what the H$LL is a nudibranch

[AQUAH0LIC]

What exactly are these things, do they even belong in a reef tank?

 

[OscarBeast]

nudibranch

n : any of various marine gastropods of the suborder Nudibranchia having a shell-less and often beautifully colored body [syn: sea slug]


Source: WordNet Ã"šÃ‚® 1.6, Ã"šÃ‚© 1997 Princeton University

 

[AQUAH0LIC]

what benefit do they have for the reef tank? what do they eat, are they safe to have with sps and clams, any special water requirements? where can you get them

 

[Snail Guy]

Hi Aquaholic,

Most nudibranchs are highly specialized in their diet and, with this in mind, generally starve to death in an aquarium. Just to mention a few, diets may consist of sponge, other nudibranchs, anemones, or hydroids.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[firechild]

There are some nudibranchs that are beneficial in a reef tank eg. Berghia sp. and Tridachia crispata.

Try www.seaslugforum.net for more info on nudibranchs.

 

[Snail Guy]

Hi Firechild, Aquaholic

Wasn't aware of any nudibranchs considered as beneficial until now. Nice to know! Firechild, the site you list is excellent and informative.

There is a fella with problems of a particular species of nudibranch feeding on his Montipora ( visit Dr. Ron's forum). Anyhow, this is a good example of one of the bad guys.

So Aquaholic, it simply comes down to knowing what species you are dealing with beforehand. And if you spot a few in your tank that showed up unexpected, play it safe and do a little research at a website like the Slug Forum.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[The Aquarist]

More info here:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudibran.htm