Description
Blue Velvet Nudibranch (Chelidonura varians)
Overview
The Blue Velvet Nudibranch is a striking marine gastropod with a sleek, deep blue body accented by a vibrant electric blue margin along its edges. Slow-moving and elegant, it adds a unique and eye-catching presence to mature marine aquariums.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Fiji, Chelidonura varians inhabits sandy and rubble substrates near coral reefs.
Feeding
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on flatworms and other small, soft-bodied invertebrates. Requires an established tank with a natural pest population or supplemental feeding to thrive.
Tank Mates
Peaceful and reef-safe toward corals and other invertebrates. Avoid aggressive fish or predators that may nip at soft-bodied species.
Aggression
Completely peaceful. Acts as a natural predator to flatworms but does not threaten other tank inhabitants.
Experience Level
Recommended for intermediate to advanced aquarists due to its specialized diet and sensitivity to water quality. Requires a stable, mature aquarium with clean sand or rubble substrate.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 74°F – 80°F (23°C – 27°C)
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Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 SG
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pH: 8.1 – 8.4
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Alkalinity: 8 – 12 dKH
Elegant, rare, and functional, the Blue Velvet Nudibranch (Chelidonura varians) is both a natural pest controller and a visually captivating addition to well-established reef tanks.
