Berghia Nudibranch Care Guide
Berghia stephanieae is a small Florida aeolid nudibranch that feeds exclusively on Aiptasia pest anemones, making it a biological control in reef tanks.
Overview
Berghia stephanieae is a small aeolid nudibranch with oral tentacles, rhinophores and paired dorsal cerata tipped with cnidosacs. Juveniles reach up to about 20 mm, while mature individuals reach a maximum of about 5 cm. It is valued in the reef hobby almost entirely for its diet of Aiptasia pest anemones.
Taxonomy
- Family: Aeolidiidae
- Genus: Berghia
- Scientific name: Berghia stephanieae
- Common synonyms: Aiptasia-Eating Nudibranch
Habitat
The species has a narrow natural range in waters off Florida in the western Atlantic. It is closely tied to the presence of its prey anemones.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 20 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Stocking: introduce in groups to overwhelm Aiptasia
Diet
Berghia stephanieae feeds exclusively on anemones of the genus Aiptasia; juveniles begin preying on Aiptasia pieces about 48 hours after metamorphosis. Because it eats nothing else, the population will starve once all Aiptasia are consumed, so keepers plan for relocation or a continued food supply.
Compatibility
The nudibranch is peaceful, nocturnal and reef-safe, harmless to corals and other invertebrates. It is preyed on by wrasses, hawkfish, butterflyfish and pufferfish, which should be excluded if the slugs are to survive.
Breeding
The species is a hermaphrodite. Early egg masses contain 60 to 80 embryos and mature animals produce masses of 1,000 to 2,000 embryos; development takes about 60 days at 22 °C, when reproductive maturity is reached.