Elysia crispata in aquaria

January 29, 2001
From: Ryan

Hello Folks,

Recently I attempted to create a miniature reef setup in a 10 gallon tank. Much to my dismay, this was an overly agressive project for me and I failed miserably. The only animal I kept with any success was what I belive to be Elysia crispata The one healthy adult I had simply harvested the long hair algae. Unfortunately, when the Elysia crispata dissapeared I thought the only life left was algae and I resorted to removing the light and heat. I also halted general maintenance. Leaving the filter run, I hoped to rid my decor of algae. After about a month, however, my plan changed. Yesterday I noticed 12 juvenile lettuce slugs. I don't want to lose them so I'm hoping someone on this site can give me some advice as I slowly return the heat, light cycle, and salt content. I also notice several very small tube worms and other "bug" like creatres crawling about the live rock. Any light that could be shed upon my situation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ryan

ripleyrp@yahoo.com

Ryan, 2001 (Jan 29) Elysia crispata in aquaria. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3638

Dear Ryan,
You have clearly successfully bred some Elysia crispata. If you look at some of the other messages about this animal you will see that it is a species in which the larval stage is completed in the egg capsule, so that instead of a free-swimming veliger larva hatching from the egg, you have a minute crawling baby slug. They are all obviously very happy with the environment you are providing, as apparently are the other animals which you have noticed.

My advice would be to hasten slowly. Raise the temperature slowly and add other animals slowly. The Elysia are feeding on the 'long hair alga' so it will have to stay if you want to keep the Elysia. If you are lucky the 'babies' will themselves reproduce so you will have a continual supply of Elysia.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Jan 29). Comment on Elysia crispata in aquaria by Ryan. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3638

Factsheet

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