|
|
FAQs about Nudibranch Selection
Related Articles: Nudibranchs,
Sea Slugs, Related FAQs:
Nudibranchs 1, Nudibranchs 2,
Berghia Nudibranchs, Nudibranch
Identification, Nudibranch Behavior,
Nudibranch Compatibility, Nudibranch
Systems, Nudibranch Feeding,
Nudibranch Disease, Nudibranch
Reproduction, Sea Slugs,
Marine Snails 1, Marine Snails 2, Marine
Snails 3, Buy with their
food/organism... | 
|
Phyllodesmium to rid Xenia? 6/26/08
Crew - Phyllodesmium is
a common Nudibranch predator on a variety of soft corals, and often
mimic their preferred prey. From my research, the Nudi that resembles
Xenia will eat it exclusively. My friend has one to eradicate the Xenia
in his tank... which it's doing a good job of.
As soon as it's
completed the task he suggested I use it for the same to get rid of my
Xenia - which I want to do.
Your thoughts are very much appreciated
on this tactic to rid my tank of Xenia.
<Worth trying... I
have seen this genus of Nudi on other than pulsing soft coral species in
the wild. Bob Fenner>
Berghia Nudibranchs...Where To Find Them? – 10/17/07
Hello Crew.
<<Howdy Paul>>
I live in the UK and am wondering where on earth I can
get these Berghia Nudibranchs?
<<Several e-tailers have them
available>>
I have spoken to my LFS and he just looked at me blankly.
<<Mmm...would hope/expect a fish store to be more “up” on things...>>
Do you know of any online retailers?
<<Here’s one:
http://coralsandbar.com/index.php?productID=144>>
Are they effective
against the pest glass Anemones?
<<If you mean Aiptasia, yes...but
within reason. I would not expect a “miracle” overnight>>
I have
bought a Copperband Butterfly but he is not showing much interest in
them at the moment.
<<Indeed...some go right after them, but tend to
prefer the very new/small specimens. And most all learn to wait for/like
the supplemental feedings we do more>>
Have loads of the dam things
and (foolishly) tried to squish them and now there's more.
<<Ooooh...bad move...>>
Or am I better just giving up on the natural
method and start nuking them with 'Joe’s Juice’ as my LFS calls it.
<<Actually, you will likely find that a combination of the methods works
best>>
Many thanks again, sorry for asking a question you have
probably been asked a thousand times before.
<<Much “is” covered
here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudiaipfaqs.htm >>
Paul
<<Regards, EricR>> Berghia Nudibranchs: Do They Work?
YES! 5/13/07
Hello,
<Hi Ryan!>
just an FYI
for your readers. I purchased 4 Berghia nudibranchs a while back, maybe
4-5 months ago, raised in a 10-gallon tank and introduced into my main
system (92 gallon reef). I would guess that I had 100 Aiptasia at
minimum, a lot of small ones and constant reproduction (I could see the
babies floating daily). I raised the small nudibranchs in a 10-gallon
tank, introducing Aiptasia covered rocks as the others became clean. I
did notice some eggs, and at the time I introduced into the main system
could only find 2 nudibranchs, but had eggs at the same time.
<Yes, they do reproduce well in captivity.>
One night while feeding
my corals, with a flashlight, noticed something odd that I thought was a
strange anemone, it took me a few minutes but to my surprise (after
weeks of not seeing any) it was a absolutely huge Berghia Nudibranch, my
guess 3 inches, way beyond max. growth. I have not seen any since that
night sadly, which was at least a month ago. I hadn't been paying
attention to the Aiptasia population but the other day looked around a
bit, I found 4, out of 100 minimum and they are all small. Well to say
the least I was amazed, and a bit sad, I know the Berghia more than
likely perished before I could catch them in time.
<Berghia are obligate Aiptasia eaters and will starve in the absence of
Aiptasia.>
I will be "nuking" the remaining Aiptasia when I do a
water change, but I am still in amazement at what happened in a short
period of time! I also have a fish that is on the no Berghia list, a
Sunrise Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis flavivertex), which apparently did
not cause an issue. Anyway I just thought I would share something
positive, and hopefully this problem is over, if not, I know how to fix
it. Your site is truly a great resource that I try to read daily.
<Glad you like it!>
Thanks, Ryan.
<Thank you for
sharing and contributing to the site! Mich> Stinging Hydroids
HELP w/ pred. control - 4/7/07
Once again I'm back
for expert advice..
<Okay>
I've done some extensive reading on
stinging hydroids on your site.
In fact, I've found my pests picture
here
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/hyzoanidfaq.htm
Article: Bad boyz-
hydroids 12/30/03
You've mentioned in other articles that these have
few reef safe predators.
<Yes... though these are often quite
"species specific">
What would the predators be of the "tube like
coiled at the base" string hydroids ?
Nudibranch is one
critter that keeps coming up.
<Some species... definitely not
many/all>
I have sooo many at this point, scraping them off would
take forever.
Thanks,
Chris
<Well... the path may be long
here... and not one I would take... experimenting blindly... If you want
to go this predator route, FIRST (dang, that's bright), you should
determine as closely as practical, which species of Hydroid you have...
will require the use of reference works, a microscope likely... I'd try
writing some folks on the Net who work in the field of taxonomy, biology
of the Hydrozoans for suggestions here... Bob Fenner> Hi Crew
:) ... Nudibranchs? 12/30/2005
Hi Everybody,
<C.B.>
I have to thank you for the beautiful website... I've been keeping fish
over
20 years and keeping'em alive :) I am new to the saltwater just
about 3
years now. Dropped out before the second year of marine
biology and kinda
sad about it. BUT! I found your beautiful website
and got addicted !!!!
THANK YOU. (yeah literally I make my coffee,
sit down and read for hours)
Anyway let's get down to business ,
LOL.
<Heee!>
I've been reading about nudibranchs (because I
figured yesterday I got one
about a year) "
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudispt3.htm " right here.
At the
"Collecting" section, the statement duplicates as,
"Can be
done worldwide (check re local permits) in shallow cool to
tropical
seas. You have to look closely. Some are only a few millimeters
long; big ones are only inches. Often they are cryptically colored and
patterned, blending in with the habitat; generally their preferred food.
Which brings us to eating again. Collect or buy their food with them.
Make
sure you're getting what they're feeding on. You can tell by
observing
carefully. Look for a "chew trail" (Okay, I just made up
that last term). !!!!!
<A good one>
Million
thanks for the work guys!!!
BoraBora
<The operative term might
be "can" here... Nudibranchs can be collected... and hopefully returned
if they don't fare well. Cheers, Bob Fenner>
Pteraeolidia
ianthina availability... Hydroid control 11/13/05
Need to
purchase Pteraeolidia ianthina to control nuisance hydroid in my 125 gal
reef tank. Can you advise? Thank you.
Pat Boss
Breezy Point Resort
http://www.breezypointresortozarks.com/
<Mmm, take the last "i"
out of the species name and send your request to the seaslugforum.net
and to wholesalers (via your LFS and online marine livestock wholesalers
like Fosters & Smith, Marine Depot... and hope. Common in the P.I., not
in the trade. I'd be looking for other control possibilities. Bob
Fenner> Re: Hydroid eating nudibranch 11/14/05
Mr.
Fenner, I apologize for any misspellings, but I got my information from
the Julian Sprung Invertebrates book and I doubled checked the spelling
and it is correct per his book on page 98.
<Mmm, no worries... just
thought you might want to know of the other spelling... for checking
purposes>
For my lack of knowledge and really wanting to correct this
problem, please help me find another solution. I live at Lake of the
Ozarks in Missouri in a remote area and would really appreciate your
expertise. Please respond. Deb Brayton, a wanna be great aquarist.
<Mmm, have you read much re hydroids? Know the species or genus you
believe to be dealing with? BobF> Spanish Dancer sin
Castanetas, Ay - 11/12/2005
Hello. I just got a Spanish dancer
for my 75 gallon saltwater tank. I was wondering if you know anything
about them? Also what do they eat?
<Really should address these
issues prior to purchase. Some info. located here
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm . - Josh> Buying
Berghia Nudibranchs 1/4/05
Hi crew my 60 gal reef tank is over
run with rock anemones. I'm tried injecting them with boiling water, and
have some luck killing them. I've looked all over the web, and have hade
no luck finding Berghia Nudibranchs for sale. Do you know were to buy
them. I've heard you can not get them in the U. S. Thanks for
time Skyler Allingham
<cheers, Skyler... no worries,
you can indeed buy these useful nudibranchs here in the US. I have
cultured them for years as others have, and seeded more than a few
friends with them. Do look at the info we have here on them at
wetwebmedia.com with a keyword google search from our home page... also
an article of mine in January 2004 reefkeeping.com, as I recall. Be sure
to run down the bibliographic references in all such articles for even
more information. For a source to buy them from... do try
www.inlandaquatics.com and tell Morgan that Bob and Anthony said Hi! :)
He's a great chap and compliment to our industry. If Morg does not have
any available, please feel welcome to write back and I will call around
to friends for you for a source. Kindly, Anthony Calfo>
New Nudi
hi
<Hello there>
I recently made a nudibranch
the latest addition to my tank..... the guy at
my LFS
said it was very sturdy and that it ate algae
<Uh, no>
...well... by checking
your website I fear that its a H. bullocki
or some thing very similar...I don't
have pics but ill describe the
best I can....its a deep purple...a white band
going around it
(more solid than in most pics of bullockis I've seen) orange
"feelers" and orange "gills " surrounding the anal gland.....ok...my
problem...obviously not knowing what type the little guy is I don't
know how to care for
it...I've had it for 24 hrs and now it wont
stick to anything...its secreting
from its anal gland but if it is
touched then it retracts all that is
orange....so I have some faith
that it is alive .....I just don't know how to keep
it alive...and
now I'm afraid of the secretions being toxic.....what should I
do?
<Take it back>
thanks
Danielle
<Please, DON'T buy livestock
w/o knowing what it is, its care requirements. Bob Fenner>
Nudibranchs
Dear Bob,
Are there any of the above subject
that do well in a closed marine system. I have heard rumors that some
are strictly algae eaters.
Thank you,
James Gasta
<There are
some folks who purport/report that some Nudibranchs are much more
aquarium-hardy than others. I personally have never had any that did
well though. My further "Nudi" input:
http://www.WetWebMedia.com/nudibran.htm
and do read through the WWM
site re other/better algae eaters, better schemes overall to manage
algae. Bob Fenner> Aiptasia
Hello Robert,
<Claude... Anthony Calfo here in your service while Bob is on holiday in
Australia>
It has been a long time since we had a talk...I hope
you're well and healthy. So do I, I hope so at least.
<indeed, and
the same to your my friend. We will in fact be traveling to your part of
the world soon. A trip to Nuremberg, Germany in May. At least... it is a
lot closer than America is to Belgium <smile>>
Well, I write you
today to ask a question about Berghia verrucornis.
You see, my
retailer in fishes who is also a friend can't afford this Nudibranch. I
told him I'll ask you and see what your answer will be.
So, I have
set the question, be so kind to read it and to answer when it past. In
the mean time I send you my best and most friendly regards.
Claude
with a salute from Belgium.
<and a kind salute from the USA to you.
Please tell me if your question is how to care for Berghia or where to
get them? With kind regards, Anthony Calfo>
Claude Declercq, Belgium
Berghia and Belgium
Hello Anthony,
<Greetings, my friend!>
Well, please do accept my apologizes if I didn't explain myself good.
<no worries at all>
Indeed it goes over how to get them in quantities
for sale as retailer).
I thank you for the rapidity you have yet
answered me and you may say to Bob from me "he is a lucky man to have
holidays now". I wish him all the best a man can wish and to you all who
come to Europe in a while, a good trip and a nice stay here.
<I will
do so and thank you!>
I see (no offense) that as a lot of Americans,
you are not a great geographer, ah, ah, ah. because Belgium must be two
or three hundred kilometers nearer of America than Nurnberg is. At the
other side, Belgium is a little country, more little of Germany but it
is good to live here.
<alas... it is true that many Americans are not
at all well schooled on world geography>
With all friendship. Claude.
<In answer to your question, my friend. I am not aware of many places
that wholesale the Berghia Nudibranchs. Their production is still so low
with a demand so high that most if not all are sold at retail prices.
One such place is on the web at http://www.inlandaquatics.com/ you might
look them up to see how their availability is. There is a very nice
fellow there named Morgan Lidster who perhaps can advise you if they
cannot serve you. Otherwise, I will post this request on the WWM board
and perhaps some daily readers might write in with knowledge of a farmer
with a large supply of these Nudibranchs for sale>
By the way what do
you think of the WWM in French? It begin to take scope, is it not?
<very exciting indeed! With kind regards, Anthony>
Claude Declercq
Nudibranch
I want to get some Nudibranchs or other sea slugs.
<Please see here, http://www.WetWebMedia.com/nudibran.htm, regarding
their extremely poor track record in captivity. There are a few that are
suitable, but the vast majority starve to death.>
My Tank is 200+
Gallons and is fish/invertebrate (No Coral). Invertebrates: I have
various hermit and other crabs (Anemone, Porcelain, Red/Blue leg
hermits, etc.), Flame Scallops, Cucumbers, Condy Anemones, Starfish,
snails (Cowries, Tulip and Flamingo Tongues) and several species of
Urchins. Fish are a mixed bag of Damsels, Gobies, Wrasses, a Lion, etc.
My question is, can I introduce sea slugs/Nudibranchs into this
environment and if, so, what types would you recommend and what are
possible conflicts I might encounter. I realize this is a pretty broad
question and I very much appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks, Don Tope
<Good luck to you in your endeavor. -Steven Pro>
Nudibranch
Where can I find a Berghia verrucornis? I have
looked every where from Knoxville, TN to Atlanta, GA. Any ideas?
<I know at times Inland Aquatics
http://www.inlandaquatics.com/ has some for sale. Otherwise, when I
typed "Berghia" into Yahoo, I got 284 hits. I am sure one of those is
for sale. -Steven Pro> Lettuce Nudibranch in Refugium
2/16/03
Dear Crew, Looking for interesting livestock for my
refugium whose main purpose is to grow raise "pods", peppermint
shrimp, <FWIW... I would leave the shrimp (all shrimp/crabs) out. They
eat more than they contribute (larvae). I feel that biodiversity will be
slightly better without them> and red Gracilaria algae
<good
choice... give high light and high water flow for best results>
I
came across the Lettuce Nudibranch advertised as a good micro algae
eater. ($6.50).
<agreed: Elysia crispata = Tridachia crispata), the
Lettuce Sea slug: hails from the Tropical West Atlantic. This highly
variable species is feeds on various species of macroalgae. They grow
2-4 " (5-10cm) and their colors vary considerably including a remarkable
teal-blue variety. The frilly convolutions of the body become
exaggerated with light exposure. This sea slug is photosynthetic, using
the chloroplasts of ingested algae for photosynthesis. [caption from new
image with species in new book]>
WWM has wonderful info on Nudis but
not this species. Most covered are carnivores.. Is this one vegetarian
and would it be good and interesting addition to the large refugium
which is rich in green micro algae?
<Elysia are very good grazers...
but more on nuisance algae like Bryopsis. I realize that you are not
trying to encourage this sort of algae and I hope that your success
growing Gracilaria limits nutrients and prevents any such algae from
growing. In turn... a lettuce sea slug may starve. I would wait on
buying this little bugger>
(2 years in the hobby and bought nothing
which is not WWM recommended Howard in Wisconsin
<best regards, my
fried. Anthony> Re: Aiptasia pests (Nudi predators) and WWM
Search help
Hey Gang, how ya doin'? Here's a link for the
Berghia Nudi's that eat them unwanted Aiptasia
Anemones. htm://www.seaslugs.com/. As I hear they are hard to come
by, (not the Aiptasia !) , I thought I'd throw this link your way.
Thanks for all the help the WWM crew has been to me in the past. Scott
in Denver
PS. If folks flooding y'all with questions would simply
type, in the search engine, the key word they are asking about, then hit
the "cached" under the FAQs the search pulled up, they could get to the
answers they're looking for without asking the question thru a emailed
question, (if that made any sense!), maybe lighten the load on the
crew!.
<Thanks much for both these inputs. Bob Fenner>
-Sources for Berghia Nudibranchs-
Does anyone know where these
might be available? I am very much in need of a few and nobody seems to
have them (Inland, Customaquatic, seaslugs.com, nobody!).
<Oooh, I
was just going to suggest Inland Aquatics. You may want to start up a
thread on ReefCentral or Reefs.org, there are many hobbyists growing
these guys.>
If anyone has ideas or knows breeders somewhere, I'd be
much obliged. Sailfin tang destroyed a CBS in 2 days, peppermint
shrimp are doing nothing, and the syringe method will have me going
nutso every week or two if it comes to that.
<It never hurts to
syringe a few here and there!>
Thanks, Joel
<I wish you luck on
your search! -Kevin> Berghia Nudibranchs
Hi Bob,
<Rob>
Do you know of any good sources that currently have Berghia
Nudibranchs in stock? I was breeding them, but I failed to fill my tank
with water prior to vacation (my attention was focused on my new show
tanks) my Rio burned out and my Berghia population crashed with my
Aiptasia tank.
<Mmm, don't "get out and about" (as often as I'd like)
in the circles that might familiarize me with who's culturing these... I
encourage you to post your request on the various hobbyist BB's like
Reefs.org,
http://wetwebfotos.com/talk/, ReefCentral...>
I have a huge
demand for them (as you can imagine).
<Oh yes. You might try
breeding, raising them yourself... can be quite profitable, and takes
little space, time.>
Thank you for your time.
Best regards, Rob
Ferguson
<Be chatting, Bob Fenner> Seeking Berghia
Nudibranchs 8/2/03
I've checked all the sources on Berghia on the
site and haven't had any luck finding any. Inland may have some next
week.
<Inland aquatics is my first choice for seeking/referring folks
for Berghia>
Aquatic wildlife (formerly captivebredcorals ?) is in
the process of moving and disconnected their phones. I was in contact
with Les (guy that runs the Berghia, etc.) trying to wholesale 60
Berghia from him but they were disconnected prior to him getting back to
me. Do you have their new contact info? their new web address is
here:
http://captivebredcorals.shopbt.com/WS4D_Cookie=8.2.03_14,06,00_219654/index.ws4d
>
Thank you, Rob Ferguson
<you might also try networking the big
message boards that have club forums. I have been to many aquarium clubs
that have small-scale production of these Opistos among club members.
Best regards, Anthony> Hypselodoris
Hi! I recently
purchased a Hypselodoris bullockii -(pink/purple slug thingy) the
salesman had assured me it ate algae and is low maintenance. after I got
home I looked it up on the internet (which I should of done before I
bought it)... and found little information... but apparently they are
impossible to keep alive... since Mr. pink is already in my aquarium...
I don't want to give up on him so soon... do you have any information on
these guys? I read they have a picky diet of Dysidea and Aplyilla
sponges... I am also concerned about if he tragically does die, would he
infect my take with toxins and what-nots. any information would be
appreciated. Thanks! Angie
<You learned a valuable lesson today, let
the buyer beware. You are correct, they eat sponges. Nothing you can
really do at this point. You are also correct, there is a potential for
release of toxins into your tank water upon its death. I would try to
return him and get your money back. -Steven Pro> A Bornella
from the Bahamas
Dear Bob,
I saw your post on Bill Rudman's
forum. Can you tell me where you found the Bornella in the Bahamas. I
would love to photograph it.
Thank you,
Anne DuPont
<If memory
serves... on the north side of Providence. You're welcome to scans of my
images of the species if you can't find it. Bob Fenner>
Where to buy Berghia Nudibranchs 11/19/04
Where can I purchase
some Berghia Nudibranchs. I would like to breed them in my 35 gal
refugium to eat the Aiptasia in my 100 gal reef tank. Georgie
<do
try:
inlandaquatics.com
or
coralsandbar.com
if these do not
pan out, write back to me and I will find other sources for you. Kindly,
Anthony>
|
|
