The Berghia Nudibranch

Aiptasia in residential aquariums will disappear quickly due to the wide adoption of Bergia Nudibranches now available in Canada. The key benefit of this amazing animal is that it only feeds on Aiptasia, making it a safe addition to the rest of the tank.

Aiptasia has been a sore spot for home aquariums for decades. Fortunately, the Berghia is very small in size and can enter those tiny spaces without damaging the coral or liver. Nudibranchs are the only species capable of consuming the entire aiptasia and thus prevent regrowth and spawning of the aiptasia. Another benefit is that the Berghia are so small that they will not add bioburden to the tank or affect the quality of the water.

Berghias are also fast breeders, due to their hermaphroditic nature. Mature adults can lay eggs every day. On a side note, you should be aware that Berghia feeds solely on Aiptasia, and for that reason it should be monitored, as once Aiptasia eradication occurs, the creature will starve to death.

Berghia are very intelligent little creatures. They have sensory organs known as rhinophores that can use chemicals to find the location of Aiptasia. This means that Berghia can find even the smallest Aiptasia, not visible to the naked eye, and eliminate the parasite completely before it reaches adulthood. Berghia can eat Aiptasia successfully, due to the strategies he employs to approach Aiptasia without the parasite feeling in danger. This prevents the release of tentacles and larvae, which means that it prevents a new reproduction from taking place. Berghia is also harmless to the other fauna and flora in the aquarium, and it feeds mainly at night, which will not affect the beauty of your tank during the day.

What to Expect After Introducing Berghia

The recommendation is that for every 100 gallons of water 8 Berghia be introduced into the tank, for a moderate to severe infestation of Aiptasia. If there are only a few Aiptasia anenomas present, adding Bergiha to the tank is not recommended as it will not have enough food to support itself and will starve to death. Berghia is a species of sea slug and needs the right environment to thrive and survive. With this in mind, there are some areas where this sea slug will not be able to help, such as if an infestation occurs in the tubes, power heads, or sump. You, the reef owner, must keep these areas clean at all times to prevent the spread of Aiptasia.

How long will it take Berghia to get rid of the Aiptasia infestation?

This mainly depends on how severe the Aiptasia infestation is and how many Berghia have been introduced into the tank. It must be assumed that for 8 Berghia, two or three months would be an adequate amount of time. It is very important not to get discouraged if you do not see immediate results. Berghia needs time to acclimate to his new surroundings before he can end the infestation.

Caring for Berghia

There are many species of animals that are considered quite safe for reef aquariums, however this is not always the case. Here are some species to avoid in an aquarium containing Berghia. Avoid nocturnal species that hunt near liverock or coral, such as butterflyfish, loinfish, wrasse, and some wacky loin species. Other species that feed on Berghia include mint shrimp, coral banded shrimp, and some invertebrates, such as arrow crab, Sally Lightfoot crab, pom pom crabs, and emerald crabs. Aiptasia can consume Berghia if the sea slug is placed directly in its mouth. Therefore, be careful when adding Berghia to your reef tank.

In conclusion, nature has responded to the Aiptasia infestation with a natural predator, the Berghia. As you acclimatize to your new environment, you will eradicate the Aiptasia infestation and keep the population in check. It is very important to keep the tank well cared for to ensure the health of the creatures that inhabit the reef. With care and attention, the saltwater aquarium can be free of unwanted parasites and make a beautiful addition to any home.