The bumblebee snail (Engina mendicaria) checks off all of the popular categories: They’re colorful (if you couldn’t guess from their name). You won’t have trouble caring for them. And they provide multiple benefits to your saltwater aquarium. Not too shabby for a little gastropod! Of course, there are a few …
Pineapple Sponges: reef aquarium guide
“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” Okay, yes, everyone knows the iconic line from SpongeBob. But do you know you CAN find such a thing? Pineapple sponges, I mean. However, they’re not as easy to spot as a certain pants-wearing character. And some hobbyists aren’t fans of these …
Majano Anemone: Identification and Removal
Hobbyists know the look of the dreaded Aiptasia anemone. Spotting this plague of saltwater aquariums is an acquired skill (not to mention learning to route the invader). But what about the similar majano anemone? You need to look close to tell the two species apart. And, yes, it matters. Because …
Stomatella Snail Care Guide: Stomatella spp.
The stomatella snail (Stomatella spp.) often pops up in saltwater aquariums unannounced. And – depending on the species – it can cause confusion. Is it a slug? A nudibranch? Or is it really the snail everyone claims? You need to take a close look to appreciate these little gastropods. And …
Zoanthid Gardens
If you have a reef tank, odds are you have a zoanthid or two. Or ten. Zoas get addicting. They’re a hobbyist favorite courtesy of the hundreds of potential colors and ease of keeping. And the popularity of these “corals” has prompted the move toward cultivating zoanthid gardens. If you …
Maxima Clam Care Guide: Tridacna maxima
The maxima clam (Tridacna maxima) earns the title of Holy Grail of Aquarium Clams. And you don’t even need to undertake a quest to find one! All you need is a proper setup within your saltwater aquarium. Easy, right? As it turns out, these stunning clams require a bit more …
15 Reef safe starfish (and 3 that aren’t)
I am guilty of making a starfish impulse buy. Have you ever been tempted? These amazing invertebrates can be hard to resist Reef safe starfish and sea stars The monicker reef safe can only be liberally applied to any member of the starfish family. They tend to be reef safe, …
Trochus Snail Care: Trochus spp.
The trochus snail (Trochus spp.) earns its place as a dutiful saltwater aquarium clean-up crew member. They’re also attractive to keep around the tank. (Who doesn’t love combining form and function?) You don’t need to stretch to manage the gastropods, either. It’s the best of every world – provided you …
Rock Flower Anemone Care: Phymanthus spp.
The rock flower anemone (Phymanthus spp.) gets its name from the staggering variety of colors the different morphs come in. Not to mention the structure of the oral disc. With no tentacles surrounding the mouth, they resemble a brilliant field of, well – flowers. And if you’ve ever considered adding …
Sexy Shrimp Care: Thor amboinensis
The sexy shrimp (Thor amboinensis) checks every box when it comes to invertebrates. Intriguing name? No need to explain that one. Engaging behavior? They’ll happily distract you from every task on your To-Do List. Fascinating to look at? Well, they’re not called “sexy shrimp” for nothing! If you haven’t already …
