Binomial Nomenclature Berghia stephanieae Aeolidella stephanieae, Berghia verrucicornis, Baeolidia moebii Common Names Aiptasia-eating nudibranch Maximum Size in Nature 20 mm Water Values Temp. 24° / 27° C Density 1022 / 1024 pH 8.4 Nudibranch mollusk of the Aeolidiidae family, endemic to the tropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean; wherever anemones of the genus Aiptasia are found, its favorite food. Very often it is mistakenly referred to as Berghia verrucicornis, which is actually of Mediterranean origin, or as Baeolidia moebii, which comes from the central Pacific Ocean. Their body is very long and thin and ends in a very visible tail; the mantle is covered with long dorsal and lateral growths called cerata. The head is square and features a long oral tentacle on each side of the mouth, with small sensory papillae; the head also features two long rhinophores, which have tactile and chemoreceptive functions. The base color of this nudibranch is creamy white with light blue highlights; the edges of the oral tentacles, rhinophores, and dorsal outgrowths have cream or yellow transverse striations. In nature, it feeds on cnidarians, particularly those belonging to the Aiptasia genus, mainly during the day, while at night it hides in cracks and crevices of the reef. In aquariums, Berghia stephanieae is considered one of the top predators of Aiptasia, small anemones that are usually considered parasites in tropical marine aquariums. There is no reliable data on its longevity in the wild or in aquariums, but it should be noted that, due to its selective feeding, once it has run out of Aiptasia, it is likely to follow its prey. Unfortunately, there is no reliable information on its aquarium breeding, but it is assumed that they are similar to other nudibranchs. They are fairly robust and do not require any particular chemical or physical requirements for the water, which simply needs to be well-oxygenated and filtered, preferably with a pressurized external filter with an hourly flow rate of at least four times the aquarium's capacity. It is best to prepare the aquarium water with high-quality synthetic sea salts; the higher cost will quickly pay for itself. However, to keep our resident in perfect condition, it is always advisable to perform partial water changes preceded by siphoning the bottom, and regular treatments with an adequately sized ozonator, ideally within a dedicated protein skimmer, which helps reduce the natural production of phosphates and nitrates by aerobic bacteria. Regular additions of trace elements and bioelements are also recommended.
