unidentified critter

  • Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon!
C

CherubAngel

AC Members
Jan 8, 2003
8
0
0
46
Visit site
Hello all. I was doing a little clean up this evening and found that I have some type of unidentified sea critter! It is some type of nudibranch, but I have never seen one like it and can't find it on the web. It is completely white, about 1 - 1 1/2 inches long, and has a very lacie or lettuce like body. It almost looks like it would be camoflauged near a young coral. That's acually what I thought it was in the past when I've seen it. I am afraid I can't find any info on it, and I'm not comfortable with it in my tank as I know that some slugs can put off toxins when upset, hurting other inverts...
If someone could help me I would be grateful.
Thanks!
 
S

Satchmo

AC Members
May 28, 2001
156
0
0
47
NJ, 16E
From your description, it sounds like it could be a lettuce nudibrach, which is not actually a true nudi, but a sea slug. That's a great hitchhiker if that's what you've got. They're herbivorous (do a great job on bryopsis) and photosynthetic (how cool is that? a photosynthetic slug!). They are toxic if they die, but not nearly as bad as other nudi's you've probably read about. I had one die on me in a 46g. I ran some carbon, did a waterchange, and noticed no ill effects. One major concern would be your filter/PH intakes. These guys can easily get sucked in and caught there, so you may want to screen them off.

Do a google search on "lettuce sea slug" or "lettuce nudibranch" to see if that's actually what you have. Good luck.
 
C

CherubAngel

AC Members
Jan 8, 2003
8
0
0
46
Visit site
I did a search, and I don't think that is what I have. Somewhat similar, but its edges are more lace like, almost like small polyps of a coral, the color is like the lettuce sea slug tho... :-( I will try some more searching, its just hard when you dont know what your looking for!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store
Top Bottom