Common name: Limenandra Nodosa
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumMollusksMollusca
- ClassGastropodsGastropoda
- OrderNudibranchsNudibranchia
- FamilyAeolid NudibranchsAeolidiidae
- GenusLimenandra NudibranchLimenandra
- SpeciesLimenandra NodosaLimenandra nodosa Haefelfinger & Stamm, 1958
- SynonymsBaeolidia 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.