Aiptasia in residential aquariums will be rapidly eliminated due to the wide adoption of Bergia Nudibranchs 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 aquarists for decades. Fortunately, the Berghia is very small in size and can fit into those tiny spaces, without damaging coral or live rock. Nudibranchs are the only species capable of consuming all of the aiptasia and thus prevent aiptasia regrowth and spawning. Another benefit is that Berghias are so small that they will not add biological load to the tank or affect water quality.
Berghia also reproduce rapidly, due to their hermaphroditic nature. Mature adults can lay eggs every day. On a side note, you should note that Berghia feeds solely on Aiptasia, and for that reason should be monitored, as once Aiptasia eradication occurs, the creature will starve.
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, which is not visible to the naked eye, and eliminate the parasite completely before it reaches adulthood. Berghia can successfully eat Aiptasia, due to the strategies it employs to get close to Aiptasia without the parasite feeling in danger. This prevents the release of the tentacles and the larva, which means that it prevents further reproduction from occurring. Berghia is also harmless to other aquarium fauna and flora, feeding mainly at night, which will not affect the beauty of your tank during the day.
What to expect after the introduction of Berghia
The recommendation is that for every 100 gallons of water, 8 Berghia be introduced to the tank, for a moderate to severe Aiptasia infestation. If there are only a few Aiptasia anemones present, adding Bergiha to the tank is not recommended as it will not have enough food to sustain itself and will starve. Berghia is a species of sea slug and needs the right environment to thrive and survive. With that in mind, there are some areas where this sea slug won’t be able to help, such as an infestation in the pipes, electrical 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 kill the Aiptasia infestation?
This mainly depends on how bad the Aiptasia infestation is and how many Berghia have been introduced to 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 her new surroundings before she can finish off 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 vivarock or coral, such as butterfly fish, limes, wrasses, and some species of wacky loins. Other species that feed on Berghia include mint shrimp, coral-banded shrimp, and some invertebrates, such as arrow crabs, Sally Lightfoot crabs, pom pom crabs, and emerald crabs. Aiptasia can consume Berghia if the sea slug is placed directly in its mouth. So 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 it acclimates to its new environment, it will eradicate the Aiptasia infestation and keep the population under control. It is very important to keep the tank well cared for, to ensure the health of the reef-dwelling creatures. With attention and care, the saltwater aquarium can be free from the dangers of unwanted parasites and be a beautiful addition to any home.
