Common name: red-lined flabellina

General information

The Purple Lined Nudibranch, scientifically known as Flabellina rubrolineata, is a vibrant and colorful member of the nudibranch family. These invertebrates are known for their striking appearance, with a translucent body adorned with purple lines and cerata that can range from orange to pink. Nudibranchs are a popular subject for underwater photographers and a fascinating addition to the marine aquarium.

Care

Caring for Flabellina rubrolineata requires a well-established reef aquarium with stable water conditions. They are sensitive to changes in water quality, so regular monitoring is essential. These nudibranchs feed primarily on hydroids, so it's important to provide a food source or ensure that there are natural populations of hydroids in the tank. Due to their specific dietary requirements, they may not be suitable for all reef tanks.

Reproduction

Like many nudibranchs, Flabellina rubrolineata is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can lay masses of eggs, which are often deposited in a spiral pattern on the substrate or tank glass. The larvae are planktonic before settling and developing into adults.

Symbiosis

While Flabellina rubrolineata does not have any known obligate symbiotic relationships, its role in the reef ecosystem as a predator of hydroids can help control these sometimes invasive organisms, indirectly benefiting other tank inhabitants.

Habitat

Flabellina rubrolineata is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, often seen at depths where light is sufficient for their prey, the hydroids, to thrive.