Glossodoris atromarginata in aquaria

January 12, 2002
From: BK

I purchased what I beleve to be a Glossodoris atromarginata from my aquarium store who was told that this nudibranch is an algal grazer (and does not posess toxins), however, on every photograph on this page they are found on or near a sponge. is this species an algae eater, sponge eater, or coral eater? also, what is the typical life span of this creature? is there any thing els I should know about this animal?

I'm also wondering if there is a nudibranch that is a strict algae eater, that is non toxic and will not eat other sessile invertebrates found in home aquariums.

Thanks,
BK

chess_wizard_1@yahoo.com

BK, 2002 (Jan 12) Glossodoris atromarginata in aquaria. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5945

Dear BK,
The bad news is that the people in your aquarium store don't know what they are talking about. Glossodoris atromarginata is definitely a sponge feeder. All nudibranchs are carnivores, each specialising on a different type of food, usually, but not always colonial or sessile invertebrates. None of them, except for a few special cases, such as Berghia verrucicornis, which eat anemones, are suitable aquarium animals. There are however related herbivorous sea slugs [opisthobranchs] which can live quite happiy in aquaria. Have a look at the pages on Sea Hares for some background information. Another herbivorous slug which seems to be a quite successful aquarium animal is the sacoglossan Elysia crispata. If you have a look at the many messages on that page you should get enough information to think seriously about a herbivorous sea slug rather than a carnivorous nudibranch
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (Jan 12). Comment on Glossodoris atromarginata in aquaria by BK. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5945

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Glossodoris atromarginata

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