What to do with a beautiful nudibranch?

[Circesfire]

This morning I found a beautiful Australian nudibranch , Hypselodoris emma. It's really beautiful but I read that it is also a sponge eater and am wondering what I should do with it? I really don't know whether to put it back or flush it, so if anyone has any other info about this species I'd love to hear it.

Thanks!

 

[Koshmar]

Whatever you do, Don't Flush It! That's how introduced species spring up out of nowhere and create havoc in the ecosystem.
Ex. Florida- Burmese Phython, Lionfish
Ex. Hawaii- chamelons
Ex. U.S.(everywhere)- Africanized bees
Ect...
Even if it has little chance of survival it is better not to take the risk. Diseases are also introduced in a similar manner.
I'm just trying to help and not antagonize.

 

[aromantis]

I don't think a nudibranch would survive a "flush" because of their sensitivity to changes in water pH. LOL. :lol: But I completely agree with the idea of your statement, about the introduction of foreign species. To answer your question it might be interesting to try to propogate some prolific sponges. THey seem to do well in my tank. Good luck.

 

[TheH]

Circesfire: There are some commercial sponge based foods for picky angelfish that you could try. However, most nudibranches are highly specialized and I wouldn't be surprised if it ate only a particular kind of sponge.

 

[badcop]

Alright Who flushed the African Bee???

 

[suta4242]

Don't know about that species but they are usually very specific in their diet so you can't just stick any old sponge in there and hope for the best.

If you can supply the required sponge, tehn you could put in a species specific nano.

I wouldn't put it back in the tank as you don't know what sort of toxins it might release when it dies.


good luck

 

[suta4242]

BTW how did you acquire it?

Did it come in on some coral?



cheers

 

[greenbean36191]

It's fine to put it back in the tank. It's not going to release toxins when it dies. Unfortunately, the Dysidean sponges these guys feed on are not common in the hobby, but like TheH said, your best bet is to try to feed it angelfish food with sponge in it.