Common name: A nudibranch

General information

Aegires minor, commonly known as the Punk Nudibranch, is a small and distinctive sea slug that belongs to the family Aegiridae. This species is notable for its striking appearance, characterized by a white or cream body with numerous small, dark brown to black tubercles, giving it a 'punk' look. It is a slow-moving, benthic creature that is often found in temperate to tropical waters.

Care

Aegires minor requires a specialized aquarium setup that replicates its natural environment. The tank should have a stable, mature biological system with plenty of live rock and a low nutrient load to support the growth of the sponge and other encrusting organisms that this nudibranch feeds on. It is crucial to research and provide the specific types of sponges that Aegires minor consumes, as it has a very specialized diet.

Reproduction

Like many nudibranchs, Aegires minor is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can mate with any mature individual and lay spiral ribbons of eggs on the substrate or aquarium glass. The larvae are planktonic before settling down and metamorphosing into their adult form.

Habitat

Aegires minor is typically found in shallow reef environments, often under rocks or within crevices where sponges are abundant. They are distributed across the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific Ocean. Hobbyists should aim to mimic these conditions, with a focus on providing adequate hiding places and a food source.