Elysia diomedea

(Bergh, 1894)

Mexican Lettuce Slug

Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean Central Coast: Gulf of California/Gulf of Panama.

Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal waters, intertidal zones and where green alga exists.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the home aquarium trade.

Needs a constant supply of algae to continue to do well. If lacking somewhat, small pieces of sheet algae (Nori), may help extend its useful lifespan.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropoda

Order: Sacoglossa

Family: Plakobranchidae

Genus: Elysia

FYI: Sensitive to salinity changes, acclimate carefully.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Herbivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult

Temperature Range: 72 - 79°F (22 - 26°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: Unaffected by intensity

Water Movement: WM 1 - 2

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4