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 aquarists for decades. Fortunately, the Berghia is very small in size and can enter those tiny spaces, without damaging the coral or live rock. Nudibranchs are the only species capable of consuming the entire aiptasia and therefore 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.
Berghia also reproduces rapidly, due to its 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, which is not visible to the naked eye, and eliminate the parasite completely before it reaches adulthood. Berghia can eat Aiptasia successfully, 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 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 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 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 won’t be able to help, such as an infestation occurring in the pipes, power headers, 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 for Berghia to get rid of the Aiptasia infestation?
This mainly depends on how severe the Aiptasia infestation is and how many Berghia have gotten 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 be discouraged if you do not see immediate results. Berghia needs time to acclimate to her new surroundings before she 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 vivaroca or coral, such as butterflyfish, limes, wrasse, and some species of crazy backs. 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 long as you acclimate 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 from unwanted parasite hazards and make a beautiful addition to any home.