Tag: Reef-safe
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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…
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Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) Care: 10 Helpful Tips
The flame angelfish (Centropyge loricula) is one of the most popular of the dwarf angelfish species. Spot one in a tank, and you’ll realize why they’re so popular. The fish get their name from the fiery red bodies, set off with an orange center – almost as if they possessed a fiery core. They also…
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Green Chromis Care Guide: Chromis viridis
The green chromis (Chromis viridis) or blue-green chromis is one of the most popular fish species in the aquarium trade. They rank at the top courtesy of affordable prices, superb coloration, boldness and energy, and shoaling behaving, allowing them to get purchased in large numbers to create a schooling effect in the tank. They belong…
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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…
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Blue Hippo Tang Care Guide: Paracanthus hepatus
There are actually three different, popular saltwater fish species that share the common name, blue tang. The Powder blue tang, the Atlantic blue tang are beautiful fish, but the most famous and popular of the three is the Royal blue tang, Paracanthus hepatus, made popular by the Pixar movies Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. Truth…
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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…
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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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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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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 quirks, how to care for…
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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…
