Wedge Sea Slug (Dolabella auricularia)

Description

Range:Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size:16 inches (40 cm)

Natural Environment:Inhabits intertidal zones where seaweed and seagrass occurs and is usually seen to depths of about 6 to 30 feet (2 – 10 m).

General Husbandry:Occasionally small specimens are seen in the trade and sold as a major herbivore.

Needs a constant supply of algae/nori to continue to do well, and may be a good eliminator of unwanted algae blooms!

Expel an ink cloud when disturbed; yet it’s harmless to fishes.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom:Animalia

Phylum:Mollusca

Class:Gastropoda

Order:Anaspidea

Family:Aplysiidae

Genus:Dolabella

FYI:A valuable herbivore for algae infested aquariums, however, has only a one-year lifespan.

Experience Level:Expert

Diet:Herbivore

Temperament:Peaceful

Aquarium Environment:Reef or fish-only aquarium

Coral Safe:Yes

Fish Safe:Yes

Invertebrate Safe:Yes

Acclimation Time:30 minutes+

Aquarium Hardiness:Difficult

Temperature Range:72 – 83F (22 – 28C)

Minimum Tank Size:100 gallons

Lighting:Unaffected by intensity

Water Movement:WM 1 – 2

Specific Gravity:1.023 – 1.025

pH:8.0 – 8.4