Cobalt Tunicates
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These beautiful animals need plenty of fine particulate foods to survive. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Stunningly beautiful, these tunicates can be quite hardy in captivity, but only if given sufficient foods. These species are often vivid blue with contrasting color bands around the siphonal edges and running in a band down the side. Transparent or translucent tunics, shaded by blues or yellows, are also often seen.
Family: Diazonidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Maximum length: 7.6 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 380 L (100 gal)
Lighting: Immaterial.
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Suspension feeders; need lots of fine particulate foods. Most die of malnutrition due to lack of planktonic foods. Phytoplankton supplementation may be tried, but this may potentially hinder the animals by fouling the filter apparatus.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Poor survival. Highly toxic, but probably won’t be bothered by any organisms in the tank.
[edit] Special Care
They require normal reef temperatures and salinities, but need expert feeding of fine particulate foods. A large, long-established reef tank with minimal skimming may suit them best.
| Common name | Cobalt Tunicates + |
| Family | Diazonidae + |
| Genus | Rhopalaea + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Lighting | Immaterial. + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 100 gal + |
| Native range | Tropical 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 + |