Lettuce Nudibranch

The Lettuce Nudibranch (Elysia crispata), also known as the Lettuce Sea Slug, is a captivating marine invertebrate admired for its unique appearance and beneficial algae-eating habits. Despite its common name, it is not a true nudibranch but shares similar characteristics.

Essential Information

• Common Names: Lettuce Nudibranch, Lettuce Sea Slug
• Scientific Name: Elysia crispata
• Family: Plakobranchidae
• Origin/Habitat: Native to the Caribbean Sea, inhabiting shallow coastal waters, often found among coral reefs and rocky substrates.
• Maximum Size: Typically grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.
• Lifespan: In captivity, they have a relatively short lifespan, often ranging from 6 months to a year.
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate; requires specific care to thrive in aquarium settings.
• Reef Safe: Yes; they are peaceful and do not harm corals or other reef inhabitants.

Appearance & Physical Traits

• Coloration & Pattern: Notable for their vibrant green coloration and ruffled, leaf-like body structure, resembling a piece of lettuce.
• Body Shape & Structure: Their ruffled parapodia increase surface area, aiding in photosynthesis due to the symbiotic algae within their tissues.

Habitat & Environmental Needs

• Minimum Tank Size: A well-established aquarium of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended to provide adequate space and stable water conditions.
• Water Temperature: Prefer temperatures between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 25.5°C).
• pH Level: Maintain between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide ample live rock and a sandy substrate to offer grazing surfaces and hiding spots.

Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Herbivorous; primarily consumes various forms of algae.
• Preferred Foods: Feeds on filamentous algae and other microalgae present on rocks and aquarium surfaces.
• Feeding Frequency: In a well-established aquarium with sufficient algae growth, they typically do not require supplemental feeding.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive; spends much of the day grazing on algae.
• Social Behavior: Compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Avoid housing with aggressive predators that may prey on nudibranchs.
• Activity Level: Primarily active during nighttime hours.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes

• Ease of Care: Moderate; they are sensitive to water quality and require stable parameters.
• Special Requirements: Ensure stable water parameters and avoid exposure to powerheads or intake filters, as they are prone to injury.
• Breeding Info: Breeding in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved.
• Additional Notes: Lettuce Nudibranchs are known for their ability to incorporate chloroplasts from algae into their tissues, allowing them to perform photosynthesis, a process known as kleptoplasty.