Nephtheis fascicularis

(Drasche, 1882)

Pom-Pom Tunicate, Lollipop Tunicate

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Natural Environment: Inhabits protected areas receiving gentle water movement and usually seen on reef drop-offs and under overhangs.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade.

These creatures require numerous feedings per day of live and/or preserved commercial phytoplankton/zooplankton products or that of animal and plant powders that produce suspended products in the bulk water.

Proper placement is also quite important. Generally, most prefer low light and do better with indirect light and gentle water movement.

Besides being difficult to maintain, they have a very short life span, usually about one year and sometimes far less.

Only those willing to provide for their demanding level of care should attempt keeping them in closed systems.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Ascidiacea

Order: Aplousobranchia

Family: Clavelinidae

Genus: Nephtheis

FYI: Color depends upon its area of origin.

Experience Level: Expert

Diet: Plankton feeder

Temperament: Peaceful

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness: Moderate

Calcium (Ca): 380 - 430 mg/l

Alkalinity: 2.5 - 3.0 meq/l

Phosphate (PO4): <0.05 mg/l

Magnesium (Mg): approx. 1350 mg/l (relate to specific gravity)

Strontium (Sr) 8 - 10 mg/l

Temperature Range: 72 - 83°F (23 - 28°C)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Lighting: PAR 150

Water Movement: WM 1

Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.025

pH: 8.0 - 8.4

Iodine/Trace Elements Monitor/as necessary to maintain quality seawater.