Tag: carnivore

  • Flame Hawkfish Care: Neocirrhitus armatus

    Flame Hawkfish Care: Neocirrhitus armatus

    The flame hawkfish (Neocirrhitus armatus) stands out in even the best reef crowds. They’re genuine charmers for aquarists looking for the perfect touch of RED to add to their tanks. But they’ll also make ideal choices for anyone who appreciates a bit of excitement. Because as members of the hawkfish group? They have delightful hunting…

  • Lyretail Anthias Care: Pseudanthias squamipinnis

    Lyretail Anthias Care: Pseudanthias squamipinnis

    Lyretail anthias (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) are some of the most attractive and active saltwater fish an aquarist can covet. They rarely cause problems with their management – earning bonus points. And their habits of swimming throughout the water column can even draw out shier species you might have in your aquarium. Table of Contents: Lyretail Anthias…

  • Fairy Wrasse Care: Cirrhilabrus spp.

    Fairy Wrasse Care: Cirrhilabrus spp.

    Fairy wrasses (Cirrhilabrus spp.) sport some of the best color patterns in the saltwater fish kingdom. Throw in personalities MUCH bigger than their size, and aquarists trip over themselves to obtain these “Holy Grail” species. They’re not the most difficult wrasses to manage, either, making them cheery additions to reef tanks. Table of Contents: Fairy…

  • Leopard Wrasse Care: Macropharyngodon spp.

    Leopard Wrasse Care: Macropharyngodon spp.

    Leopard wrasses (Macropharyngodon spp.) make colorful and active additions to any reef tank. They’re also helpful for anyone struggling to protect their Tridacna clams from troublesome pests. But all of those positives come with STEEP care needs. And unless you have plenty of experience under your belt, you’re probably better off admiring these beauties from…

  • Garden Eel Care: Heteroconger hassi

    Garden Eel Care: Heteroconger hassi

    Garden eels (Heteroconger hassi) often escape the notice of snorkelers and divers. Swaying among beds of seagrass on the sandy bottom, they blend seamlessly in with the plants. You need to look closely to pick out the fish from the foliage. You won’t have the same trouble in your home aquarium, but these spotted fish…

  • Squirrelfish Care: Family Holocentridae

    Squirrelfish Care: Family Holocentridae

    Squirrelfish (Family Holocentridae) get their name from their enormous, shiny black eyes. A nocturnal group, those round eyes come in handy when searching for food in low-light levels. And they happen to make them a charming addition to most reef aquariums. But – like the furry mammal they’re named for – squirrelfish come with some…

  • Panther Grouper Care: Cromileptes altivelis

    Panther Grouper Care: Cromileptes altivelis

    Panther groupers (Cromileptes altivelis) lure in plenty of aquarists. They look stunning in their dalmatian coats of white and black. And when fish stores stock them, they seem harmless enough. Of course, no one mentions those spotted groupers are juveniles. If you haven’t done your homework, you quickly find yourself struggling to keep up as…

  • Royal gramma

    Royal gramma

    Are you thinking about adding a Royal gramma basslet to your saltwater tank? If so, you’ll be in good company because Gramma loreto is a great beginner fish and is one of the most popular fish in the hobby. For a good reason! This is one of the first animals I added to my reef tank, and I…

  • Picasso Triggerfish

    Picasso Triggerfish

    Would you agree with me that the Picasso triggerfish, or Humu Humu, is truly a work of art? The fish has markings that resemble an abstract painting. As an easy to care for triggerfish, the Picasso is a very popular saltwater fish species. Want to know how to care for one in your saltwater aquarium? Let’s…

  • Diamond Goby Care

    Diamond Goby Care

    The Diamond Goby is a peaceful reef fish that will liven up your tank with a subtle burst of color (spots) and personality. They are a reasonably hardy species of fish that should be easy for beginners or advanced hobbyists to care for–and watching them dig through and sift the sand like a prospector is…