Aeolid Nudibranchs
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These are small, brightly colored coral predators. Janine Cairns-Michael
[edit] Overview
Aeolids are typically small, slender hitchhikers that commonly appear in reef aquariums after the introduction of new corals. They have several discrete tufts of often brightly colored cerata, used as gills and for protection, on the upper surface in groups on either side of the midline. Extensions of the gut may often be seen in the cerata, culminating at the tip in an area of contrasting color.
Family: Flabellinidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
- All Seas
Maximum length: 3.8 cm (1 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Eat live prey. They will starve to death without the appropriate food. Most live a year or less.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
They should not be considered reef-safe, as they have too much predatory potential and are often very adept at finding hiding places in tanks. Predators on corals, soft corals, and sea anemones.
[edit] Notes
Aeolid diversity is manifested in the patterns of cerata, basic size, and color. Many species tend to look superficially alike, and identification is actually quite difficult. Phestilla spp. and Phyllodesmium spp. are other aeolid nudibranchs which are coral predators.
| Common name | Aeolid Nudibranchs + |
| Family | Flabellinidae + |
| Genus | Flabellina + |
| Image credit | JCM + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 1 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | All Seas + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | RLS + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |