Not furry either, still lovely.
Berghia Nudibranch
Berghia stephanieae
Also called Berghia, Aeolidiella stephanieae, Berghia verrucicornis (old trade name)
From A small area of the Florida Keys, USA.1
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Adults are usually about 0.8-1 cm, with a maximum of about 5 cm (Wikipedia). A retailer lists up to 4 in.
Looks how to spot one
Soft sea slug covered in finger-like cerata
A tiny sea slug whose back is crowded with finger-shaped projections called cerata. When bothered it can fan them out into a bristling pincushion.1
Personality what they are like
A shy, peaceful slug that hides in the rockwork by day and hunts Aiptasia anemones. It ignores corals and fish.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Crawls slowly over live rock searching for its prey.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Add several at once for faster results, and keep them away from fish or shrimp that eat small invertebrates. Plan ahead for where they go once the Aiptasia are gone, since they eat nothing else.12
Home where they are happiest
Any reef tank from about 40 L (10 US gal) with plenty of live rock where Aiptasia grow.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Eats only Aiptasia (glass) anemones; young slugs start feeding about two days after hatching.1
Company who they like around
Works best in a group; it breeds readily, laying egg masses that can hold over a thousand embryos.12
The story where it all began
Ángel Valdés described the species in 2005; before that it was sold under the wrong name Berghia verrucicornis. It became one of the most sold sea slugs in North America for controlling Aiptasia, and its genome was sequenced in 2024 for research.1
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- Taxonomy (via Wikipedia)
- Described by Valdés in 2005; family Aeolidiidae, order Nudibranchia.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Berghia Nudibranch. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingDepends on species, many feed from the light and the watervaries
- Salinity checkevery week
- Water testevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Light checkevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Berghia Nudibranch?
Your Berghia Nudibranch eats only Aiptasia anemones, so feeding is about having enough of those in the tank. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding depends on species, many feed from the light and the water, but for this slug you need a steady supply of Aiptasia. Once the Aiptasia are gone, you'll need to plan ahead since they eat nothing else.1 Furry Diary plan
What does a Berghia Nudibranch eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats only Aiptasia (glass) anemones, and young slugs start feeding about two days after hatching. It should never eat anything else, as it ignores corals and fish and will starve without Aiptasia.12
How much space does a Berghia Nudibranch need?
A reef tank from about 40 L (10 US gal) with plenty of live rock where Aiptasia grow is suitable. This gives them room to hunt and hide.2
What temperature, light or water does a Berghia Nudibranch need?
It needs a reef tank environment with stable saltwater conditions. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks, weekly water tests, daily top-ups with fresh RO water, and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. For exact temperature and light, ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder. Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Berghia Nudibranch's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a 10-20% water change every two weeks, plus weekly salinity checks and water tests. Daily top-ups with fresh RO water help maintain stability. Cleaning frequency can vary, so ask your vet for specifics. Furry Diary plan
Can a Berghia Nudibranch live with others?
Yes, it works best in a group and breeds readily, laying egg masses with over a thousand embryos. Keep it away from fish or shrimp that eat small invertebrates, as it is shy and peaceful.12
How long does a Berghia Nudibranch live?
Lifespan varies and is not specified in the provided facts. Ask your exotic-pet vet or a good breeder for more details.
Can I handle a Berghia Nudibranch?
It is a soft sea slug with finger-like cerata that can fan out when bothered. Handling is not recommended as it can stress the animal; it's best to observe it in the tank.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Berghia stephanieae (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for names, range, size, body, diet, reproduction, history, research use
- Berghia Nudibranch (Saltwaterfish.com) saltwaterfish.comused for tank size, care, grouping, aquarium role
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.