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 …
Brittle Starfish Care: The Ophiuroidea Family
The brittle starfish (Ophiuroidea) or brittle star group either enchant or repulse you. They follow the expected pattern of five “limbs,” but they lack that adorable star design. Instead, you get long, snaking legs that move in every direction – sometimes independently. But these echinoderms bring a particular fascination with …
Powerful Pistol Shrimp: Snapping, Symbiosis, and More
When it comes time to choose your reef tank invertebrates, you’re spoiled for choice. And you’ll find plenty of popular options. But have you considered the pistol shrimp? This amazing crustacean often slides under the radar with hobbyists (a tongue-in-cheek joke if you aren’t familiar with the species). It isn’t …
Peppermint Shrimp Care Guide: Lysmata wurdemanni
Peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni) are brightly colored, inexpensive saltwater reef shrimp species often recommended to help control Aiptasia anemone populations. But they’re also fun, engaging, easy-to-care-for invertebrates that add color and variety to your reef tank. If you’ve never considered these crustaceans before, let’s dive a bit deeper into their …
Vermetid Snails: Destructive Aquarium Pests
Ask any aquarist to rattle off a list of their most dreaded pests, and you’ll find vermetid snails. These invertebrates wreak havoc on reef tanks in no time at all. Even worse, trying to find and eradicate them can pose a challenge. Good thing you have this handy primer to …
6 Sensational Saltwater Shrimp Every Aquarist Loves
Every aquarist wants that little bit of elegance and character for their reef tank. And these sensational saltwater shrimp do the trick. Not only do you get some vibrant colors and patterns (always a plus), but you’ll also gain some extra activity and help around the aquarium. (Form AND function …
Serpent Starfish Care: Ophiuroidea
When people think of starfish, they call to mind the five-pointed echinoderms you learn to recognize as a kid. So you might overlook serpent starfish at first glance. These brightly colored members of the group trade in those “stubby” arms for long, snake-like limbs. It’s the perfect touch to a saltwater …
