Berghia stephanieae

(Valdes, 2005)

Aiptasia Eating Nudibranch

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: North Carolina to Brazil, Mediterranean Sea and West Africa.

Size: 0.8 inch (2.2 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow reefs near and on anemones, barnacles, sea squirts, soft corals, and sponges.

Aquarium Suitability: Rarely available in the trade.

This small slug feeds only on Aiptasia anemones, therefore its lifespan in aquariums without these specific pest anemones to consume, is extremely limited.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Mollusca

Class: Gastropoda

Order: Nudibranchia

Family: Aeolidiidae

Genus: Berghia

FYI: Originally thought to be Berghia verrucicornis, but is actually the species Berghia stephanieae, which was described in 2005.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Diet: Carnivore

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 - 83°F (22 - 28°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