Berghia verrucicornis and related species sold commercially are nudibranchs that eat only Aiptasia. They are reef-safe, but can be subject to predation by shrimp (including peppermint shrimp) and other creatures. Sometimes they will be killed by powerheads and the like, especially when first placed in the tank. The exact species available commercially are unknown, but seem unlikely to be true B verrucicornis.
Once the nudibranchs have consumed all or most of the Aiptasia, they will starve to death. If any small Aiptasia remain, the pests will start reproducing and spreading. In the author's three attempts to use nudibranchs, they have failed to eliminate Aiptasia, although they have cleared the tank temporarily.
These animals have a short lifespan, but are hermaphroditic and can reproduce in reef tanks as long as enough Aiptasia remain for food.
Picture courtesy of Guy Comstock
Once the nudibranchs have consumed all or most of the Aiptasia, they will starve to death. If any small Aiptasia remain, the pests will start reproducing and spreading. In the author's three attempts to use nudibranchs, they have failed to eliminate Aiptasia, although they have cleared the tank temporarily.
These animals have a short lifespan, but are hermaphroditic and can reproduce in reef tanks as long as enough Aiptasia remain for food.
Picture courtesy of Guy Comstock
