Tag: invertebrates

  • Bumblebee Snail Care Guide: Engina mendicaria

    Bumblebee Snail Care Guide: Engina mendicaria

    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 minor hiccups – but what…

  • Pineapple Sponges: reef aquarium guide

    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 underwater pineapples. (You may not…

  • Majano Anemone: Identification and Removal

    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 the methods used to remove…

  • Stomatella Snail Care Guide: Stomatella spp.

    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 since they’re determined members of…

  • Maxima Clam Care Guide: Tridacna maxima

    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 effort – a little like…

  • Trochus Snail Care: Trochus spp.

    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 snag the proper snail from…

  • Rock Flower Anemone Care: Phymanthus spp.

    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…

  • Sexy Shrimp Care: Thor amboinensis

    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 found yourself looking to add…

  • Buying Saltwater Fish Online: Top Resources for Your Tank

    Buying Saltwater Fish Online: Top Resources for Your Tank

    The advice and support you get from your local fish store are worth their weight in gold. But not everyone in the hobby is located in an area with suitable options, Or maybe you’re looking for a broader selection of saltwater fish and corals. That means buying saltwater fish online. But with SO MANY potential…

  • Brittle Starfish Care: The Ophiuroidea Family

    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 them. And if you’re one…