Tag: carnivore
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Yellowhead Jawfish Care Guide: Opistognathus aurifrons
The yellowhead jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) is one of the most personable of the jawfish group. Hobbyists get the best of both worlds: a burrowing species that happens to enjoy people-watching. And if you provide the best conditions for your little excavator, you can expect it to “spy hop” throughout the day. All it takes is…
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Red Coris Wrasse Care Guide: Coris gaimard
The red coris wrasse (Coris gaimard) looks stunning – something you could probably guess with additional common names of rainbow wrasse and clown wrasse. But this popular saltwater species also provides a beneficial service of rooting out unwanted bristle worms. (Who doesn’t love form and function fish?) There are one or two little quirks to…
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Ruby Red Dragonet Care Guide: Synchiropus sycorax
The ruby red dragonet (Synchiropus sycorax) holds a special place in aquarium history. This gorgeous member of the Callionymidae family made an appearance in the aquarium industry THIS century. Not impressive enough? What if I also mentioned they did so without a scientific name? STILL not impressed? How about if I told you their eventual…
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Christmas Wrasse Care Guide: Halichoeres claudia
The Christmas wrasse (Halichoeres claudia) makes the perfect holiday addition to any saltwater aquarium tank. Seriously – it’s right there in the name. Okay, so maybe you’re scouting a new species outside of the winter festivities. This member of the Labridae family still works – provided you can find them in stock at your local…
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Queen Triggerfish Care Guide: Balistes vetula
The queen triggerfish (Balistes vetula) is one of the most iconic saltwater fish patrolling the Atlantic Ocean. Their gorgeous colors appeal to any aquarist looking for a dramatic centerpiece species. Unfortunately, their sheer size and aggressive habits make them unsuitable for most home aquariums. If you’re looking to add one of these royal brutes to…
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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 a sea anemone to your…
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Clown Triggerfish Care: Balistoides conspicillum
The clown triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) get their name from two different sources: that vibrant appearance and the bubbly personality they bring to a saltwater aquarium. Plenty of hobbyists yearn to add one of these curious triggers to their collection. And while you couldn’t ask for a more engaging fish, you need to do some homework.…
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Niger Triggerfish Care: Odonus niger
The Niger triggerfish (Odonus niger) checks all of the boxes when it comes to saltwater aquariums. First, you get a unique football shape with stunning colors (right down to a set of prominent “fangs”). And then there’s a delightful personality once your trigger settles into the tank. They’re a genuine delight – provided you can…
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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 as famous as the cleaner…
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Clown Goby Care: Gobiodon spp.
The clown goby (Gobiodon spp.) charms people with a combination of its tiny size, cute shape, and dazzling array of colors. You don’t need to break the bank to add one – or even a pair – to your display reef tank, either. And under ideal conditions, they’ll add the perfect touch of activity. You…
