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 …
Sea Hares: Facts, Eggs, Ink, and Care
If you’re looking for a challenging, unusual invertebrate to add to your tank, take a look at the sea hares. Due to the possible toxins these sea hares can release and their specific care requirements, the species are considered difficult to keep. It’s recommended that only expert-level hobbyists attempt to …
23 Interesting clean-up crew invertebrates that eat algae
We spend a lot of time, energy, and money in this hobby to create and maintain the proper aquarium conditions to keep our fish and corals happy. It just turns out that those conditions are also generally quite good at growing algae. Adding one or more of these interesting invertebrates …
The Bristle Worm: Your Ultimate Guide to This Pest
If you have ever seen a bristle worm in your reef tank, you probably agree they can be ugly little creatures. I’m pretty sure we’re genetically programmed to get creeped out by millipede-like invertebrates. And once you start looking, you’ll find TONS of energy and discussion about this lowly polychaete …
Harlequin Shrimp Care Guide
Harlequin shrimp (Hymenocera picta), in my opinion, are one of the most beautiful marine invertebrates in the world. Just take a look! They are mostly white with colorful spots all over their mantis-shaped body. In general, they grow to a maximum size of 2 inches. (Females come out significantly larger …
