Another aquarium mystery

September 16, 2001
From: Christy Falkenberg

Hi!
I just discovered that what I previously thought was new coral growth in my tank is what I think is a nudibranch. Previously it hung out next to my colt coral which kinda looked the same. Anyway, today I noticed that it has decided to hang out on the front glass of my tank so I can get a closer look. I will describe what it is that I have and hopefully someone out there knows what I am talking about.

Its about 2.5 inches long, fully extended (it shortened up later and is only about an inch long). It is all white and has little curlicues all over its back in two distinct rows on either side of its midline ("spine"). It also has a "mouthpart" that seems to stem from a single point and is shaped like an inverted triangle with little bristly things on the ends (which told me that it wasn't a coral, plus the fact that it is chugging along the glass

Anyone know what this is?? Good or bad??

Thanks in advance, sorry no pics
Christy

christyf5@excite.com

Falkenberg, C., 2001 (Sep 16) Another aquarium mystery. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5270

Dear Christy,
I see 'Colt Coral' is a name used by the aquarium trade for finger-like soft corals. From that and your description I think you have an animal called Tritoniopis elegans which seems to be quite adept at staying alive on soft-corals as they are moved around the world. Have a look at the information at the top of the page, above your message, and also look at the other messages about this species which are attached to this page, below your message.

Basically, this animal eats this soft coral. It is quite beautiful, so if you are happy with the idea of replacing your soft coral every now and then, or growing replacements in a separate aquaria, my advice would be to keep it.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Sep 16). Comment on Another aquarium mystery by Christy Falkenberg. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/5270

Factsheet

Tritoniopsis elegans

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