The Aiptasia problem revisited

August 21, 1999
From: Anthony Donovan

Hi I`m Anthony Donovan and I currently have a 150 gal reef aquarium that has a slight Aiptasia problem. I want to use a natural form of predation instead of any chemical use and want to keep my hands out of the tank. I`ve read of 2 types of Nudibranchs that feed on Aiptasia while leaving other corals and anemones alone. The two that I read of are Dondice occidentalis, (a Caribbean species), and Berghia verrucicornis,(occurs on the coral rubble in the shallow waters of southern Florida). However, i`ve tryed looking up these animals on the web just to see what they looked like and also tryed to find out how i may obtain one or two of these animals with no luck. I had also tryed using the copperbanded butterfly fish,(which just refused to eat them and died within a week dispite my best efforts), and a Racoon butterfly fish that loved them. The ones it could get at though. After that, the fish decided to munch on some prized corals. can you direct me as to where i may see what these nudibanchs look like and where i may obtain some? Thanks for your time...

Sincerly:
Anthony Donovan

wolves@slic.com

Donovan, A., 1999 (Aug 21) The Aiptasia problem revisited. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1222

Dear Anthony,
You'll find a picture of Berghia verrucicornis at the top of this page, and if you look at the messages below yours on this page you will find that you are not the first one with an Aiptasia problem. If you look at my replies to the earlier questions you will see that there is nothing much more I can say.

I must say that perhaps you should think of removing some with your hands. Although you can try to be as 'natural' as possible, in reality a closed system like an aquarium cannot mimic a real marine ecosystem which is essentially open to visiting predators, currents etc, etc.
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1999 (Aug 21). Comment on The Aiptasia problem revisited by Anthony Donovan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1222

Factsheet

'Berghia verrucicornis' in aquaria

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