Chromodoris Nudibranch (Chromodoris spp.) Care Guide
Chromodoris are brightly coloured Indo-Pacific nudibranchs that feed exclusively on sponges and are very difficult to maintain in captivity.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Chromodoris is a genus of colourful nudibranchs in the family Chromodorididae, erected by Alder & Hancock in 1855, with the type species Doris magnifica. These sea slugs are members of tropical and subtropical reef communities and are notable for vivid colours and for storing toxins sequestered from the sponges they eat.
Taxonomy
- Family: Chromodorididae
- Order: Nudibranchia
- Genus: Chromodoris
- Scientific name: Chromodoris spp.
- Authority: Alder & Hancock, 1855
- Note: molecular work has narrowed the genus, and many former members were transferred to Goniobranchus, Hypselodoris, Glossodoris and Felimare
Habitat
Chromodoris species are commonly found in tropical and subtropical waters and live as members of reef communities, with much recent taxonomic study focused on the Indo-Pacific region.
Description
These are very colourful sea slugs, many bearing characteristic longitudinal black lines on the mantle. They transport and store toxic compounds, including alkaloids, diterpenes and sesquiterpenes sequestered from sponges, in mantle dermal formations distributed across the mantle.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Lifespan: about 1 year
Diet
Chromodoris feeds primarily on sponges. This obligate, specialist diet is extremely difficult to provide in captivity, which is the main reason the genus is regarded as unsuitable for general aquarium keeping.
Compatibility
Although peaceful, Chromodoris requires a dedicated tank with a sustained supply of the right sponges. It does not suit a mixed reef and should only be attempted by specialists able to meet its narrow dietary needs.
Chromodoris Nudibranch Breeding Guide: Why It Is Not Home-Bred
Overview
Chromodoris is a genus of brightly coloured dorid nudibranchs found in tropical and subtropical reef communities, primarily across the Indo-Pacific. They are specialist predators that prey mainly on sponges. Many store bioactive sponge compounds such as alkaloids, diterpenes and sesquiterpenes in mantle dermal formations (MDFs) for chemical defence.
Reproductive Mode
Like all nudibranchs, Chromodoris are simultaneous hermaphrodites, each individual possessing both male and female reproductive structures. Two animals exchange sperm during mating, and each can then deposit eggs into the substrate.
Egg Masses and Larval Development
Eggs are laid into a substrate and hatch into planktonic veliger larvae, which then develop toward the adult form. The planktonic phase means larvae disperse in open water and require specific planktonic food before settling, a process that cannot be reproduced in a closed display tank.
Common Challenges
Because Chromodoris feed obligately on particular sponges, they are very difficult to keep alive in captivity and typically starve once their specific prey sponge is exhausted. Combined with planktonic larvae that need open-water dispersal and specialised feeding, this makes deliberate home breeding effectively impossible.