Common name: striped flabellina

General information

Flabellina lineata, also known as the lined flabellina, is a striking species of nudibranch, a type of sea slug. This species is known for its vibrant coloration and delicate, ornate cerata that line its body. Nudibranchs are celebrated for their diverse and often brilliant colors and forms, and Flabellina lineata is no exception, making it a prized sighting for divers and a fascinating addition to the marine aquarium.

Care

Caring for Flabellina lineata in a home aquarium requires attention to water quality and diet. They are sensitive to high levels of nitrates and copper, so maintaining pristine water conditions is crucial. They feed exclusively on certain species of hydroids, so it's essential to ensure a continuous food source, which can be challenging in a captive environment.

Reproduction

Flabellina lineata is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can self-fertilize or mate with another individual. After mating, they lay spirals of eggs on a substrate. The eggs hatch into free-swimming larvae before settling down and metamorphosing into their adult form.

Symbiosis

While Flabellina lineata does not have notable symbiotic relationships like some other marine organisms, its role in the ecosystem as a predator of hydroids can help control these populations, which can otherwise grow unchecked and compete with corals for space.

Habitat

Flabellina lineata is typically found in temperate and subtropical waters, often on rocky reefs or amongst the algae where their hydroid prey is abundant. They are benthic creatures, meaning they live on the bottom of the sea, and can be found at various depths, often depending on the distribution of their prey.