Common name: Morose Tambja

General information

The Tambja morosa, commonly known as the Black Velvet Nudibranch or Black Nudibranch, is a striking sea slug found in the Indo-Pacific region. This species is known for its velvety black body contrasted with vibrant green to yellowish markings. As a member of the nudibranch family, it is a gastropod mollusk that has lost its shell through evolution.

Nudibranchs like Tambja morosa are popular among aquarists and underwater photographers due to their vivid colors and interesting behaviors. They are also known for their specialization in feeding habits, often preying on specific sponges or bryozoans.

Care

Caring for Tambja morosa in a home aquarium can be challenging due to their specific dietary requirements. They feed exclusively on certain species of bryozoans, which must be present in the aquarium for them to survive. Stable water conditions and a well-established tank with a mature biological filter are crucial for their well-being.

Reproduction

Tambja morosa, like many nudibranchs, is a hermaphrodite, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. They can engage in reciprocal mating, where both individuals exchange sperm to fertilize their eggs. The eggs are laid in ribbon-like masses and hatch into free-swimming larvae before settling down and transforming into the adult form.

Habitat

This nudibranch is typically found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from the eastern coast of Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, often seen at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 30 meters. Their presence is usually an indicator of a healthy bryozoan population, which is their primary food source.