Say it isn't so! Is Berghia dangerous?

November 12, 2001
From: David Fisher

My 55 gal. reef tank is decimated by an Aiptasia infestation. The straw that broke the camel's back was when my tridacnid clam died presumably from stings from adjoing Aiptasia. Realizing that I would have no peace until I rid myself of the pests, I bit the bullet and plunked down $32 for 2 Berghias.

Now I just read that Berghia may prey on more than just the Aiptasia. I have a HUGE LTA with host clown and damsel fish. Will they all co-exist happily?

It's a little late to be asking, but I'd still like to know the answer (or entertain any reasonable guesses).

Thanks in advance.
David

fisherd@cfs.purdue.edu

Fisher, D., 2001 (Nov 12) Say it isn't so! Is Berghia dangerous?. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5662

Dear David,
'Biological control' always has a bit of risk associated with it. In this case, if your slugs are eating Aiptasia then I guess they could eat other anemones. I am not sure what 'LTA' means but your mention of clown fish suggests it may mean 'Large Tank Anemone' or something similar.

Yes there is a chance that your nudibranch might have a go at a large anemone, but I remember reading years ago about a study on the relationships between a population of Stoichactus, which is one of the large anemones, and their commensal clown fish. That study showed that clown fish became very territorial and aggressive towards anything that approached their anemone. Over 18 months, anemones with clown fish had a much better survival rate than anemones without fish, suggesting that the commensal relationship gave the anemone some protection as well. So perhaps your fish will keep your LTA safe. However there is always the possibility that the fish will mortally wound the Berghia in the process. Sounds better than watching tv!
Cheers,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Nov 12). Comment on Say it isn't so! Is Berghia dangerous? by David Fisher. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5662

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