Halimeda sea slug

[lutz123]

While feeding this morning, I noticed this little guy waving around in the current - later determined to be some species of halimeda loving sea slug from the Caribbean. I got the halimeda a few weeks ago from KP Aquatics in the Keys. I love all of the various hitchhikers in this hobby but I'm guessing this one I should do without? It appears that (some) halimeda contains diterpenoid metabolites to deter being eaten and that some species of sea slugs incorporate those into the toxic defense. You can see in one of the pictures that the halimeda is a favorite anchor for one of the seahorses, and while these 2 girls exclusively eat mysis, I'm worried that one of them may snick at the sea slug. Not to mention, I only have one clump of halimeda and the food source may run out quickly unless they eat something else. Thoughts?

 

In reading back, it looks like I've answered my own question. I really hate removing critters. Maybe he can live in a refugium with halimeda in there.

 

[Coral Hind]

That's pretty cool and nice camouflage. I would leave it in there awhile and see what happens before removing it. 

[Arkonen]

I showed this to my wife and in her words "Ooh it looks like a baby Shrek with cute stalk-y looking ears!".  Take from that what you will lol.

[zygote2k]

ditch the seahorses and raise the slugs.

[lutz123]

Shrek it is - tell your wife thanks! We will see what happens. I will probably get some more halimeda anyway.

 

When I set up with the TB Saltwater rock later this year I am going to have a tough time with hitchhikers!