Elysia diomedea feeding requirements

June 6, 2001
From: Sean

I have an Elysia diomedea sea slug, which I purchased about 4 weeks ago. The retailer told me that it ate sponges, which I have (orange sponge), but found out it doesn't go near. Then after identifying and researching the food requirement, the only information I can find is that they eat green algae (which I have in my tank), but he doesn't seem to eat. I have also added seaweed, but again, to no avail. The poor fella keeps getting smaller and smaller. I hope to determine the exact type of food it needs before it is too late.
Please help!!!
Sean

s-neville1@home.com

Sean, 2001 (Jun 6) Elysia diomedea feeding requirements. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4509

Dear Sean,
Off-hand I don't know of any published study on the biology of this animal but it probably a close relative of the Caribbean Elysia crispata. One thing you can be quite sure is that it is an algal feeder, and almost certainly a green algae feeder. You don't say what green algae you have in your tank, but if it doesn't seem to be eating the green algae you have in your tank perhaps you should experiment with some other green algae. More importantly Elysia diomedea almost certainly gets some of its nutitrition from plant organelles (chloroplasts) that it stores in its body. To keep these alive and functioning you will need to have appropriate lighting in your aquarium - the type of lights that allow plants to photosynthesise.

Have a look at the page on Elysia crispata, and the various messages on that page. The experiences people have had with that species in aquaria will probably apply to your animal.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Jun 6). Comment on Elysia diomedea feeding requirements by Sean. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4509

Factsheet

Elysia diomedea

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