Tag: Moderate difficulty
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Blastomussa Coral Care: Blastomussa spp.
The blastomussa coral (Blastomussa spp.) group produces as much confusion as it does popularity. The impressive polyps these large polyp stony (LPS) corals extend into the water disguise the underlying calcium skeleton. And they give it a similar appearance to mushroom, brain, and even candy cane corals. It isn’t until those polyps retract that you…
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Orange Shoulder Tang Care: Acanthurus olivaceus
The orange shoulder tang (Acanthurus olivaceus) breaks the standard tang mold – at least, it will if you meet its care and management needs. They’re not the most aggressive in their family, and they undergo a dramatic change in color as they age, making them a popular saltwater fish in reef aquariums. Table of Contents: Orange…
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French Angelfish Care: Pomacanthus paru
French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) are a favorite with snorkelers and divers. Not only do they stand out in their natural reef environment, but they also have personalities that drive them to investigate any visitors. And that natural curiosity makes them every bit as enjoyable to house in a marine aquarium – provided you have the…
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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 than males) The three most…
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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…
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Gem Tang Care: Zebrasoma gemmatum
The Gem Tang (Zebrasoma gemmatum) holds the honor in the tang world as fetching the highest prices. Even juveniles command four digits. They may not be the flashiest members of the tang family, but they’re still stunning to behold. And if you’re going to spend THAT much on one of these gems (no pun intended), you’ll…
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Gorgeous Gonipora: Flower Pot Coral Care Guide
The Goniopora Flower Pot Coral is a spectacularly beautiful and delicate Large Polyp Stony (LPS) coral that used to be thought of as impossible to care for in a home aquarium but is now within reach of aquarium owners with experience caring for moderately difficult species who are willing to feed and nurture them. As…
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The Amazing Aiptasia Eating Filefish
Hopefully, you’ll agree that having the dreaded aiptasia anemone in your reef tank is a royal pain. In the event that you have this problem, a great solution and an interesting fish to add is the Aiptasia eating filefish, a unique species of saltwater fish that is visually interesting and can actually help you clean…
