Berghia Nudibranchs...Where To Find Them? – 10/17/07
Hello Crew.
<<Howdy Paul>>
I live in the UK and am wondering where on earth I can get these Berghia Nudibranchs?
<<Several e-tailers have them available>>
I have spoken to my LFS and he just looked at me blankly.
<<Mmm...would hope/expect a fish store to be more “up” on things...>>
Do you know of any online retailers?
<<Here’s one: http://coralsandbar.com/index.php?productID=144>>
Are they effective against the pest glass Anemones?
<<If you mean Aiptasia, yes...but within reason. I would not expect a “miracle” overnight>>
I have bought a Copperband Butterfly but he is not showing much interest in them at the moment.
<<Indeed...some go right after them, but tend to prefer the very new/small specimens. And most all learn to wait for/like the supplemental feedings we do more>>
Have loads of the dam things and (foolishly) tried to squish them and now there's more.
<<Ooooh...bad move...>>
Or am I better just giving up on the natural method and start nuking them with 'Joe’s Juice’ as my LFS calls it.
<<Actually, you will likely find that a combination of the methods works best>>
Many thanks again, sorry for asking a question you have probably been asked a thousand times before.
<<Much “is” covered here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudiaipfaqs.htm >>
Paul
<<Regards, EricR>>

Re: My Berghia need a new home, any suggestions?   5/25/07
Thank you Mr. Fenner.  I have posted this on the forum again, hopefully this time I will get results.  I just pulled 2 more Berghia out of the filter sock and will probably have more tomorrow.  Although I am having a difficult time selling these I think I will set up a breeding tank and just try and supply the local LFS (when I say local I mean within 2 hours distance).  It's really quite easy to breed these apparently, and the high demand (just not for mine) is a great way to fund this expensive hobby.  Thank you once again, Ryan.
<I am about to suggest you develop this pursuit in earnest... growing food (yes, pest anemones likely) in a lighted "kiddie wading pool"... using "old water" from your tanks... cutting them up to speed up their growth, reproduction... And selling these via the Net... a few items to solve... making a relationship with an overnight delivery company, securing boxing/shipping materials... But, is a viable business possibility. If you don't have much time, interest in selling direct, there are some livestock dealers you could sell all through... Inland Aquatics might be a good choice... Bob Fenner>

My Berghia need a new home, any suggestions?   5/24/07
Hello again.  I purchased 3 Berghia nudibranchs 4-5 months ago and apparently they have bred like crazy.  I keep catching them in my overflow filter sock, about 2-4 per day.  So far I have caught 22 of which I have sold 5, the rest went back in the tank.  I cannot see a single Aiptasia in my tank so I know their end is near and would like to get rid of them, of course I wouldn't mind a little help funding my hobby so selling them would be even better.  I have 2 local saltwater fish stores, neither has a Aiptasia problem or wants to deal with trying to keep them alive.  Obviously they work wonders, I had 100+ Aiptasia in my tank and cannot find any, I'm sure there are still a few but none that I can see.  I also do not have any friends in this hobby that would be interested in using the Berghia, they either have no Aiptasia or have fish that would eat the Berghia.  I have had this posted on the WWF forum for a while and cannot find any takers (I found that surprising).
<Me too>
  I trust the people on that/this site so that is the only forum I posted this on.  One forum member suggested EBay, which is a great idea but I have very little experience with EBay and would prefer to ship a large quantity rather than one or two at a time.  
<Yeah... I'd try Craig's List over this...>
So to get to the point, do you have any idea of who I could sell these to?  
<And contact the local marine hobby groups in your area... Likely members there would be interested...>
I don't really care if it's not top dollar but I would prefer to get something for them.  I also think that people who purchase things for their tank are more likely to care for them than those who are given things (just my opinion).
<Ah, yes... the western ethic...>
Well that's about it, I need help, if you have any ideas I would really appreciate it.  Thank you, Ryan.
<Do try the above. Bob Fenner>

Re: My Berghia need a new home, any suggestions?  - 05/26/07
Thanks again Mr. Fenner.  It sounds like a great idea to me, my wife may not like the kiddie pool thing,
<I like these because they're inexpensive, readily available, shallow... service-able for what we have in mind>
other than that I'm completely with you.  I also have access to Aiptasia covered rocks that people bring into the store (when tearing down a tank) so I should be able to purchase some of those to get this going.  I must say your ideas have really peaked my interest in this.  Once I get this up and running I'll probably be in contact with you to at least let you know how things are going.  Thank you once again, Ryan.
<Thank you for sharing. BobF>

Berghia Nudibranchs:  Do They Work? YES!   5/13/07
Hello,
<Hi Ryan!>
just an FYI for your readers.  I purchased 4 Berghia nudibranchs a while back, maybe 4-5 months ago, raised in a 10-gallon tank and introduced into my main system (92 gallon reef).  I would guess that I had 100 Aiptasia at minimum, a lot of small ones and constant reproduction (I could see the babies floating daily).  I raised the small nudibranchs in a 10-gallon tank, introducing Aiptasia covered rocks as the others became clean.  I did notice some eggs, and at the time I introduced into the main system could only find 2 nudibranchs, but had eggs at the same time.  
<Yes, they do reproduce well in captivity.>
One night while feeding my corals, with a flashlight, noticed something odd that I thought was a strange anemone, it took me a few minutes but to my surprise (after weeks of not seeing any) it was a absolutely huge Berghia Nudibranch, my guess 3 inches, way beyond max. growth.  I have not seen any since that night sadly, which was at least a month ago.  I hadn't been paying attention to the Aiptasia population but the other day looked around a bit, I found 4, out of 100 minimum and they are all small.  Well to say the least I was amazed, and a bit sad, I know the Berghia more than likely perished before I could catch them in time.  
<Berghia are obligate Aiptasia eaters and will starve in the absence of Aiptasia.>
I will be "nuking" the remaining Aiptasia when I do a water change, but I am still in amazement at what happened in a short period of time!  I also have a fish that is on the no Berghia list, a Sunrise Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis flavivertex), which apparently did not cause an issue.  Anyway I just thought I would share something positive, and hopefully this problem is over, if not, I know how to fix it.  Your site is truly a great resource that I try to read daily.
<Glad you like it!>  
Thanks, Ryan.
<Thank you for sharing and contributing to the site!  Mich>

Echinophyllia care, Berghia nudibranch in main display  - 09/03/06
  Hello once again.  I have a couple of questions for you.  I recently purchased a 3" purple and red Echinophyllia which I had researched before the purchase, and believe needs to be placed in bright light with moderate flow, correct?
<Mmm, within defined terms. Please see here: http://www.google.com/custom?domains=www.WetWebMedia.com&q=echinophyllia&sitesearch=www.WetWebMedia.com&client=pub-4522959445250520&forid=1&ie=ISO-8859-1&oe=ISO-8859-1&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3BVLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3A99C9FF%3BLBGC%3A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000%3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A1%3B&hl=en>
The coral appears to look the same day and night, which doesn't seem right to me ( doesn't seem to "swell up" during the day).  I don't have a picture of the coral but it looks like a plating variety, similar to a plating Montipora with more "bumps".  I have it about 12" under water directly beneath a 250 watt metal halide light.  Is this too much light?  
<... Mmm, you state you "recently" acquired this colony/animal... takes a while to adapt (weeks...)... shouldn't be exposed to much more light than it was... See WWM re photo-acclimation of scleractinians>
    My other question is, on the website www.saltyunderground.com it says you can put Berghia nudibranchs directly into your main display which conflicts with other things I've read.  They suggest 8 per 100 gallons.  I have plenty of Aiptasia, what do you think of this idea?
<Is done "all the time">
I have a clown fish, blue flavivertex Pseudochromis, Kole tang, cleaner shrimp and a bubble tip anemone.
<Not a good idea to mix with stony, soft corals...>
My thought was that by adding 8 to my tank a couple would hopefully survive long enough to reproduce and get rid of the Aiptasia.
<"So many foxes, so many rabbits"...>
I know the Aiptasia are a result of too many nutrients in the water but I do a 10 percent weekly water change and feed corals and fish lightly, and don't know what else to do to keep them from reproducing (remora pro protein skimmer).
<... see WWM re>
  I have a 90 gallon tank with a 20 gallon overflow, would a bigger protein skimmer help...what would you suggest?
<That you read>
  Euro-reef models seem to be getting cheaper and I was thinking about getting a RS model rated for 135 gallons.  All my tests
read 0 for anything bad, but believe this is a result of my "Aiptasia filter".
<You are wise here>
Would adding some macro algae help compete for nutrients?
<Mmm, yes>
I guess that was more than a couple questions.  Thanks for your help and your website, Ryan.
<Keep using it. Bob Fenner>

Aiptasia & Berghia verrucicornis... Nudibranch reclas. 7/19/06
Hi Bob,
<Mark>
FWIW I am sending a link to the Australian Museums' Sea Slug Forum
<A most excellent site>
discussing the fact the wee beastie sold as /Berghia verrucicornis/ (to remove /Aiptasia)/  has been described as a new species /Aeolidiella stephanieae /
  http://www.seaslugforum.net/factsheet.cfm?base=aeolstep
By whatever name, I just wish I could get hold of some of them here in Sydney...
Regards & thanks for the wealth of info and enthusiasm your writings bring,
Mark Phillips
<Thank you for sending this along. Will post/share. Bob Fenner>

Berghia biz   1/18/06
Hi guys, thank you for all the wonderful insight into marine aquaria. I have an Aiptasia problem and would like to sustain a population of Berghia nudibranchs. Do you have any suggestions as to how to set up a broodstock tank of Aiptasia to provide a food source.
<Mmmm, yes. Need to culture the glass anemones separately, the nudi.s can be grown out, reproduced in Styrofoam cups (not joking)...>
I have about 50 Aiptasia in a 10 gallon tank which do well, but as I understand they could consume that in about a month. Thank you in advance for any help.
<Much more to be stated... can be/come a real business... You might want to chat re suppliers/distributors you'd be selling to in advance here. Give Morgan Lidster of Inland Aquatics a ring... Bob Fenner>

Berghia for sale?   1/17/06
Good Day, I hope everyone is well.
I was wondering if anyone knew where I could purchase Berghia Nudibranchs in
Canada. I live in Toronto and they are a difficult creature to get across the
border. My plan is to use them on my Aiptasia problem and then pass them along to
another hobbyist who needs them.<i would call themarinecenter.com and liveaquaria...they should
be able to get you one. or find a LFS in your area. Good luck, IanB>
Thanks,
Pete   

I have a Saltwater Question ... black thing ID, Berghia purchase gripe, Chelmon loss 12/24/05
Hello All,
<Howdy Chris>
Thanks for all of your valuable info...
<Welcome>
My question follows:
I went to my 29g salt today and as I was feeding I gave it a thorough exam (i.e. looked at the fish, observing behavior, etc.) all appears to be well. Then, I went to check all of the live rock to see if I noticed any new growth. I looked toward the back of the aquarium, scanning thoroughly, low and behold I see this black carpet looking fungus (for lack of a better term) it didn't look anything like dark green algae or red slime, but it looked like the outer skin of say a black sea cuke...but, I only have one in the tank - and he was grazing in the front. I have absolutely no idea what this animal/algae could be - I must say it looked pretty cool. It almost looked like a jet black carpet anemone...say (Stichodactyla mertensii) but I have no idea how it could have possibly got in the tank. To me, this doesn't at all sound plausible. I have only had my tank running about 1.5 yrs Any thoughts on this???
<Mmm, was this "thing" moving? Could be a sponge of some sort...>
Thanks for all of your help and suggestions geared toward the saltwater community! Your information helped give me the confidence to break into this beautiful saltwater hobby. P.S. I have an Aiptasia breakout and really don't want to put chemicals in the tank...any suggestions?
<Posted on WWM>
I bought 2 Berghia Nudibranchs from Terre Haute Indiana - they were smaller than the size of my pinky fingernail for $50 - I thought they were WAY OVER PRICED but I heard they were AIPTASIA EATING MACHINES so I went with it. Needless to say, I was not at all happy. After I put them in, I NEVER saw them again...and the Aiptasia problem has grown leaps and bounds. I only want to try Joes Juice or Tropic Marin as a last resort...any help here? MANY MANY THANKS!
<Please do contact Morgan Lidster at Inland Aquatics re, and give what is posted re this genus of pest anemones a read on WWM. Bob Fenner>
2 false percs
3 blue damsels
1 diamond goby - solved ALL of my red slime algae via stirring - extremely fascinating fish to watch
few crabs
1 black sea cucumber
R.I.P.
1 Scarlet cleaner after 1 yr.
1 Copperband - after 3 days - very cool fish - but would not eat...looked like he died of an internal parasite/ruptured intestines??? WAS NOT HAPPY WITH LOCAL FS bought to try and help curtail the Aiptasia problem - WRONG! He didn't eat a lick.
<Typical for the species...>

Twitching Copperband; don't think its ick  12/24/05
    Hello, I have a Copperband Butterflyfish that I have had for a month and
half... I tried reading up on the website so that I
<I>
didn't ask the same Q's
again, but they all concluded to something I don't think it is... Well down to
what am
<I'm>
asking, the fish is twitching, with his head most of the time to only one
side.. he doesn't do it all the time,
<Sometimes Chelmons, many fishes do "just twitch" a bit>
just now and then. I have treated him
for ick already, even though I never saw it on him.
<Toxic to treat if necessary or not>
I have been asking people at
my work about it (I work @ a store that sells only Saltwater), and since he
isn't rubbing up on the rocks, and that I haven't seen ick on him, maybe its just
him. That he came in on a shipment that was delayed and his water got to
<too>
cold
or something,
<Yes>
and hes
<he's>
now just a special twitching Copperband (hopeful). I
bought him mainly to eat Aiptasia, which he is doing an great job (and also will
eat only foods)... he will now and then twitch for a little and go back to
scanning the rocks... I'm not sure what its main cause is, I just wanted someone
else's opinion... thanks for your help, Steph
<Not much to go on here... Bob Fenner>

Handling Berghia Nudibranchs - article ref. 8/9/05
Hi, thank you very much for your reply on Berghia,
actually I found out that I have at least two, since I
saw two hanging out together.
<Hold onto them... they breed easily:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-01/ac/feature/index.php
There is a guy interested on doing a frag exchange for
one of these Berghias. I wanted to ask you, how hardy
it is for shipping purposes,
<reasonably so if you can insure temperate shipping
temps... tough to do this time of year. I prefer using
a Gatorade bottle nestled inside of a wine bottle
Styro box (a few dollars online)>
and I also heard it can't last many days without
eating Aiptasia, how long?.
<Correct... less than a week for most.>
I just want to know if it can arrive to its location
alive.
<No problem, again... if you can insure cool shipping
temps. Anthony>

A Pleasant Berghia Surprise - 08/07/2005
Hi Bob,
<Actually, Sabrina here this fine afternoon.>
I found this interesting flat worm like creature in my tank, I didn't know what it was and didn't know if it was dangerous or not. Also I noticed how Aiptasia was mysteriously starting to disappear.
<Oho!  Some very good sleuthing you've done!>
Today I saw the creature at daylight eating a whole baby Aiptasia that was growing on the wall of the tank.
<.... in this situation, I would start jumping up and down in giddy celebration and open up a nice bottle of wine.>
Need ID please. Thanks.
<Your drawing and the fact that it's chowin' down on Aiptasia lead me to believe you've got a Berghia Nudibranch.  Please read here:  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/nudiaipfaqs.htm , and do a google search on "Berghia" for more information.  Do be forewarned: when your Aiptasia have all (or nearly all) been eaten, this poor creature will starve and die.  Pass this delightful animal on to someone else with an Aiptasia problem when necessary.  Wishing you well,  -Sabrina>

Berghia source 1/5/05
I was reading the FAQ's for today and saw the plea for info about Berghia breeders.  Recently, I found a website for a breeder in CA that is interested only in helping the hobbyist with Aiptasia, not necessarily a profit.  
<you are mistaken here my friend... those are retail and very profitable prices, and worse still... I cannot fathom their extreme recommendation for people to buy one Berghia for every 10 Aiptasia in the tank. An adult Berghia can eat that many Aiptasia in mere days... and will starve to death mere days after that. The recommendation is dubious if not nefarious to me. A disservice to customers and a waste  of life (the Berghia). I do not currently sell Berghia now, but have in the past and can say with and experience opinion that I disagree with this recommendation>
I haven't needed the site yet but I like to be prepared with some
options.  The website is www.seaslugs.com and the site itself is called Berghia Breeders and Corals.  Hopefully this will help the person in need and, in deed, is a reputable site.  Cheers!
Bob Jones
<I thank you kindly for this link... we will duly post and archive it like the/all others. And I am sure educated consumers that will finesse the above recommendation can still find this supplier to be useful. Grazie! Anthony>

Buying Berghia Nudibranchs 1/7/05
Thanks for the reply.  Like I stated, I hadn't used the supplier and based on your note I probably will not.  
<a judgment call indeed... the product may still be good, even if the marketing isn't. I was even being conservative... frankly, I have seen adult Berghia eat 3-5 Aiptasia per day. Thus recommending 1 adult per 10 Aiptasia is nothing less than slaughter (Expensive Berghia starving very soon). Rather misleading to the consumer>
E-tailers are people we think we would like to trust and buy from but, as many of us have learned, appearances are
not everything and many people take poetic license with their site info.
<it really all falls on us to be educated consumers. Bad merchants will improve or fail if we stand firm>
Thanks, as always, for the advice and information! Bob
<very welcome, mate... Anthony>

Buying Berghia Nudibranchs 1/4/05
Hi crew my 60 gal reef tank is over run with rock anemones. I'm tried injecting them with boiling water, and have some luck killing them. I've looked all over the web, and have hade no luck finding Berghia Nudibranchs for sale. Do you know were to buy them. I've heard you can not get them in the U. S.     Thanks for time   Skyler Allingham  
<cheers, Skyler... no worries, you can indeed buy these useful Nudibranchs here in the US. I have cultured them for years as others have, and seeded more than a few friends with them. Do look at the info we have here on them at wetwebmedia.com with a keyword google search from our home page... also an article of mine in January 2004 reefkeeping.com, as I recall. Be sure to run down the bibliographic references in all such articles for even more information. For a source to buy them from... do try www.inlandaquatics.com and tell Morgan that Bob and Anthony said Hi! :) He's a great chap and compliment to our industry. If Morg does not have any available, please feel welcome to write back and I will call around to friends for you for a source. Kindly, Anthony Calfo>

Berghia Nudibranchs
cheers, Keith
Bob Fenner forwarded your e-mail to me re: Berghia Nudibranchs.
there are several folks selling these fantastic little Nudibranchs online. Do look up Rob Ferguson at coralsandbar.com or Morgan Lidster at Inlandaquatics.com
Both are great chaps that can provide these to you likely. If not, do write back to me and I can find/refer other folks to you :)
with kind regards,
Anthony