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 - 83°F (22 - 28°C)
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