Pycnogonids and Berghia verrucicornis

January 19, 2001
From: Jennifer Whitacre

I work at a large inland mariculture facility breeding Berghia verrucicornis. In the course of feeding and breeding I have come across a small (1/16-1/4")[= 6mm approx] sea spider, or pycnogonid that seems to be a parasite of the sea anemone Aiptasia. It also seems to be associated with, perhaps causing, the death of a number of Berghia.

The questions seem to be:
Is this a predator of Berghia? (I think the spider only hurts the nudi because the host anemone is threatened.) What else do they eat? I have watched them feed on other types of weed anemone. We are concerned that the pycs may harm soft corals and other anemones. How can I get rid of them? I am at a total loss, on this one.

I will eagerly await any information I can find about the Sea Spider.
Thanks For Your Time,
Jen.

whitacrej@yahoo.com

Whitacre, J., 2001 (Jan 19) Pycnogonids and Berghia verrucicornis. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3564

Dear Jen,
By chance I recently added a page on pycnogonids to the Forum in response to a message who has been researching their feeding behaviour, mainly in relation to sea hares.

Basically they are a bit aggressive and although they do eat hydroids and apparently other sessile cnidarians, they also are partial to a range of other soft bodied animals including sea slugs. If you look at the pycnogonid page you will find a couple of references from The Veliger to pycnogonids and sea slugs. Basically I don't think they are good aquarium friends. I have no idea how you can get rid of them.

Concerning your cultivation of Berghia verrucicornis. I get many inquiries from aquarium hobbyists about this animal. It would be nice to have some background information on how you 'farm' these animals, perhaps with some photos?
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Jan 19). Comment on Pycnogonids and Berghia verrucicornis by Jennifer Whitacre. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/3564

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