Blue Velvet Sea Slug
(Chelidonura varians)

Descrição

The research provided a good amount of information on *Chelidonura varians*, the Blue Velvet Sea Slug.

Here’s a summary of the key data points extracted:

* **Scientific Name:** *Chelidonura varians*
* **Common Name / Variant:** Blue Velvet Sea Slug, Blue Doris, Blue Velvet Nudibranch (though it’s not a true nudibranch), Head Shield Sea Slug
* **Maximum Size:** 7 cm (3 inches) (Consensus is 7cm/3 inches)
* **Origin:** Tropical Indo-West Pacific, including the Red Sea
* **pH Range:** 8.0-8.4, 8.1-8.4 (Consensus is 8.1-8.4)
* **Temperature:** 22-28°C (72-83°F), 21.1-25.6°C (70-78°F), 72-78F, 74-82° F, 24-27°C (I’ll use 22-27°C as a safe range based on multiple sources).
* **Lifespan:** Around 3 months in aquariums, 2-3 years (The 2-3 years seems to be an outlier and most sources point to a very limited lifespan of around 3 months in captivity, especially once flatworms are gone. I will emphasize the short lifespan due to specialized diet).
* **Swimming Zone:** Benthic, primarily on sand and live rock; moves gracefully over sand (Bottom/mid, as they can also “float” – but primarily benthic).
* **Care Level:** Expert (Consensus is expert due to specialized diet and sensitivity).
* **Diet:** Specialized predator, eats only red planaria flatworms (*Convolutriloba retrogemma*). Will starve without them.
* **Tank Size:** Minimum 10 gallons, 20 gallons, 24 gallons, 30 gallons, 100 liters. I will use 40L (approx 10 gallons) as a minimum, but emphasize more for stable conditions. Given the 100L from, 40L seems a bit low for stability, but many sources state 10-24 gallons. I’ll aim for a moderate minimum and stress stability. Let’s go with 40L to cover the lower end but advise larger for stability.
* **Temperament:** Peaceful.
* **Compatibility:** Non-aggressive to other marine inhabitants, fish, and corals. Can be preyed upon by aggressive wrasses. Poisonous when eating flatworms, but generally harmless to tankmates.
* **Special Notes:** Sensitive to water changes, nitrates, chemicals/medications (especially copper). Needs slow drip acclimation. Can be sucked into powerheads/overflows, require screening. Should be removed immediately if it dies due to toxin release. Primarily nocturnal.

I have enough information to proceed with writing the description.
I will ensure to highlight the “Expert” care level and the very specific diet, as this is crucial for responsible fishkeeping.
The “Why Buy From Us” section will be generic and focus on store advantages, as per the prompt.
The swimming zone is primarily benthic/bottom, but they can move around on surfaces and even “float”, so I’ll classify it as bottom/mid.

Double-checking word counts as I write.
For temperature, 22-27°C covers the common ranges given (72-78°F, 70-78°F, 24-27°C).
For pH, 8.1-8.4 is consistent.
Max size 7cm (3 inches) is consistent.
Minimum tank size, 40L (approx 10 gallons) is the lowest common denominator, but will be contextualized with need for stability..

Blue Velvet Sea Slug: A Natural Flatworm Control Solution

Introduce the stunning Blue Velvet Sea Slug (*Chelidonura varians*) to your marine aquarium. Known for its striking appearance and unique predatory habits, this fascinating invertebrate offers an ecological approach to pest control.

Overview

The Blue Velvet Sea Slug features a captivating jet-black body adorned with vibrant electric blue lines outlining its edges and head. Its distinctive hammer-shaped head and two tail-like appendages, which cleverly mimic its flatworm prey, make it truly unique. These peaceful sea slugs gracefully glide over your sand and live rock, primarily active at night, offering an intriguing glimpse into natural predation in your reef system.

Care Level

This species is strictly for expert aquarists due to its highly specialized diet and sensitivity. The Blue Velvet Sea Slug is peaceful with other tank inhabitants, including fish and corals, but requires careful handling and stable water parameters. Avoid aggressive tankmates that might bother it.

Tank Essentials

A mature marine aquarium of at least 40 litres (approximately 10 gallons) is recommended, though larger tanks offer greater stability. Maintain a pH range of 8.1-8.4 and a temperature of 22-27°C. Provide plenty of live rock and sandy areas for exploration and hunting.

Diet

The Blue Velvet Sea Slug is a highly specialized carnivore, feeding exclusively on red planaria flatworms. It will not accept other foods and will unfortunately starve once its specific food source is depleted.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Blue Velvet Sea Slug online from us, you receive healthy aquarium fish and inverts, meticulously quarantined and carefully packaged. We prioritize ethical sourcing and humane shipping to ensure your new aquatic companion arrives in prime condition, ready to thrive in your prepared habitat. Trust Corais de Vidro for your next unique reef addition.

• Scientific Name: *Chelidonura varians*
• Common Name / Variant: Blue Velvet Sea Slug
• Maximum Size: 7 cm
• Origin: Indo-West Pacific
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Temperature: 22–27°C
• Lifespan: ≈3 months (in captivity, tied to food source availability)
• Swimming Zone: Bottom / Mid

Add this unique flatworm specialist to your expert-level reef aquarium today!