Purple Nudibranch?

[JonPM]

Hi all. I was wondering if anyone has any info on the Purple Nudibranch (Chromodoris species). I saw one the other day at a local fish shop and wanted to buy it right away. I have heard, however, that they are difficult to keep. Is this true? What is it that makes them difficult to keep? Any tips on keeping one of these "suckers" alive would be great.

[MonoSebaelover]

Yes they are extremely difficult like all Nudibranchs due to the fact that the species have extremely specific eating habits. I don't remember what they eat specifically right now but I believe it may be corals? Anyway, if you are a newbie most definitely leave it at the store where it will more than likely die. Anyway, hope this helps and good luck.

[gcvt]

The nudibranchs most commonly found in stores are known for eating aiptasia (pest anemones) and are difficult, if not impossible, to keep alive when the aiptasia runs out. I'd pass on him unless you have a tank full of aiptasia....even then, I recommend against it.

They sure are amazingly cool looking creatures though! I have to admit that I've considered buying one, but when you look at the big picture, it's probably not the best thing. Chances are, it will die in the store just like it probably would in your tank BUT, if you buy him, you're giving the store a reason to buy more of them. I tend to think of them the same way I think of Moorish Idols - if people stop buying these creatures that are almost certain to die in captivity, maybe shops will stop purchsing them from distributors.

[mogurnda]

Chromodoris are sponge eaters, requiring a specific (unkown)species, and will starve in your tank. I want to kick LFS managers in the shins every time I hear that they're for sale.

The Aiptasia eaters are Berghia, and nowhere near as pretty.

[JonPM]

Well I'm sorry to hear all that :( But I guess its for the best. That is one gorgeous looking snail (never thought I'd say that). Hey maybe I should buy it then release it in the ocean...?

[MonoSebaelover]

It is actually a slug, but no never buying a fish and releasing it in the ocean is a good idea, doesn't matter where you live because you don't know where the creature came from. If you release it it could destroy all natural life and if they have any way to link it to you, you can get in some serious trouble. It is best to let the nudibranch die therefor the store won't order another since it didn't sell and died instead. Anyway, hope this helps.

[mogurnda]

Plus, it's likely that it will starve if you release it, because the species of sponge it lives on is probably on the other side of the world. Just spread the word ;)

[Gealcath]

Well buying it and then releasing it into the ocean is not a good idea, for example if there is a abundance of a rare type of spong growing in that area and the nudibranch isnt from that area and will eat said spong, it might eat all the native sponges and cause a ecological breakdown.