Berghia Nudibranch

In-house bred Berghia Nudibranch (Berghia stephanieae) is one of the most targeted biological solutions available for Aiptasia control in reef aquariums. We breed our Berghia in-house at New Dawn Aquaculture, and they are intended for reef keepers dealing with a real, established Aiptasia problem who want a reef-safe, species-specific control method.

Berghia are obligate Aiptasia eaters. They do not graze algae, detritus, or leftover fish food, and they will not switch to prepared foods. Their value comes from that specialization, but it also means they should only be added to aquariums with enough Aiptasia to support them.

How We Recommend Using Berghia

We recommend starting with 4 to 5 Berghia, added all at once. A single Berghia is very unlikely to accomplish much on its own. For Berghia to be effective, the goal is to establish a breeding population in the aquarium, and that usually takes time.

In most cases, it takes around 2 to 3 months after introduction for Berghia to eliminate Aiptasia, though timing depends on infestation size, tank conditions, and whether the nudibranchs are able to settle in and reproduce successfully. In general, the more you add at the start, the better the chances of getting a breeding population established.

Introduction Matters

When introducing Berghia, keep the group together. Do not spread them around different parts of the tank. Your goal is to get them safely into the rockwork together, where they can settle, feed, and begin establishing a population.

• Turn down or shut off flow during introduction
• Keep fish away while the Berghia move into the rockwork
• Add them during the daytime, not at night
• Because they are nocturnal, they will usually move into the rocks right away to hide

This approach gives them the best chance to avoid predation, settle in quickly, and stay concentrated where breeding is more likely to begin.

What To Expect

Berghia are not a fast visual fix. They are a slower biological approach that works over time. The early goal is not just feeding, but establishing enough animals in the rockwork to reproduce and continue working through the Aiptasia population.

Once the Aiptasia population is nearly gone, you may begin to see Berghia appearing on the glass more often. That is usually a sign they are struggling to find enough food in the system.

Reading Their Condition

Well-fed Berghia often show a bluish-grey colour in their cerata. Berghia that have not eaten for some time tend to appear pure white. That colour change can be a useful practical indicator of whether they are still finding enough Aiptasia in the tank.

Best Fit For This Animal

• Established reef tanks with a visible Aiptasia problem
• Reef keepers who want a natural, species-specific control method
• Systems where flow can be reduced during introduction
• Aquariums where fish and other predators can be managed during release

Before You Order

This is a specialist livestock item for a specific pest problem, not a general clean-up crew animal. If your goal is targeted Aiptasia control and your tank can support them, Berghia can be an excellent long-game solution. For delivery details, review our shipping page and Arrive Alive Guarantee before checkout.