Common name: Limenandra Nodosa

Scientific name: Limenandra nodosa Haefelfinger & Stamm, 1958

General information

Limenandra nodosa is a distinctive species of sea slug, belonging to the family Aeolidiidae. It is known for its striking appearance, characterized by a white body with black spots and cerata that are tipped with orange or red. This nudibranch is not only a fascinating creature to observe but also serves as a natural control for certain pests in the aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
5 cm (2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Requires stable conditions
Diet
Carnivore Feeds on small inverts
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Mollusks
    Mollusca
  3. Class
    Snails
    Gastropoda
  4. Order
    Nudibranchs
    Nudibranchia
  5. Family
    Aeolid Nudibranchs
    Aeolidiidae
  6. Genus
    Limenandra Nudibranch
    Limenandra
  7. Species
    Limenandra Nodosa
    Limenandra nodosa Haefelfinger & Stamm, 1958
  8. Synonyms
    Baeolidia nodosa (Haefelfinger & Stamm, 1958)

Care

Limenandra nodosa requires a specialized environment to thrive in captivity. They need a well-established reef tank with plenty of live rock and a stable supply of their natural prey, which includes aiptasia and other nuisance anemones. It's crucial to ensure that the tank is free of predators and has excellent water quality with stable parameters.

Reproduction

In the wild, Limenandra nodosa reproduces by laying eggs in gelatinous spirals on the substrate or on rocks. In captivity, successful breeding is rare, but with optimal conditions, it is possible to observe their unique reproductive behavior.

Symbiosis

While not known for any specific symbiotic relationships, Limenandra nodosa plays a role in the control of pest anemones, which can benefit other tank inhabitants by maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Habitat

Limenandra nodosa is found in the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They are typically located on coral reefs or rocky substrates where their prey is abundant.