Lettuce Nudibranch

The Lettuce Nudibranch is a frilled, leaf-like sea slug whose folded sides make it a distinctive inhabitant of an algae-rich marine aquarium. Despite the familiar trade name, lettuce sea slugs belong to the sap-sucking sea slugs rather than the true nudibranchs.

Their diet is selective. They feed on particular algae and may retain functional chloroplasts from that food, but light does not eliminate the need to eat. Before adding one, establish a renewable supply of algae it actually consumes; a tank containing unrelated nuisance algae is not automatically suitable.

Provide gentle access to grazing surfaces and cover pump intakes and overflows. The soft body is easily damaged by strong suction or rough handling. Choose peaceful tankmates and track ongoing feeding, especially after the initial patch of acceptable algae has been consumed.