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| FAQs about Sea Slugs, the Opisthobranchs,
Identification
Related Articles: Sea Slugs, Nudibranchs,
Related FAQs: Seaslugs 1,
Seaslugs 2, & FAQs on:
Seaslug Behavior,
Seaslug
Compatibility, Seaslug Selection,
Seaslug Systems, Seaslug Feeding,
Seaslug Disease,
Seaslug Reproduction, & Marine Snails 1, Marine
Snails 2, Marine
Snails 3, Nudibranchs,
Nudibranchs 2,
Nudibranch Identification,
Nudibranch Behavior,
Nudibranch Compatibility, Nudibranch Selection,
Nudibranch Systems,
Nudibranch Feeding, Nudibranch Disease,
Nudibranch Reproduction,
Berghia Nudibranchs, Snail ID 1, Snail
ID 2, Snail ID 3,
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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)>
Please ID: Sea Slug - 4/19/08
<Hi Cynthia>
I am new to nano-reefs. I actually went into the LFS to buy a small
freshwater tank and ended up walking out with a 14g Bio-Cube.
<Nice!>
Please ID this weird white slug/worm that was hitchhiking on a turban
snail. It's now on my live rock. I've exhausted myself searching the web
and looking at photos of worms, snails, slugs. It does have 2 hornlike
tentacles on its head.
<Unfortunately, I can’t see enough of the little guy to tell exactly
what it is other than a sea slug of some sort. You might want to look
through the various families/genera at WWM for shared/common traits
including general shape, ornamentation on the back, shape of rhinophores
(hornlike tentacles on the head), etc. Then go through the individual
species listed under that family or genus at the Sea Slug Forum (link
listed below). Also, keep in mind that these creatures do vary in color
and can even fade and turn white if they’re starving. Identifying sea
slugs can be a big challenge, but you should be able to narrow it down
to family given the links below. Also, be sure to go over part 3 of
Bob’s Nudibranch article for more general information regarding keeping,
etc.
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm
http://www.seaslugforum.net/
Species list at SSF: http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm >
Thanks
Cynthia Rice
<You're most welcome and good luck on your search! -Lynn> |
 |
|
Infected Tank??? Aplysiid
sel. 4/1/08
Hi Bob,
<Cynne>
Hope this finds you well. Once again I have encountered a question regarding
stock. The tank is the same as I described before. I now have 90 % of the
Scorpions on frozen food, as well; I have followed your advice and purchased the
Aqua C Remora Protein Skimmer with Mag 3 pump. I also have increased to a 4-6
inch sandbed with some aragonite. The Scorpions are so much fun :) I cannot
believe that I enjoy them even more than the seahorses.
<Both have/exhibit interesting behavior for sure>
I no longer have the starfish; I sacrificed him about 2 months ago for a
CopperSafe ich treatment (entire tank). I had to choose between the $17.00
starfish or the $1000.00 fish. I have since changed all filter media, changed
100% of the water in 25% intervals over a couple of weeks and rebuilt the
biological
with rock rubble from the LFS. I also continue to run poly filters and charcoal
in the Aqua Clear. My question is I recently purchased a sea hare.
I have always wanted one, but was afraid of inking.
<Mmm, not an issue with many... tropical species. Unfortunately there is a
current rush of selling large, non-tropicals...>
I have searched your site but am still unsure as to what I have. According to
one of Anthony's replies, I found that any Sea Hare with tassels is Carnivorous?
<Mmm, no... not a sure characteristic>
The pet store said this one was a Herbivore and they weren’t sure regarding
toxins.
I also found one currently running on EBay and according to the seller; this guy
isn’t toxic
http://cgi.ebay.com/NANO-Hairy-Sea-Hare-Reef-Aquarium-Live-HAIR-ALGAE_
W0QQitemZ290207618335QQihZ019QQcategoryZ66788QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_
trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem.
They also advertise this as a nano size, Yet he looks a lot like the one on your
FAQS page 2nd photo.
<Mmmm... is this Bursatella leachii? Am thinking so... get's a bit large for
nanos, but is tropical...>
I bought him in NC, I am desperately hoping he is not a cold water species. He
is fat bodied brown to green in color with black splotches. He also has baby
blue specks all over the body and head, as if someone splashed paint on him, and
he is tasseled. Please help I can get whatever food he needs. I just need to
know what to expect. The fish do not mess with him at all and all intakes on
filters and power heads are covered.
Thanks again for all your advice!! You guys are great!!
Cynne
<Do see the Net (Google images et al.) for pix, ID... BobF out in Borneo>
Re: Infected Tank??? Seahare
ID 4/4/08
Hi Bob,
Thanks to all of you once again for quick response and intelligence beyond
compare. You pegged it!! Bursatella Leachii he is. I could not find him on your
site, and the internet was still a little contradicting. So what to feed? Life
expectancy? Toxicity? Thanks Again Enjoy Borneo!!
Cynne
<I know naught other than what can be found on the Net also... did
collect/culture Aplysia californica years back... but this is about all of the
group. BobF, done diving and headed back tomorrow>
|
Surprise critter: Sea Slug?
ID sources - 1/5/08
Hi all,
<Hi Richard!>
First, thanks for sharing so much info on WWM - it's a big help!
<Thank you, it’s our pleasure!>
I've just set up my first marine tank (after 20 years of FW tropical).
<Such a wonderful, rewarding hobby – welcome to reefkeeping!>
It's been cycling for nearly 2 weeks. I kicked the cycling off with about 4kgs
of LR, which I'm told came off the Victoria coast (Oz - I'm in Melbourne).
<Lucky you! I am determined to get to Australia one of these days. The Great
Barrier Reef has always been at the top of my list of places to see/explore.>
Ammonia and nitrates are currently at 0ppm, although nitrites are at 2.5.
<Will subside/cycle out.>
I've got a healthy supply of copepods & amphipods flourishing already, also some
snails.
<Yay!>
Tonight I happened to pass the tank with the lights off and spotted something
strange on the back glass. I turned on the lights and saw what appears to be a
small sea-slug. Unfortunately due to the amount of algae starting to grow
already, my camera wouldn't focus, so no photo I'm afraid.
<Darn.>
It's a teardrop shape, about 15mm long, 5 mm wide and a brownish red in colour.
It has two white feathery antennae at the thin end of the teardrop and three
small white spots on it's back - almost a small smiley.
<Oh I know, I know! It’s the rare and elusive Smiley Nudibranch, family
Smileyidae – just kidding <g>. Sorry, I couldn’t resist!>
It's quite flat, although the centre of the back is raised about 3 mm. Any
suggestions as to what it could be?
<Unfortunately, there are just too many possibilities and without a photo...?>
I'm planning on keeping seahorses in the tank in another month or so <Go slowly
here.> and I'm trying to avoid nasty surprises. Algae eaters would be fine
though...
<Understandable. If it were me, next time I saw that little guy, I’d get him out
of there.>
Also, is there any kind of marine creature search engine on the web into which
you can enter distinguishing features?
<Not per se - that covers all marine creatures. At least, not that I know of.>
Seems like something that would come in very handy for many people :-)
<Yes, indeed! In lieu of one specific search engine, there are many sites on the
web that can help (including WWM!). I’ll give you some of my favorites. The
first will be of particular use for you as it covers crustaceans of southern
Australia. You may find some of the amphipods/copepods/etc. populating your tank
here:
http://museumvictoria.com.au/crust/page1.html
Here’s another site that’s run by a friend in the Philippines:
http://home2.pacific.net.ph/%7Esweetyummy42/hitchhikers.html
This site is Dr. Shimek’s dichotomous key – very handy indeed!
http://www.ronshimek.com/Invertebrate%20Key%20to%20Major%20Taxa.htm
Great sites regarding Sea Slugs:
http://pick4.pick.uga.edu/mp/20q?guide=Rhabditophora&flags=not_no
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm
http://www.seaslugforum.net/
I hope these help. I’ve got a gazillion more on file, but these should get you
started!>
Many thanks,
Richard
<You’re very welcome! Take care -Lynn>
Update: New marine tank with
surprise critter - Nudibranch? Sea Hare - 3/8/08
Hi Lynn,
<Hey Richard! How’s my favorite Aussie doing?>
Thanks very much for the info you sent me.
<You’re very welcome.>
The 'smiley slug' disappeared for a little while, but a couple of weeks ago
surfaced again.
<Neat>
It's grown somewhat (35mm+) since I last saw it, and I just wanted to let you
know that
I'm now sure it's Dolabrifera dolabrifera, the algae eating sea hare.
<Yay, congratulations and good on you for figuring out what it is! Thanks, also,
for letting me know. Neat little creatures like this tend to lurk in the back of
my mind until they're identified.>
In fact, I seem to have about five of them, and although the smiley looked quite
different when it was young (appeared to have a smooth back and white markings),
the similarities between the mature hares really make it obvious.
<Awesome>
Now that I've watched them in action for a few weeks, the following are pretty
clear:
- They don't eat anything other than algae.
- The colours come from the particular algae that they're eating (slowly changes
over a period of 5 - 6 days). Seems likely that the red pigment doesn't
penetrate all parts of the body - he's now pinkish brown with green ears :-)
<Heeeee! It’s the Easter Sea Hare!>
- They're indifferent to what colour slug they mate with.
- They're not the smartest critter in the world and often can't tell the
difference between a rock and a seahorse (much to the surprise of both parties
when they go for a ride)
<Wheeeeee! Yep, it doesn't exactly sound like they're sharpest tacks in the
drawer!>
Cheers,
Richard
<Thanks again, Richard, for following up with this and for sharing your
observations! Take care and have a great weekend, -Lynn> |
Sea Slug ID: Elysia crispata?
Need more information – 2/3/08
<Hi there, Victor!>
About one month ago, I acquired some live rocks from the southern part of Puerto
Rico, after curing them I placed them in my marine aquarium. Last week I noticed
an odd creature, which I assume to be some type of sea slug. It is completely
white in color with two antennas and its back is completely covered with white
corkscrew strands. Two days ago I discovered two more of these creatures, one
measures 1 1/4" and the other two 1". To my surprise, the larger one merged with
one of the smaller species and today I noticed pasted to the glass what looks
like a corkscrew rope in a circle, I assume these are eggs.
<You assume correctly!>
At first I thought that these were Lettuce Sea Slugs (Nudibranch) but this
species is not completely white nor do they have those corkscrew strands on
their backs. My question is: What species are these creatures and do they
represent a threat to my marine community? Almost forgot, I have never seem them
on the bottom, they are always on the glass and move slowly just like a snail.
<Hmmmm, here's one possibility, Elysia crispata. If that’s it, I’m going to go
buy a lottery ticket! Please see these links:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=elyscris and
http://www.seaslugforum.net/display.cfm?id=10414
If that's not it (or if it's close), then an ID is going to take some research.
What I would recommend is to go through the following links and try to determine
which family your sea slug shares the most characteristics with.
Start here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm .
Then see the three pages starting here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm
, especially the section on page 3 titled “The Big Three Aquarium Problems with
Nudibranchs”. Once you determine a likely family, you can then go to the Sea
Slug Forum and look through the species listed in that family:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/. It’s a lengthy process, but you might just find
your little slugs!>
Best Regards and Thanking you in advance, Victor.
<You're very welcome and good luck! Take care. -Lynn>
Surprise critter: Sea Slug?
ID sources - 1/5/08
Hi all,
<Hi Richard!>
First, thanks for sharing so much info on WWM - it's a big help!
<Thank you, it’s our pleasure!>
I've just set up my first marine tank (after 20 years of FW tropical).
<Such a wonderful, rewarding hobby – welcome to reefkeeping!>
It's been cycling for nearly 2 weeks. I kicked the cycling off with about 4kgs
of LR, which I'm told came off the Victoria coast (Oz - I'm in Melbourne).
<Lucky you! I am determined to get to Australia one of these days. The Great
Barrier Reef has always been at the top of my list of places to see/explore.>
Ammonia and nitrates are currently at 0ppm, although nitrites are at 2.5.
<Will subside/cycle out.>
I've got a healthy supply of copepods & amphipods flourishing already, also some
snails.
<Yay!>
Tonight I happened to pass the tank with the lights off and spotted something
strange on the back glass. I turned on the lights and saw what appears to be a
small sea-slug. Unfortunately due to the amount of algae starting to grow
already, my camera wouldn't focus, so no photo I'm afraid.
<Darn.>
It's a teardrop shape, about 15mm long, 5 mm wide and a brownish red in colour.
It has two white feathery antennae at the thin end of the teardrop and three
small white spots on it's back - almost a small smiley.
<Oh I know, I know! It’s the rare and elusive Smiley Nudibranch, family
Smileyidae – just kidding <g>. Sorry, I couldn’t resist!>
It's quite flat, although the centre of the back is raised about 3 mm. Any
suggestions as to what it could be?
<Unfortunately, there are just too many possibilities and without a photo...?>
I'm planning on keeping seahorses in the tank in another month or so <Go slowly
here.> and I'm trying to avoid nasty surprises. Algae eaters would be fine
though...
<Understandable. If it were me, next time I saw that little guy, I’d get him out
of there.>
Also, is there any kind of marine creature search engine on the web into which
you can enter distinguishing features?
<Not per se - that covers all marine creatures. At least, not that I know of.>
Seems like something that would come in very handy for many people :-)
<Yes, indeed! In lieu of one specific search engine, there are many sites on the
web that can help (including WWM!). I’ll give you some of my favorites. The
first will be of particular use for you as it covers crustaceans of southern
Australia. You may find some of the amphipods/copepods/etc. populating your tank
here:
http://museumvictoria.com.au/crust/page1.html
Here’s another site that’s run by a friend in the Philippines:
http://home2.pacific.net.ph/%7Esweetyummy42/hitchhikers.html
This site is Dr. Shimek’s dichotomous key – very handy indeed!
http://www.ronshimek.com/Invertebrate%20Key%20to%20Major%20Taxa.htm
Great sites regarding Sea Slugs:
http://pick4.pick.uga.edu/mp/20q?guide=Rhabditophora&flags=not_no
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm
http://www.seaslugforum.net/
I hope these help. I’ve got a gazillion more on file, but these should get you
started!>
Many thanks,
Richard
<You’re very welcome! Take care -Lynn>
Update: New marine tank with
surprise critter - Nudibranch? Sea Hare - 3/8/08
Hi Lynn,
<Hey Richard! How’s my favorite Aussie doing?>
Thanks very much for the info you sent me.
<You’re very welcome.>
The 'smiley slug' disappeared for a little while, but a couple of weeks ago
surfaced again.
<Neat>
It's grown somewhat (35mm+) since I last saw it, and I just wanted to let you
know that
I'm now sure it's Dolabrifera dolabrifera, the algae eating sea hare.
<Yay, congratulations and good on you for figuring out what it is! Thanks, also,
for letting me know. Neat little creatures like this tend to lurk in the back of
my mind until they're identified.>
In fact, I seem to have about five of them, and although the smiley looked quite
different when it was young (appeared to have a smooth back and white markings),
the similarities between the mature hares really make it obvious.
<Awesome>
Now that I've watched them in action for a few weeks, the following are pretty
clear:
- They don't eat anything other than algae.
- The colours come from the particular algae that they're eating (slowly changes
over a period of 5 - 6 days). Seems likely that the red pigment doesn't
penetrate all parts of the body - he's now pinkish brown with green ears :-)
<Heeeee! It’s the Easter Sea Hare!>
- They're indifferent to what colour slug they mate with.
- They're not the smartest critter in the world and often can't tell the
difference between a rock and a seahorse (much to the surprise of both parties
when they go for a ride)
<Wheeeeee! Yep, it doesn't exactly sound like they're sharpest tacks in the
drawer!>
Cheers,
Richard
<Thanks again, Richard, for following up with this and for sharing your
observations! Take care and have a great weekend, -Lynn> |
Sea Slug Id – need more info
– 10/11/07
Hi,
<Hi there!>
I have a reef aquarium and recently found a sea slug in it and I am having
trouble identifying it. <Understandable, can be a challenge.> The closest thing
I can find that it resembles is the Janolus cristatus but I live in Florida in
the United States so I am not so sure that it could possibly be that. <So it was
collected locally, then?) The next closest thing it resembles is the color of
Berghia but not Berghia. It has a wider body with much longer cerata. I assume
it is nocturnal because I have only seen it out at night. <Okay> It also moves
much faster than Berghia. I have Berghia in a separate aquarium. If you have any
ideas about what it could be or could point me in the right direction I
certainly would appreciate it much.
<Well, a photo would be great here, but I can refer you to an excellent site for
research: http://www.seaslugforum.net/. While there, do go through the species
list (http://www.seaslugforum.net/specieslist.cfm) and check the links for genus
Phyllodesmium, under the Family Glaucidae - as well as these species for
comparison:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=dondocci
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=phidlync
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=learpoic
http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=learevel >
Thanks in advance,
Tariea Haywood
<You’re welcome, and good luck! –Lynn>
Sea Hare ID
– 09/25/07
Hi Bob,
<George>
We took a shot of this animal and although it seemed like an Aplysia
dactylomela at first we have second thoughts now. First because it was
shot three days ago in the Mediterranean (and not the Caribbean) and
second because it doesn't show the typical "wings" on its back.
<Mmm, yes, but...>
Do you know what this species is ? Needless to say, you can use the
photo for your site (a higher definition photo can be sent to you if you
need it for publication).
<Looks like Aplysia dactylomela to me...>
Best regards and many thanks,
George Reclos |
|
 |
Re: Weird White Pod or Sack on Tank - Looks
Like Something That Was Attached to Alien Or Syconoid Sponges Identity
Crisis - Dying Gracilaria – 5/19/07
<Hello Earthling, now called Dan, Mich with you again.>
Hmmm, I think the problem is one in the same Mich. More in depth look
in the fuge. This pod seems to turn into a two antennae white slug.
<Mmm, nope! You have two different creatures here. Sea Slugs and
Syconoid sponges>
I’ve seen two crawling in the fuge...very small & they appeared white.
<These Sea Slugs look to be of the order Sacoglossa or Sap-Sucking slugs
which feed mainly on algae. Likely they are part of the genus
Elysia. More here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/seaslugsopisthobranchs.htm >
This one in the pic was in the tank... not so white.
<Perhaps greenish?>
Also is a pic of what I would call a bunch of Pupa entwined in the
Gracilaria.
<Nope, still Syconoid sponges.>
Thanks with the help.
<Welcome!>
Man I am scratch'n for an answer...
<I won’t ask where...>
with out the Gracilaria, my nitrates are beginning to rise.
<Gracilaria can be a challenge to grow. If it’s growing sponges, it’s
not tumbling enough.>
I could put Chaeto in there but would that be fuel for these things as
well?
<No, but Chaeto or Caulerpa may be a better food source for the slugs
which can be difficult to keep in captivity. Mich>
DanH
Picture Too Large! 5/18/07
<Please return with a smaller picture attached. This one is overloading
out bandwidth. Thanks, WWM Crew>
Sorry
<No worries.> |
|
.jpg)
|
Help ID this slug 5/10/07
Some people on Reef Central think it's a slug but not sure what type or
if it is reef safe. Could it be a Sea Hare? I found it at night
underneath my Molokai LR. Does it eat algae? Thanks.
<Is a Common Sea Hare (or Kualakai in Hawaiian), Dolabrifera dolabrifera
(Rang, 1828), Family Aplysiidae... Do feed on algae, live under rocks
intertidally! Nice pix! Bob Fenner> |
|
.jpg) |
Fuge hitchhiker ID, Green Slug…..
1/28/07
Greetings Bob & Crew!!
<Hello.>
The other evening, I wandered through my fish (laundry) room and stopped
to look at the pods crawling around my 40-gal sump from my 125 reef in
the next room. I swear I saw a leaf from one of the algae move....and I
realized that it was alive!!! It looks like a land slug, but all
green. Only about an inch long. No idea how long it has been in there
or when it came in. It seems happy to crawl around the ample macro algae
in the tank and just graze.
I've done a few searches and can't seem to find anything like it.
Any ideas what it is??? Pic attached.
<Well, from the photo it does appear to be a Nudibranchia. I will say
first off that by photo alone…even with the actual specimen in front of
you, it is quite difficult to i.d. by exact species. They are mostly
very, very difficult to care for and have notoriously short life-spans
in captive environments. However, occasionally, some survive….as appears
to be the case with yours. It likely has a food source, and judging
from the color of the animal, (as you eluded to) it appears to negotiate
a large sum of vegetable matter, algae, into it’s diet. I would just
observe and enjoy.> <<Mmm... likely another Opisthobranch group... RMF>>
Thanks
<Anytime.>
-Ray
<AdamJ.>
PS GO BEARS!!!!!
<We don’t have a football team in SoCal….lol.> |
|
 |
Marine... slug
Here are 2 pictures of something I saw moving around in my tank and I
have no idea what it could be? Maybe you have seen one before or no what
it is. It is about a quarter of an inch long and moves around the tank
like a slug. The color is a brownish green and looks like it has antennas
on the front of the head.
Thanks
Shawn
<I see it... good pix. Some sort of Nudibranch I think... please see
here: The Sea Slug Forum (great online scientific resource)
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudispt3.htm
or this link at the end of this area. Bob Fenner> |
 |
 |
Greek Goddess
I went to my local fish store and seen a Greek goddess it was deep blue and purple. I
have never seen colors so bright
before. Is this creature a slug, snail or what?
<yes on all counts... AKA shell-less snail, sea slug>
also is it reef safe? thank you frank.
<tough to say...no one can keep them alive. If your LFS ordered this animal (as opposed to having
received it on substitution/without ordering it) the I have little respect or regard for their irresponsible business practice. Please admire this animal from photos for now. Anthony>
- Mystery Slug -
Hi,
<Good morning, JasonC here...>
I have a 30 gallon tank that has been cycling for 5 weeks now. I have a lot of
algae so my first live stock purchase has been 4 turbo snails. While at the
aquarium store the sales person told me that the black slug they have will also
help clean my tank. So I purchased it. Once in my tank I noticed it seems to be
more of a nocturnal creature and it is very active moving all over the tank.
However I don't notice it cleaning anything. I am wondering what it really is
and what I should feed it? I will try to describe it.......
It is a very interesting creature. it is a black velvet color with what looks
like veins running through it's body. The veins are iridescent, greens, blues
and purples pending on the light or its mood I guess. It has two antennas with
white tips and what I can best describe as a short elephant like trunk on top of
its head? On the mid/top portion of it's body are the same elephant like trunks
with two in back, two in front and one in the center of the back. The trunk on
the top of its head has a small opening that opens and closes. It
seems to be more nocturnal in nature.
<Sounds to me like some type of Nudibranch which is a slug... being any more
specific than that is a challenge as this family is incredibly diverse. For an
eyeful of possibilities, look here:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/species.htm
And then for some further reading on Nudibranchs, look here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm
>
My question is, is this creature/slug really good for helping to keep my tank
clean and is there some food supplement I should be feeding it and what kind of
slug is it, will it bother my anemones, corals and other inverts when I start to
stock these sort of things? <Well... again, it's hard to say specifically.
Most of the Nudibranchs are very specialized feeders and will starve to death if
they don't find the right food-stuffs. In this case, it does sound like the
animal you have is ill-suited for the purpose it was sold to you for, which is
unfortunate but not uncommon. As to determining the proper food... well, you'll
need to do some more research in order to determine which slug this actually is,
and then you'll know more about what it eats. Bad news is that in the interim,
it could indeed be a danger to your corals and or anemones because there are
some that specialize in eating these things. Again, I don't know for certain
which Nudibranch you have and would suggest spending some time on http://www.seaslugforum.net
- that is really one of the best online resources out there for Nudibranchs.>
Thanks,
Carmen
<Cheers, J -- >
Sea Slug ID - coral eater 8/1/03
Hello,
<cheers>
I found this creature in my tank; I think it has been eating my leather coral.
Can you identify it? I have attached two pictures. Thank you!!! Would
<any sea slug with "tassels" [cerata] on its back is a give-away
carnivore. The cerata are structures which hold the noxious or stinging elements
of its prey. Yours is a familiar coral eater... commonly ascribed to the genus
Tritoniopsis (true or not). Bottom line... it is to be removed unless your reef
is large enough to grow enough soft coral to sustain it. A beautiful creature
indeed. Anthony>
Sea slug/Opisthobranch resources 8/2/03
Can you provide a little more info about it? Where can I find additional
information about it? Thank you.
<the shell-less snails that we call "sea slugs" are well studied
for their magnificent beauty and fascinating physiology. The sheer number of
resources on the Internet alone is simply staggering. In our new book of Reef
Invertebrates (Fenner/Calfo)[insert shameless plug here: https://secure.wetwebfotos.com/order_form.jsp
& http://wetwebfotos.com/store/nma-ri.html
]we give extensive coverage to the group and list tens of resources in the
bibliog.. One of the very best to begin with is:
http://www.seaslugforum.net/
there are also resources/studies listing the exact diets of many Opisthobranchs
if you pursue other species. Best regards! Anthony>
Snail? Nudibranch?
>Hi, WWM Guys and Girl, I think that it is a
Nudibranch. Someone at the LFS suggested possibly a limpet, but I
don't think so. Don't those all have shells?
>>Girl Marina again. ;) To the best of my knowledge
this is correct.
>I'm going to try to send the pics again in a zip file, perhaps they'll come
through that way.
>>Do check the extension of the file type, this may have been the initial
problem, though I'm hardly an expert.
>I'm inclined to think that it is not predatory by the lack of cerata on it's
back, is this a "fairly" safe assumption??
>>This I cannot confirm or deny.
>I appreciate all the hard work you guys do saving our critters from our lack
of experience.
>>Heh, we try. Do hope we've been of help to you and everyone
else who reads this stuff. Marina
Sea Slug - Good or Bad? 9/20/03
Hello everyone!
<howdy, Thanassis!>
I saw today a sea slug o my LR and I tried to locate it in your book
"Reef Invertebrates" but I could not find something similar. It
is white and a little grey on the top. Its two antennas are white and on
the top they are yellow. I am attaching a photo.
It is really interesting to watch, I just do not know if it is safe for my
reef. Thanks, Thanassis
<alas, my friend... the picture is not clear enough and the subject
does not fill the frame (it is so tiny in the picture). Please try to
capture the animal and photograph is up close and clearly in a cup. Also
look to see if it is truly shell-less snail or if there is some
kind of internal or external shell. Best regards, Anthony>
Scutus antipodes
For the past 6 months I have been searching for the identity of a sea
slug that piggy-backed on some live Fiji rock. I think I now know what he
is: Scutus antipodes. Since I spotted the first one I now have 3 and they
are an amazing critter to watch! Check out the attached pictures that I
borrowed from another site.
<Very nice>
They seem reef safe, are they algae eaters?
<Yes... and can grow to 15 cm... six inches!>
Thanks,
Jeff
<Bob Fenner> |
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Lettuce Sea Slug
Hey Gang, Happy Holidays! Anthony, (or whoever's in charge of desktop
pic on daily questions page), I took these pictures earlier today. I
thought they might look good on the WWM site for the daily pic! Thanks
from Denver! Stormbringer.
<What a coincidence... I was just scanning an Elysia (Tridachia)
crispata yesterday... Your digital pix are better than my analog. Thanks
for sending them along. Bob Fenner> |
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Sea Slug ID (12/23/2003)
Howdy wet ones! <Greetings. Steve Allen here.>
Question for you. I found this sucker crawling around the tank last
night. I assumed he is a sea slug and not a flat worm. He
was a few millimeters thick, about 1.5" long and had what looked like
eyestalks on one end, like a snail. Don't know if there were eyes on
it or not though. I can't imagine it can be a snail could it, without
a shell? He looks like a stomatellid snail without the
shell. I have many of those in my tank. Wait a minute, I
am reading in my "Reef Invertebrates" book right now that they can
have a shell completely hidden within the mantle, hmm... But can they get this
long? He moved kinda quickly which is characteristic of the
bunch. Anyways, the picture is not real good, hard to get the camera
to work with the flash in the dark. Any ideas if it is sea slug vs.
flat worm vs. hidden shell Stomatellid? <Looks more like a sea slug to me.
You might want to check out this site and send the picture to them: http://www.seaslugforum.net/welcome.htm
Thank you as always and Happy Holidays! <Same to you!>
Paul
Carnivorous Slug 1/30/04
Hello, I hope your doing great.
<Hi Steve! Adam here. I'm great! Hope
you are too.>
Last night I happened to take a look at my reef tank through a video
camera with a night scope. I noticed that something large, as
big as my thumb, was on my button coral. I turned on the lights, and it
was a yellow Nudibranch. I think. Can you
tell me by the picture if this is a coral eating slug and what kind it is? It
looks as though it did damage to the button. I just lost a
bubble coral recently, and I never lose my corals.
<You had it right in your subject. The critter is more
likely a slug than Nudibranch. Nudibranchs almost always have
cetae ("Frills"). Although most Nudibranchs are
destructive predators, the same is rarely the case for slugs. I
would want to be certain that this beautiful critters is predatory before
removing it, but I am fairly bold that way. If you are fairly
certain that it is causing damage, you should be able to catch it in the
act at night and remove it.>
Thanks for your help! Steven O. Garcia <Good luck! Adam> |
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Carol at Ocean Rider, Hawaiian Sea Hares, pix of same
Hey Bob,
<Carol!>
So last time you called I got your message the day after the party. What is
with that? Did we misbehave at the last gig????
<Heeee! Not enough!>
Call my on me cell next time at 937 XXXX.
<Will do>
Hey I am working on a new web site with an invert section. Do we have
Aplysia juliana or californicus here in Hawaii?
<Juliana is, and a few others... See Hoover's "Sea Creatures" pp.
149-153...>
I thought it was Juliana
but then someone said they don't ink which ours definitely do! I need a nice
photo of one too if you have one.
<I just looked... don't have a decent pic of any of the Hawaiian species!>
Aloha and Cya soon??
<Yes! Coming over next month for a few weeks. Will definitely call... maybe
we can all go out diving... to find, take pix of Anaspideans! Hello to your
husband and the boys. Bob Fenner>
Carol
Nudibranch photos - 03/05/06
I wonder if this Nudibranch is similar to the one Arthur found on
his pipe organ coral (email answered by Anthony on nudifaqs.htm
page). Found this
swimming around in our quarantine system when we were finished unloading
a shipment from Indo. Enjoy.
<Don't know, but it's a beauty! Bob Fenner> |
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