Caulerpa-vore needed...

[insanefishguy]

I am looking for something that will eat caulerpa. Preferably something small that I can house in both my 55 and a 10 gallon tank full of rock. Does anyone know if a mithrax crab will eat caulerpa? I hear they eat a lot of algae.

 

[Samala]

Getting a Caulerpa eating herbivore can be hit or miss. Some people have luck with rabbitifsh, tangs, emerald crabs, and sea hares. There is only one critter that will specifically eat Caulerpa. They are a few species in the Elysia genus of nudibranch. Unfortunately, they're not widespread in the hobby at the moment and it is not currently possible to order them from anyone online (as far as I know).

>Sarah

 

[insanefishguy]

Thank you very much Sarah. I have gotten an emerald crab for the ten gallon rock tank and a small Foxface for the 55. I guess I shall see what happens. Foxface may not be the most impressively colored fish, but they are definitely interesting behaviour wise. The little bugger went to work on the little bit of reddinsh hair algae on one of my rocks about 5 minutes out of the bag.

 

[DiazE]

Check this out!

They are common on Tampa Bay Saltwater rock with Calerpa.
I had 5 specimens; would love to send you a couple but a have not seen any around my calerpa since my last manual trimming.

 

[Samala]

Bingo! That's them. Cute little buggers, I loved the one I had (even if he did eat my Caulerpa.. that I actually wanted). Unfortunately, they are like other nudis and still fall prey to the dreaded powerhead and overflow problem.

>Sarah

 

[insanefishguy]

wow they are cool little buggers. I wonder if my dwarf lion would view one as a meal? probably not, hes pretty lazy. any idea where I could find one for my rock tank?

 

[pjf]

I'm also interested in the Oxynoe antillarum.

Here is a link to alternative caulerpa grazers, such as Elysia and Aplysia: http://www.etropicals.com/product/scateg.cfm?siteid=43&pCatId=1205