{"product_id":"lettuce-nudibranch","title":"Lettuce Nudibranch","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"40\" data-end=\"319\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"66\"\u003eLettuce Nudibranch\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem data-start=\"68\" data-end=\"85\"\u003eElysia crispata\u003c\/em\u003e), 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"346\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"321\" data-end=\"346\"\u003eEssential Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"348\" data-end=\"404\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"350\" data-end=\"367\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lettuce Nudibranch, Lettuce Sea Slug\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"405\" data-end=\"445\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"427\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"445\"\u003eElysia crispata\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"475\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"459\"\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plakobranchidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"476\" data-end=\"613\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"478\" data-end=\"497\"\u003eOrigin\/Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to the Caribbean Sea, inhabiting shallow coastal waters, often found among coral reefs and rocky substrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"614\" data-end=\"682\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"616\" data-end=\"633\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Typically grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) in length.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"683\" data-end=\"828\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"685\" data-end=\"698\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e In captivity, they have a relatively short lifespan, often ranging from 6 months to a year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"829\" data-end=\"920\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"831\" data-end=\"855\"\u003eLevel of Difficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; requires specific care to thrive in aquarium settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"921\" data-end=\"1010\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"937\"\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes; they are peaceful and do not harm corals or other reef inhabitants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1044\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1012\" data-end=\"1044\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Physical Traits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1046\" data-end=\"1337\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1046\" data-end=\"1186\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1073\"\u003eColoration \u0026amp; Pattern:\u003c\/strong\u003e Notable for their vibrant green coloration and ruffled, leaf-like body structure, resembling a piece of lettuce.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1187\" data-end=\"1337\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1216\"\u003eBody Shape \u0026amp; Structure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Their ruffled parapodia increase surface area, aiding in photosynthesis due to the symbiotic algae within their tissues.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1339\" data-end=\"1372\"\u003eHabitat \u0026amp; Environmental Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1826\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1374\" data-end=\"1531\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1376\" data-end=\"1398\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e A well-established aquarium of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended to provide adequate space and stable water conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1532\" data-end=\"1616\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1556\"\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prefer temperatures between 72°F and 78°F (22°C to 25.5°C).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1662\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1619\" data-end=\"1632\"\u003epH Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain between 8.1 and 8.4.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1719\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1686\"\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1826\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1736\"\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide ample live rock and a sandy substrate to offer grazing surfaces and hiding spots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1846\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1828\" data-end=\"1846\"\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"2169\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1848\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1850\" data-end=\"1864\"\u003eDiet Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Herbivorous; primarily consumes various forms of algae.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1921\" data-end=\"2031\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1923\" data-end=\"1943\"\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feeds on filamentous algae and other microalgae present on rocks and aquarium surfaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2169\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2034\" data-end=\"2056\"\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e In a well-established aquarium with sufficient algae growth, they typically do not require supplemental feeding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2199\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2171\" data-end=\"2199\"\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2201\" data-end=\"2289\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2203\" data-end=\"2219\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful and non-aggressive; spends much of the day grazing on algae.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2290\" data-end=\"2378\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2292\" data-end=\"2312\"\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish and invertebrates.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2379\" data-end=\"2479\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2381\" data-end=\"2409\"\u003eTank Mate Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid housing with aggressive predators that may prey on nudibranchs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2480\" data-end=\"2542\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2482\" data-end=\"2501\"\u003eActivity Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Primarily active during nighttime hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2586\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2544\" data-end=\"2586\"\u003eCare Considerations \u0026amp; Additional Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"3190\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2588\" data-end=\"2684\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2590\" data-end=\"2607\"\u003eEase of Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate; they are sensitive to water quality and require stable parameters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2685\" data-end=\"2862\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2687\" data-end=\"2712\"\u003eSpecial Requirements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ensure stable water parameters and avoid exposure to powerheads or intake filters, as they are prone to injury.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2947\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2865\" data-end=\"2883\"\u003eBreeding Info:\u003c\/strong\u003e Breeding in captivity is challenging and not commonly achieved.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"3190\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2950\" data-end=\"2971\"\u003eAdditional Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Inverts Bay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43072906690699,"sku":"4307290669","price":35.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/8578\/9835\/files\/lettuce-nudibranch.jpg?v=1739325763","url":"https:\/\/ca9ea5-6d.myshopify.com\/products\/lettuce-nudibranch","provider":"Inverts Bay","version":"1.0","type":"link"}