Nudibranches

[Eb0la11]

Wow, thats very interesting. So I doubt what no_bs is actually a true nudibranch then, hey? I am definitely going to learn more about these critters during my salt water days. Just starting out though, so might be a while before I am worthy of having one. Need to keep hardier stuff for now until I am good.

[justinl]

Originally Posted by Eb0la11

Wow, thats very interesting. So I doubt what no_bs is actually a true nudibranch then, hey?

that's correct; the lettuce "nudibranch" is an opisthobranch, but not a nudibranch; it is a sacoglossan. unfortunately it will not likely rid you of any algae problems. They derive their energy in a process called kleptoplasty; they basically eat algae and suck the chloroplasts out of them and use the chloroplasts for photosynthesis (how cool is that?) for a short period of time. Fortunately, this means that the thing isn't likely going to starve to death too.

Before you can even consider having one of these or any other sea slug however, you need to slug proof your tank; which isn't that dfficult. You need to cover all intakes and overflows with sponge or fine mesh (preferably on an easily removed frame of some sort as they will become fouled with drifting bits and will need to be cleaned off regularly); otherwise your slug will get diced in a powerhead and that won't be very fun for it at all. You'll want to avoid ripping flow throughout the tank (like in some SPS systems) because they don't stick to rock very well and can get blown away; not a big deal if you only have certain small areas of high flow. Most sea slugs are quite sensitive to bad water quality so I do not recommend these as beginner type organisms; only add to stable systems when you've got at least 6 months experience or so. As I mentioned, E. crispata is also photosynthetic, so you need lighting of some sort.