Blue Velvet Slug

Blue Velvet Slug

Description of the Blue Velvet Slug
The Blue Velvet Slug is also commonly known as the Blue Velvet Nudibranch. It is a marine sea slug that makes a very useful addition to the marine tropical aquarium as it is often used to get rid of flatworms that are causing a nuisance in the tank.

Profile of the Blue Velvet Slug
This Profile contains interesting facts and information about the Blue Velvet Slug species.

• Size: Up to 7cm

• Fish Tank conditions: PH 8.1 to 8.4. Temp: 20 to 25 Degrees

• Diet / Feeding: Dried or Frozen Foods particularly Flatworms

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Habitat: Shallow sandy bottoms of lagoons and bays

• Behaviour: Good addition to Community Tank

• Range: South Western Pacific Ocean

Scientific Classification of the Blue Velvet Slug
Definition: Scientific classification, or biological classification, is how biologists group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the science of taxonomy.

• Species: Chelidonura varians

• Popular Name: Blue Velvet Slug - Blue Velvet Nudibranch

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Mollusca

• Class: Gastropoda

• Family: Aglajidae

Interesting Facts and Information - How do you identify the sex of a Blue Velvet Slug?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Blue Velvet Slug slimy?
Blue Velvet Slug secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Blue Velvet Slug to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do Blue Velvet Slug have gills?
Gills enable the Blue Velvet Slug to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Interesting Facts and Information - Why do the Blue Velvet Slug have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Blue Velvet Slug has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Blue Velvet Slug has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Blue Velvet Slug has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Blue Velvet Slug has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Blue Velvet Slug