! RMF |
Finger Leather 04/11/09
Forgot to ask, should we worry about any of these other corals we have in
our tank? We have read that it typically eats soft corals.
Sun Coral
Acropora
Mushrooms
Tridacna Crocea
Blue Spruce Caulastrea
<Most coral eating Nudibranchs are very picky eaters. Most will only eat a
few species or genera of coral (some are even specific to just one
species!). As far as I know the Tritoniopsis elegans Nudibranch only feeds
on Lobophyton sp. So your other corals should be safe from them.>
Thanks.
<Thanks for sharing the pics.
Cheers,
Sara M.> |
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Nudibranch ID: Glaucus atlanticus
– 3/16/09
Hi,
<Hello, Lynn here this evening>
I was on vacation when I came across this Nudibranch in New Smyrna beach in
northeast Florida. He looks just like this....
http://www.naturalsciences.org/education/deepsea/images/nudibranch.jpg
<Beautiful little creature.>
He's still alive...I just need to know what kind of Nudibranch he is.
<It’s an Aeolid Nudibranch known as Glaucus atlanticus that floats around
the water surface upside down and is known to feed on Portuguese man-of-war
(Physalia spp.). By the way, this creature is capable of delivering a nasty
sting thanks to its ability to store the Physalia venom, so whatever you do,
avoid all skin contact! For more information, please see the following
links: http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=glauatla
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glaucus_atlanticus >
I want to keep him alive because he is very beautiful.
<Yes, it is very beautiful but has a specialized diet and will not survive
long in captivity. As long as the animal has been kept by itself (not mixed
with livestock in an established marine system), the best thing to do is
return it to the wild asap. Take care, Lynn>
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Someone else's image |
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Re: Nudibranch ID:
Glaucus atlanticus – 3/17/09
<Hi>
Thank you lots, but it died this morning.
<I’m so sorry.>
I cried because it was so pretty.
<Not to mention the loss of life.>
Next time I see one on the beach, and if it's alive, I'll pick it up with a
clam shell and fling it back into the ocean.
<Good thinking. Although tempting, it really is for the best to leave wild
creatures in their natural habitat.>
Now it's my new favorite ocean dweller, even though it's basically the most
poisonous thing in all the oceans.
<Well, they’re not as bad as box jellyfish, geographic cone snails/Conus
geographus, or blue-ringed octopus, but I sure wouldn’t want to test it!>
Pretty but dangerous that's how it goes sometimes
<Yes indeed.>
lol...I see though that no one sells them probably because they are too
expensive to take care of :P
<Unfortunately, that hasn’t stopped other such creatures from being offered
for sale, but in this case there’s probably just not enough potential profit
to be made. Let’s hope it stays that way! Take care, Lynn>
|
Friend David Behrens new Nudibranch
title announcement/offer. 2/23/09
& The California Academy of Sciences
Present 
1400 species, 425 pages.
Over 1600 color photographs, by 113 photographers.
Retail - $79.95
Name _______________________________________ Phone __________________
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Mail to: Sea Challengers,
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WA 98335,
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FAX / Email to:
253-851-5677 or dave@seachallengers.com
Sea Slug ID Please – Possible Dermatobranchus sp. Nudibranch -
1/18/08
<Hello there, Lynn here this evening.>
I just
found this. It is about an inch long and I took a good photo of it.
I need to know if it’s good or not before I release it from its
Tupperware container with holes poked in it. I have been searching
the net for a good hour now so I gave up and am now asking you for
help.
<Heheee! You searched for a whole hour, huh? You were just
getting started! Okay, I’ll let you off the hook this time. :-) What
you have looks a lot like a Nudibranch in the Family Arminidae,
namely a species of Dermatobranchus. Please see the following link
for photo comparison and additional information:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/showall.cfm?base=dermspp
These prey
on soft corals, so if you have any in your system, I wouldn’t put
that little guy back in! For more information on Nudibranchs, please
see this WWM link (see Pt. 6 for captive care information):
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm
Take care, Lynn> |  |
Nudibranch and baby ? 12/11/08
G'Day Guys and Gals,
<Rick from Oz>
I'm hoping you can educate me on this little fella who
turned up in my reef tank. (Image 1). I'm assuming it's a Nudi of some
description.
<Is...>
Odd thing is I had a Chromodoris
elizabethina that showed up dead one morning with no apparent cause. I
promptly removed it from the tank but that very evening this showed up.
<Mmm, coincidence>
Hopefully the pics are ok but if not I'll attempt
to describe it.
<They're very nice... looks to be a Phyllodesmium
species...>
If you imagine a sheep with no legs or head, that's
pretty much what it looks like. Hence, I called him ?Woolly? :0) Its
about 2 ½ - 3 ? long when extended. I pulled it out of the reef tank and
put him in the QT until I could find out if he is reef safe or not. I'm
guessing no, but being such a cool looking animal I am reluctant to
dispose of it.
Also, in image 3, just under the lip of the ?castle
tower? on the right side, you will notice what appears to be white
squiggles.
<Eggs...>
The creature had sat in this location for a
period of time and when he moved this ?squiggle? remained. It appears to
pulse and looks to be thickening up, could it be off spring?
<In
your tank at least, yes>
Your help is much appreciated
Kindest
regards
Rick from Oz
<Do a bit of look-seeing here on the Net...
in particular your countryman's SeaSlugForum.net...
Bob Fenner>
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Re: Much more re: Nudibranch and baby ? -12/11/08
Hi Bob,
<Hello Lynn! Long time no chat>
Hope you're doing well
after all your travels, it's good to have you back! Hey, I was
looking over the queries last night before heading to bed and saw
one regarding a white Nudibranch sent in by Rick from Oz. I didn't
have time to tackle it then and didn't want to grab it if I couldn't
get to it right away. Anyway, I figured I'd snap it up if it was
still there this morning. Unfortunately, it was already gone and the
dailies weren't out yet - but I was still curious as to what species
Rick might have. I thought I'd seen something similar a while back,
but couldn't remember the name - Arrghhh!
<Mmm, yes... if memory
serves, you identified a member of this genus not long ago>
The
bottom line is that after doing some research, I saw that you'd
answered the query (thanks for that!) and discovered that we'd come
to the same conclusion - that the Nudibranch was likely something in
the genus Phyllodesmium. I got lucky and found a species that may be
it, or similar, and if so, Rick might want to get it out of there.
In the main photo he sent (Image 1), the Nudibranch is right next to
what looks like a softie of some sort. I'm not sure what type it is,
but the Nudibranch species I'm thinking of (Phyllodesmium magnum)
has a taste for softies/Octocorals - as in yikes! It sounds like
they get pretty large too - hence the term "magnum" I guess! At
2-3", his is already up there in size! Anyway, here are some photos
I found for comparison and there are many more at seaslugforum.net
through the links below
http://www.koretz.net/Eilat/Invertebrates/Molluscs/Nudibranchs/Pages/Pmagnum-1.htm
Factsheet on the species:
http://seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=phylmagn
http://seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=7558
I'm not 100% sure
that's what species Rick has, but it's close enough that I think it
warrants keeping a close eye on those corals!
Take care,
-Lynn
<I do agree with you entirely... Will look, find and send
this info. to Rick. Cheers and happy holidays. BobF> |
Chris/Pullz in Kona, diving, making pix... w/a rare find?
10/23/08
I thought this was a Turberculous but it
was correctly identified as a Carbunculosa, if my eyes are seeing
things right.... The white line on the eyes seemed to be correct....
thoughts? Chris
<Pullz... you shot this pic in HI? This
Dendrodoris is not listed as coming from there... I've never seen
this species there... You might want to send this along to
SeaSlugForum.net. Cheers, Bob/DF> |  |
Slug/Nudibranch ID Help Please 11/15/08
Good Evening -
<And morrow to you>
Hope you all are well. I was wondering if you
folks could identify this creature that I found in my tank last night.
Of course, I've always heard the saying, "When in doubt, take it out,"
which is what I did; however, I just wanted to be sure I did the right
thing.
Thanks -
Wes
<Mmm, well... does appear to be a
Nudibranch... I'd leave in unless it's eating something/s valuable. Bob
Fenner> |  |
Nudibranch Photos-1 10/23/08
Dear Bob,
<Geo.>Your help..
once again. This Nudibranch was found in Atalya (North Aegean) by a
friend. Can you help to ID it ??
<Mmm, pretty sure it's of the genus
Flabellina:
http://wetwebmedia.com/MolluscPIX/Gastropods/Opistobranchs/Nudibranchs/nudibran6.htm
But I'd send this (and all other Opistobranch ID questions) to the
SeaSlugforum.net>
Many thanks in advance (as usually, you can use the
photo for your site... )
All the best, George
<And to you my
friend. Bob Fenner>
-- George J. Reclos Ph.D. |  |
Nudi/Worm ID? 10/6/08
Hello Everyone at WWM!
<Art>
Yet
again I find that I need some advice, or, at least an ID of some sort...
A few days ago I found this creature crawling around my 55 Gallon Reef
Tank. I looked up the worm FAQ and had no luck. Whatever this thing is,
it seems to be sensitive to light. If I have the lights off and shine a
light on it, it quickly retracts into wherever it is anchored to.
Another thing is, I've never seen it in it's entirety. So it could be a
few inches long, or ...? The top of it has several "openings"
<"Polyplacophora">
I guess you could call them, but I haven't been
able to keep it in the open long enough to see if they actually open.
It's kinda freaking me out. I was thinking a Nudibranch of some sort,
but it looks like nothing in your 6 or so Nudibranch ID pages. Please
help! I appreciate any info you can give me!
-Art Perez
<Is a
Chiton... not harmful. Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/chitonidf.htm
Bob Fenner> |   |
Unidentified Nudibranch: Phyllodesmium briareum – 9/6/08
Hello folks!
<Hi there, Allison!>
I'm having difficulty
identifying this creature which came in on a chunk of green star polyps.
At first, I actually thought it was a Condy that moved a lot trying to
settle down!
<It does look similar doesn’t it!>
Picture quality is
the best I can get with my camera...I hope it is sufficient for
identification.
<It’s great, thanks.>
I THINK from as much as I
can find on the 'net that it is a Nudibranch, possibly a Flabellina
-type species.
<Good work, you’re in the right neighborhood
(suborder (Aeolidina). What you have is a Nudibranch in the family
Aeolidiidae, most likely Phyllodesmium briareum.>
Nothing looks
exactly like it (isn't that always the case?)
<Yep, it’s frustrating,
isn’t it!>
..but I hope if I can get a fairly confident ID, I can
then research and find out if it can stay in my tank, and if so how to
take care of it!
<I’d remove it. These are obligate soft coral
predators – known to eat Green Star Polyps (Pachyclavularia violacea).>
Behaviors I've observed so far: the tentacles(?) <cerata> along the
length of the animal are light greenish-purple, with fluorescence at the
tips.
<Yep, all the better to blend in with what it's eating!>
When gently prodded, all tentacles quickly wrap around the object--but
it will not "hold on" to flakes of shrimp offered in this fashion
<Understandable. The cerata are used for defense rather than for
grasping food. Nudibranchs in the genus Phyllodesmium have a
particularly neat adaptation for defense. Instead of being armed with
potent stinging cells in the tips of their cerata (like most Aeolids),
they instead release a sticky substance from the tips and, if push comes
to shove, can detach the wriggling cerata - much like a lizard dropping
part of its tail. The predator is left with an easy target, thereby
giving the little Nudibranch a chance to get away.>
(seriously--at
first I thought it was an anemone!).
<I can understand that. It’s a
pretty bizarre looking little creature!>
It reacts to light, with
tentacles gently stretching towards the light source, but is not a
strong reaction, and doesn't position itself in relation to the
available light.
<Great observations! These Nudibranchs are
“solar-powered”, that is they use light to sustain the symbiotic
zooxanthellae within their bodies that help sustain the Nudibranch (like
many corals)>
Its body is long and narrow, with no discernible
demarcation of head. It does have two lower "feelers" tipped with green
(visible on one of the photos) and two more "horns" on top of the head.
It moves about, but stays close or on the green star polyps.
<That’s
typical. You, my friend, have made a terrific study of this neat little
animal. Thank you so much for sharing it with us! For more information
on Phyllodesmium briareum, please see this link:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/showall.cfm?base=phylbria >
I have not
seen any damage to the polyps from this presence.
<Not yet, but you
will if it's allowed to remain.>
Probably not important for this, but
my tank is a 29g with CSL power compacts, live rock, and mushrooms and
star polyps. Some snails, and a brittle star ("Bruce"),,,and one fan
worm.
Thank you so much!
--Allison
<You’re very welcome and
again, thanks for writing us! Take care –Lynn> |  |
Re: Unidentified Nudibranch: Phyllodesmium briareum – 9/7/08
Lynn, thank you so much!
<It was my pleasure, Allison!>
I poured
over the sea slug forum for hours and hours
<LOL Been there, done
that.>
(also Nudi Pixel...nice site!)
<Yes, indeed. That site
(http://www.nudipixel.net/) shows a lot of promise.>
..and here you
give me the exact link!
<Thanks to your excellent observations and
photos, it was a piece of cake!>
Thanks again!
Allison
<You’re
very welcome. Take care – Lynn> |
What is this? Goniopora Eating Nudibranch - Phestilla sp. 6/18/08
Hi folks,
<Hi Tineke!>
Can you tell me what this is?
<I
believe so. An important clue comes from what the creature is eating
- Goniopora. It looks like it's well on the way to finishing off
that poor coral. By the way, nice photo!>
This was found at a
night dive in the Red sea.
<Boy, that’s been a hot spot lately!
Bob and some of the crew were there several weeks ago.>
What
puzzles me are the two *horns* (rhinofores?)
<Yep, you have a
good eye. The two slightly longer and lighter appendages on the
right are indeed rhinophores.>
..Is this a anemone or maybe a
Nudibranch?
<It’s an Aeolid Nudibranch in the genus Phestilla.
I’m not sure what species it is, but you can see a similar
individual here:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=1813
http://rfbolland.com/okislugs/phes_sp1.html (larger photo)>
Thank
you for your answer.
<It was a pleasure, Tineke.>
Greetings
from Holland,
<Best wishes to you too from the US>
Tineke Smit
<-Lynn> Re: What Is
This? Goniopora Eating Nudibranch - Phestilla sp. 6/19/08
Wouw!!!
<Good morning Tineke!>
This is good news! I'm very
proud of my picture! :)
<You should be! It's a very nice photo.>
Thank you for your quick answer.
<Glad to be of assistance.
Luckily, the photo showing the Nudibranch actively feeding on the
Goniopora made all the difference.>
Maybe I will send Rudman a
copy of this Nudibranch.
<Please do. I know he’d appreciate the
photo, along with location information, etc., to add to his already
wonderful site (http://www.seaslugforum.net/).>
In the book of
Nudibranchs of the world (Debelius/Kuiter)
<Excellent book.>
..it also said that this one was seen in the Red Sea by Sudan. This
one was a little bit more to the north in Lahami. When you don't
know the name it is hard to search!
<Very true!>
Thanks to you
I have the name and I can look under that name on the internet!
<Makes all the difference, doesn’t it!>
You make me very happy!
<I’m so glad to have been able to help. By the way, thank you for
sending in your photo and inquiry!>
Keep up the good work!
<Heeee! Thankfully, this sort of “work” is fun!>
Greetings from
Holland,
Tineke
Ede.
<Take care and best wishes,
-Lynn><<Ahh! Well done! RMF>> |
Do you see the Nudi? Pointing up. 
Neat find and pic! RMF. |
Shell or Nudi 07/07/08
Hey Sara,
<Hello Tineke>
Here
the answer of Bill about the *hairy* Shell. He is also not able to
determinate this complex thing.
<Oh, how kind of him to answer
you so quickly. He is a fabulous man. Thank you so much for sharing
his email with us. And I think he is giving you an answer (but is
simply being prudent in noting that he can't be certain with only
pictures-- which is often very true of these types of animals).>
Do you know already something about that strange sight I send you of
the Goniopora columna? and
<Strange site? I'm sorry, I'm not
sure what you're asking. If you're referring the coral's general
state of poor health, the culprit is likely the Goniopora eating
Nudibranch Lynn IDed for you. The coral certainly looks as if it's
being preyed upon. Or was there something else "strange" you're
asking about?>
Greetings
Tineke
<Best,
Sara M.>
_____
From: Bill Rudman
Re: Shell or nudi
Dear
Tineke
I am sure there is a snail shell beneath the brown
'growth'. I first thought your photo showed a snail with algal
growth on its shell but the other photo shows an identical
arrangement. Are the photos of the same animal? If not I cant
imagine two animals with the same pattern of algal growth. Which
made me wonder if the growth is in fact a elaborate periostracum
produced by the snail. Some snails have a 'horny' layer on the
oputside of their shell and in some this has long hairs. In the
family Ranellidae some species are called 'hairy tritons' because of
this growth. There are some photos on the web - search 'hairy
triton' - but in most photos of shells this layer is removed so the
shell is more 'beautiful' for collectors.
I suspect it is a
snail, perhaps a ranellid, but I am afraid photos alone are not
always enough to make an accurate identification. Perhaps it is
algal growth.
Sorry I cant help anymore
Cheers
bill
===========================================
Dr Bill Rudman
The
Australian Museum
6 College St,
Sydney, NSW 2010
Australia
Visit the Sea Slug Forum at www.seaslugforum.net
_____
Subject: Shell or nudi
Dear Bill,
Again a puzzle.
Wetwebmedia couldn't find it and refered me to you, so maybe you can
solve this problem.
There exist also a picture of this one taken
by somebody else on this site <http://www.aqualifeimages.com/>
http://www.aqualifeimages.com click on latest release and then the
thirds row from the bottom. This person don't know either what kind
of nudi this is.if it is a nudi. I know the shell (Hydatina physis
)looks very much but his mantle is not the same as on my picture.
I hope you have the answer,
Greetings from Holland,
Tineke
Ede |   
|
Nudi? Possible Sea Slug – 5/3/08
Hi guys
<Hi Ian, Lynn here
this morning.>
I think I saw a Nudibranch but not sure. It was
highlighted on the front glass panel otherwise would never have noticed.
It was a tiny yellowish worm looking slug which was about 10mm in length
and 2mm wide. It was moving like a Nudi and had two little feelers on
its head.
<It does sound like a sea slug of some sort.>
Please
help me to ID this and if a Nudibranch could it be a pest?
<Sorry,
Ian, but without a good photo I can’t even begin to narrow down the
search. As far as it being a possible pest, it’s undoubtedly a pest to
something, but what I have no clue. A lot of these guys are obligate
feeders, feeding on one specific food item and that’s it. Once that food
source disappears, so do they. Have you noticed any damage to your
resident corals/cnidarians (if you have any)? If not, chances are good
that this little slug isn’t too much cause for concern. You may see it
out an about for a bit and then no more.>
I have not recently
introduced anything into the tank but at this size it could have been
around for a long time without being noticed.
<Many are nocturnal but
can be seen in systems during the day when they’re running out of food.
Also, some are cryptically colored/adorned so that they blend in
unbelievably well with their surroundings - which in quite a few cases
is what they eat!>
Your help is appreciated.
<You’re very welcome,
Ian. For more information and help in narrowing down the possibilities,
please see the following links (as well as the highlighted links at the
tops of the WWM pages):
Sea Slugs:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm
Nudibranchs:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm
Sea Slug Forum:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/ >
Cheers
Ian
<Good luck! Take
care, -Lynn> Re: Nudi?
Possible Sea Slug – 5/3/08
Hi Lynn
<Hi Ian>
Thanks for your
prompt response. Will check out the web pages you sent.
<Sounds good.
What you want to do is look for shared traits in the species of sea
slugs/Nudibranchs shown at the WWM links I provided. That should help
you narrow the search to family level. After that, go to the Sea Slug
Forum and compare each individual species listed under that family. It
can be tedious and time consuming, but ultimately rewarding! Here’s a
quick link to the SSF species list:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm >
Cheers for now
Ian
<Take care and let me know if you’re able to ID that little fellow!
–Lynn)>
Nudibranch ID (follow up) 4/3/08
Hi Crew,
<Hi Steve, Mich
here.>
After another night of searching your site (and links to
www.seaslugforum.net) I think I have identified a hitchhiker that
came on a soft coral I purchased today. I believe that I have the
same unwelcome guest that another reader named Arthur submitted.
<A link is always helpful...>
As your article requested from him
I have captured and photo'd this critter and thought I would forward
the pics for your use. I am happy for these to be reproduced at your
will.
<Thank you for sharing.>
I think it is a member of the
Order: NUDIBRANCHIA Suborder: DENDRONOTINA Family: Tritoniidae
but welcome your opinion.
<Mmm, I'm not so sure, the description
of the lateral lines appear different than you specimen. It's close
but I'm not certain this is an accurate ID to the genus level. I
would keep looking.>
Following your answers to the other viewer I
am pretty certain that this came attached to its' lunch ;)
<Often the case.>
so I have removed and isolated it
(unfortunately the only thing I can think of is it to humanely kill
it ?).
<Mmm, I hate to recommend euthanasia. Though I don't have
any great suggestions either. Most Nudibranchs are very difficult to
keep in captivity because of their highly specialized diet and I'm
not sure how much of your coral you're willing to sacrifice. I'm
sorry, is a tough place to be. I'm sorry.>
Regards
Steve Heath
<And to you,
Mich> | 
|
I’m clueless - ID needed: Egg Ribbon – 3/18/08
Hello!
<Hi
there, Sonny!>
Hope you can help me to identify this creature.
<Sure hope so!>
I set up a nano reef tank about 7 month ago. I am
into the hobby about 9 years now. All my water parameters (including Mg,
Ca, Sr..etc..) are close to perfect. I keep my temperature at 78-80
degrees. 15-17 lbs of live rock, 20 lbs of aragonite, Marineland C-160
canister, Hydor Koralia Nano powerhead, AquaC Remora Nano skimmer with
MJ 900. Current Satellite light system, 1 dual actinic and 1 dual
daylight, 40 W each, 80 Watts all together, set up with a timer. Only 8
hours daylight. 1 small colt coral, 1 green eyed and 1 yellow polyps,
trumpet coral. 1 six line wrasse, about a dozen hermits, about the same
amounts of assorted snails. 1 sand shifter <Sifter?> star, 1 red thorny
star,
<Uh-oh, these two stars need much, much, more room in order to
survive. They will not make it in a small tank.>
..and 1 cleaner
shrimp. Very happy and healthy environment. Yesterday I noticed
something on one of my live rock, something I never seen before. If you
look at the picture the creature is right above my fish, and it looks
like a target.
<Nice photo!>
Round shaped, and has circles
inside.. The color is kinda clear whitish...Please help me identify this
new critter for me!
<Hmmm, it looks like an egg ribbon, possibly left
by a Nudibranch or snail. No worries, these things pop up from time to
time and usually disappear within a few days - as food for the system’s
inhabitants! Please see these links for examples of Nudibranch egg
ribbons:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=1128
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudireprofaqs.htm>
Your help is truly
appreciated, Sonny
<You're very welcome! Take care, -Lynn>
Re: I’m clueless - ID needed: Egg Ribbon – 3/18/08
Thank you very
much Lynn!
<You're very welcome, Sonny!>
I forgot to mention this
is a 10G tank.
<Yep, I had a feeling it was when you mentioned the
light fixture, but didn’t want to assume.>
I also forgot that I just
introduced a lettuce Nudibranch (beautiful creature, I never had one
before) about a week ago, so I suppose he's the source of those eggs.
<You got it!>
The sand sifter looks very happy, I don't see him too
much though.
<Unfortunately, these need a large area of mature DSB to
survive.>
The red thorny star is not the African red knob sea star,
but I'm sure you knew that.
<Well, I wasn’t sure if it was
Protoreaster lincki or Echinaster echinophorus, but unfortunately,
neither is suitable for this size tank.>
When I purchased him (I
bought him and the Nudibranch at the same time) they told me they won't
grow bigger than 3-4 inches.
<Yes, although I’ve read differing
reports on their size (ranging from 4-8”). Most say it’s around 4”, so
I’d be more inclined to go with that number.>
Should I take him back?
<Yes, actually I’d take both of those stars back. They’ll starve to
death in such a small system.>
He seems healthy. My only concern is
that ever since I introduced him to my tank, he's not moving a lot.
Looks like he settled down on one of my live rock, and he's been there
ever since. I see him moving his tentacles and arms, but he just "sits"
there. I don't know.. He's beautiful bright red and orange color.. Any
thoughts?
<Yep, if he’s been in the same place for a week, that’s not
good. Even if he was doing well though, I would still recommend taking
him back.>
My heavenly Nudibranch is all over the place, grazing for
algaes all day. Actually I don't have too much of nuisance algaes of any
kind anymore, is there any supplement I can use if unfortunately ( I can
believe I said that:-) I run out of algaes?
<Hmmm, you could try
Nori, but I’m not too confident that it will be eaten. These sea slugs
are nothing if not picky little eaters! They tend to like one particular
algae and that’s it. Some like Bryopsis, others eat Caulerpa, etc.
Sadly, they’re usually short-lived in aquariums.>
Again, thank you
very much for the infos and those great articles, I think you made my
night much better.
<You’re very welcome. I’m sorry to be the bearer
of bad news about the stars, but they really do need to be in a much
larger system.>
If you have chance Lynn, please let Anthony know
that He rule the saltwater world.. By any means, He is the greatest.
<Hey, what about Bob! I say he’s the greatest! :-) Sorry, but I can't
help being partial. LOL I just couldn't let that go without saying
something! I’ve never met Anthony Calfo but he does seem like a terrific
guy – knowledgeable, funny and kind. I’m hoping to meet him at IMAC in
May. At that time, I would be most happy to relay your message!>
Thank you Lynn, good night
<You’re most welcome, Sonny. Goodnight to
you too, -Lynn> | 
|
Berghia Nudibranchs? 3/2/08
Hi Folks,
<Hi Tyson!>
I hope
all is well with you.
<It’s going very well, thank you!>
My
question is in regards to some Berghia Nudibranch that I have recently
found wandering my tank.
<Okay>
I have encountered several red and
olive green colored Berghia, not your typical cream colored variety. The
body shape and characteristics are identical to the specimens typically
sold for aiptasia control.
<Could easily be something else within the
same family (Aeolidiidae) or suborder (Aeolidacea). If you have the
time, please look through the species listed under those names at this
link for comparison: http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm .>
I
have one aiptasia near the top of my tank that they seem to have no
interest in.
Instead I find them wandering my Zoanthid colonies.
<Uh-oh. That concerns me, as aeolids prey on cnidarians (corals,
anemones, etc.). Please see the information/photos at the following
link, as well as those within the links listed at the bottom for
comparison: http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=18140>
It's
hard to tell if they are causing any damage because I have only seen
four or five of them in the last few weeks. Do you think that these
Berghia pose a threat to my zoo colonies or perhaps any other coral?
<It’s entirely possible. I’d keep a sharp eye on things and be prepared
to act quickly. These Nudibranchs tend to be fairly specific about what
they eat. If you haven’t seen any damage to your Zoanthids, they may
have a taste for something else.>
If they are not eating aiptasia,
what are they eating?
<Likely some other Cnidarian (if present) in
your tank. It’s also possible that their preferred food isn’t available
and that they’re not going to be around too much longer. In the
meantime, I’d keep a very sharp eye out for damage/loss. Please see this
link for more information regarding Aeolid Nudibranchs:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudispt3.htm (also see related links within)
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=18140>
Thanks!
Tyson
<You’re welcome and good luck! Take care, -Lynn>
Two Crabs and a White Nudibranch? 2/24/08
Hello crew!
<Hi
there!>
I've attached a few pics of life (and former life) that I
cannot identify. Whilst my intent was not malicious, the two crabs
did not survive the extraction.
<Unfortunate, but understandable
- can be difficult to remove!>
As you can see, one is missing
several appendages. <Yep> I would've left them alone if my scarlet
hermits were not being ripped to pieces at night <Yikes!> and if I
hadn't read Calfo's opinion that crabs should be removed.
<They
can indeed be very destructive.>
So, right or wrong, they are out
and no longer alive. For the sake of learning and not repeating a
mistake if they were harmless, can these be identified from the
pictures I've provided?
<They appear to be in the superfamily
Xanthoidea. The hairy crab looks like it might be in the family
Pilumnidae while the other could be in one of several different
families. No matter, this group of crabs can be very destructive and
I would have recommended their removal. Please see these links (and
those within at WWM) for more information and photos for comparison:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/marine/inverts/arthropoda/crabs/swcrabs.htm
http://www.nhm.org/guana/bvi-invt/bvi-surv/crab-g06.htm>
Also,
there is a small interesting white (Nudibranch?) life form in my
tank. Pictures also attached. Ideas about ID?
<Unfortunately
there are just too many possibilities. I can tell you, however, that
due to their specialized diets, these little guys do not usually
survive long term in most systems. Please see the following links,
especially the section at the bottom of the first regarding issues
associated with Nudibranchs: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudispt3.htm
http://www.seaslugforum.net/ >
Thanks so much.
<You're very
welcome! Take care, -Lynn> |    |
Nudibranch... ID, Behavior 2/23/08
Hi,
<Hello Tina, Mich
here.>
I found a critter in my tank. At first I thought a piece of my
pulsating xenia had broke off and stuck on the tank glass. Later I
noticed it had
moved.
<Just as an FYI, Xenia can move... just
very, very slowly.>
Immediately I captured it and placed in a glass
tumbler. It was sliding about the tumbler like a slug so as you do I
went on your web site to ID my
critter.
<Excellent.>
I have
come to the conclusion it is a Nudibranch (Bornella calcarata) was the
picture that matched mine the most as listed on page 2 Nudibranch).
<Nudibranchs be a challenge to ID, even for some of the most
experienced... Please see here heehee!
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=8163 >
But before get rid
of this coral-eating critter
<Often are but not always, but their
diets are usually very specific, and typically difficult if not
impossible to provide in captivity.>
I would like clarification of
what it is as all of a sudden it stopped sliding around the tumbler,
it's body turned flat and double its normal width and started to swim
i.e. it's body kept bending in half and straighten again sort of
flapping kind of like a caterpillar movement and it was swimming quite
fast.
<Nudibranchs can swim. Here is some video of a Spanish Dancer
(Hexabranchus sanguineus)
http://www.oceanfootage.com/stockfootage/Spanish_Dancer/owner%3Dkandykendall
>
I read on Nudibranch behaviour but this wasn't mentioned. I don't
want to get rid of it if it is going to do no harm.
<Really depends
on what it is, a picture could help with identification, but I'm sad to
say it will likely face an untimely death in captivity due to lack of
nutritional resources.>
Look forward for your reply
Tina .x
<Cheers, Mich>
LR Hitchhiker: Sea Slug or Flatworm - 2/12/08
Hey WWM, (great
site!)
<Hey Bill, thanks!>
Today, my roommate and I were
upgrading from our 28g reef tank to a nice 46g bowfront.
<Nice!>
As I was moving the live rock from the 28g, I noticed a very small
critter crawling on the glass.
<How small/what size?>
It looks
like a slug of sorts, two antennas, slug like body, with very small
bright neon green things running down it's back.
<What kind of
“things” - stripes, bumps, ruffled/finger-like projections (cerata),
etc?>
I was amazed to find yet ANOTHER critter to appear, and in
turn, it brought me directly
to my computer in search of an
answer.
Any help would be much appreciated.
<Hmmmm, it does
sound like a sea slug or flatworm of some sort but without a photo,
that’s about as close as I can get to an ID. Most of these guys are
obligate feeders that hitchhike into our tanks, survive until the
food source is gone, then die out. Unless you have a tremendous
number of these, or are seeing some damage, I’d leave them and enjoy
them for as long as they’re around. Please see WWM for more
information, comparison:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm >
Thanks
Bill
<You’re very welcome! Take care, -Lynn>
Re: LR Hitchhiker: Sea Slug or Flatworm - 2/12/08
<Hi Bill!>
Thanks, for that great info,
<You're very welcome.>
it appears
to be very similar to Flabellina exoptata, which I found through
your link.
<Great.>
I would say, it was about a centimeter
long with finger like projections running down it's back, just like
you asked. However, the colors weren't like anything I saw in those
pictures. Maybe it varies coloring as it ages.
<Color can vary
quite a bit with sea slugs. I’m not sure whether it varies with age,
but it’s possible. I know they vary according to region, diet,
whether they’ve just fed, or are starving, etc. It’s entirely
possible, though, that your little sea slugs could be another
species within the genus Flabellina, or in the same family,
Flabellinidae. There’s a lot of red, orange, and violet in that
family, but not much green, however. I did find one (Tularia
bractea) that had green cerata. Here’s the link for you to compare:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=tulabrac
Also,
here’s the species page for the Sea Slug Forum. This is a terrific
site. If you have the time (and T. bractea isn’t the right species),
you can look through, and compare the others listed:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm .>
Thanks again, and
I'm sure you guys appreciate proper spelling and punctuation. ;)
<Heheeee! Yes, we do, and thank you! Take care, -Lynn> |
Sea Slug ID 2/11/08
<Hi Victor>
Greetings to all. In
reference to the E-Mail below, I managed to photograph the slugs so
that you can confirm your ID or make a correction on your analysis.
I isolated the slugs in another tank with a coral shrimp and the
latter acts like they don't exist which to me seems unusual since
these shrimps will attack practically anything they could get there
claws on. I also removed the eggs from my tank and I placed one
string of eggs with the shrimp, immediately he went for the eggs but
as soon as he touched them he jumped back as if he was hit by an
electrical shock. I can only assume that the eggs have some kind of
protective toxin to ensure their development. Another observation is
prior to removing the slugs one of them was attached to an anemone
and as a result the same is in very poor condition, my conclusion is
that it was being eaten by the slug and in the process toxin was
deposited on the anemone resulting the condition mentioned
previously. Also I noticed that when
I touched the slugs the
strands on their back would instantly spring up like a porcupine.
Well I hope these photos will assist you further in identifying this
species. Hoping to hear from you soon and once again thanking you in
advance and also I would like to mention that your dedication to
your profession is truly admirable and deeply appreciated by many
around the world.
<Your Sea Slug appears to be a Pteraeolidia
ianthina, commonly found in the Lembeh Straits, North Sulawesi and
Indonesia. This should help you do further research on the animal.
James (Salty Dog)> |
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