QM Labs Announces In-House Cultured Chaetomorpha and Berghia

Quality Marine is pleased to announce QM Labs has begun cultivating Chaetomorpha algae and Berghia nudibranchs.

Chaetomorpha, sometimes shortened to Chaeto and nicknamed Cheato or spaghetti algae, is an excellent nutrient sink for the aquarium. It consumes large amounts of nitrates and phosphates from the water column, helping to control the growth of undesirable algae.

With Chaetomorpha’s unique growth structure, it is ideal for use in an algae reactor or refugium due to its tendency to grow in all directions. This distinctive appearance also makes it an attention-grabbing addition to any macroalgae display tank.

Because Chaetomorpha absorbs nutrients as it grows, it’s important to monitor its growth to prevent encroachment on other organisms. Regular trimming and harvesting will keep growth in check and provide Chaetomorpha for other uses, such as feeding herbivorous fish or distributing to local hobbyists or retailers.

QM Labs uses proprietary Chaetomorpha reactors to cultivate algae, employing algae-focused lighting and nutrient profiles to maximize Chaetomorpha growth. These reactors are plumbed into our fishless invertebrate system, ensuring our Chaetomorpha remains free of fish disease. This makes QM Labs’ cultured Chaetomorpha suitable for use not only in quarantine tanks but also as a disease-free fish food. After harvest, the Chaetomorpha is carefully inspected prior to sale to ensure no extraneous algae growth on the product.

Aiptasia can be a significant nuisance in reef aquariums, aquarists are always seeking solutions to control and eradicate this common pest.  Unfortunately, many solutions come at the expense of other tank inhabitants, such as Aiptasia-eating fish or invertebrates that nip at corals. Because nudibranchs have highly specific diets, Berghia pose no such risk and are becoming a go-to organism for Aiptasia control.

Berghia is a species of aeolid nudibranch commonly found in shallow waters throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Atlantic Ocean. They have quickly risen in popularity among marine hobbyists for their ease of care, rapid reproduction, and, most importantly, their sole diet consisting of nuisance Aiptasia Anemones.

Berghia Nudibranchs are commonly observed reproducing in reef tanks, laying egg clutches of hundreds to thousands, making it easy to build a population that can eradicate an Aiptasia infestation in a matter of months. These small nudibranchs reach about 1.5 inches in length and can reproduce at less than half this size, with clutch sizes increasing over time. Due to their small size and relatively short lifespan of about 12 months, it’s recommended to start with multiple specimens so they can begin reproducing in the tank and keep Aiptasia in check as they appear.

Berghia are primarily nocturnal, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see them feeding on Aiptasia. You’ll know they’re doing their job as the anemones begin to disappear. They thrive with a variety of tank mates but should not be kept in reef tanks with most wrasses, Arrow Crabs, or Peppermint and Camel Shrimp. Berghia are not picky about water quality and can be kept in any system capable of maintaining and growing Aiptasia.

QM Labs uses a bio-secure culturing system for reproducing both our Berghia and the Aiptasia they consume, meaning that adding a QM Labs Berghia to your tank adds only QM Labs Berghia. Broodstock Berghia are fed rigorously, and egg clutches are separated for specialized rearing in separate tanks, where they hatch and progress to maturity. QM Labs Berghia are sold at about a quarter-inch in size and live roughly 6–9 months, providing ample time for Aiptasia consumption and breeding in the home aquarium.

The challenges of nutrient control and pest organisms are on the minds of many hobbyists—and for good reason. But with Quality Marine’s QM Labs cultured Chaetomorpha and Berghia, these problems will soon be a thing of the past.