Purple Dragon Sea Slug

[Agamerce]

I am lucky enough to have 5/6 lfs to fill my tank, seek advise, and buy from. I have visited most, including yesterday's visit, and was looking at the inverts stock tank when I noticed this guy, okay several, and thought the lfs had placed a coral in together when I realized that it's a slug. I really really like the color. Isnt it awesome looking?

I know nothing about these slugs and wonder if I can add them to my 30 gallon reef. Is there a write-up at liveaquaria or will they fit my tank? What do they eat? How to maintain? Peaceful?

Current tank:
Gony, dottyback, mandarin, black cap basslet, 6 line, fire, and royal gramma.
Coral: basic neub LPS

Thanks for your help!
I will add a picture for all the currious ones like me.

 

[Agamerce]

This is a picture of the slug

 

[KJ]

Purple sea slug (Hypselodoris apolegma)

 

[Naiad]

http://www.seaslugforum.net/showall/hypsapol

Sponge eater. Very very difficult to keep in captivity!

 

[dodgerblew]

Bad idea. I know I sound like I'm on a soapbox but if your lfs carries them then that's a store I avoid because its irresponsible on their part to do so or they aren't knowledgeable enough to know better. Many of these slugs feed only on one particular thing and that isn't available for them to eat in your tank. I hope you pass

 

[Agamerce]

Purple sea slug (Hypselodoris apolegma)

Thanks for the reference KJ!

 

[Agamerce]

http://www.seaslugforum.net/showall/hypsapol

Sponge eater. Very very difficult to keep in captivity!

By far the best resource available, Naiad. The first reply of that article sums it all up.

 

[Agamerce]

Bad idea. I know I sound like I'm on a soapbox but if your lfs carries them then that's a store I avoid because its irresponsible on their part to do so or they aren't knowledgeable enough to know better. Many of these slugs feed only on one particular thing and that isn't available for them to eat in your tank. I hope you pass

Dodgerblew, a real beauty to appreciate naturally. I'm glad I asked. No soap box, I think many agree.

 

[Agamerce]

repost

 

[Naiad]

Yes I have heard only one or two success stories of keeping them over 6 months. These usually are only from people that can get fresh sponge rock from the ocean regularly or are lucky enough to have a system that favors large sponge growth. I am not even sure 6 months is a real success though.

 

[Agamerce]

Lfs sale price picture for reference