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Zoanthid-eating Nudibranchs reference photo 1

Zoanthid-eating Nudibranchs

Details

Scientific Name: Aeolid nudibranchs (zoanthid-feeding species)
Identification: Small nudibranchs that match zoanthid color patterns and hide at the polyp base or underside of colonies. Look for bite marks, closed polyps, and egg ribbons.

Pest Management

Treatment: Remove affected colonies to quarantine, dip and baste to dislodge adults, manually remove egg masses, and repeat dips every 4 to 7 days until no pests are seen.
Prevention: Quarantine and dip new zoanthid frags, inspect plugs and colony undersides with magnification, and avoid transferring tools between systems.

Description

Zoanthid-eating Nudibranchs is a reef aquarium nuisance that can spread if early signs are ignored.

Identification: Small nudibranchs that match zoanthid color patterns and hide at the polyp base or underside of colonies. Look for bite marks, closed polyps, and egg ribbons.

Treatment / Management: Remove affected colonies to quarantine, dip and baste to dislodge adults, manually remove egg masses, and repeat dips every 4 to 7 days until no pests are seen.

Prevention: Quarantine and dip new zoanthid frags, inspect plugs and colony undersides with magnification, and avoid transferring tools between systems.

Reference Photos

File:Phestilla melanobrachia.jpg reference image
Phestilla nudibranch, representative of coral-feeding aeolid nudibranch pests. Photo credit: Dr. James P. McVey, NOAA Sea Grant Program. Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

File:Phestilla minor (couple avec ponte).jpg reference image
Phestilla pair with visible egg ribbon, useful for identifying egg masses. Photo credit: Philippe Bourjon. Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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