by AquaNerd | Aug 13, 2016 | Fish, Invertebrates, Reef, Science
Wrasses are one of the most common fish in the aquarium trade but did you know that there are over 600 species of identified Wrasses within 82 genera; making Wrasses one of the largest fish families.  Typically, wrasses are small in size with most maturing to under 8 inches long.  However, some such as the Humphead wrasse can grow to over 8 feet in length!  While most wrasses are efficient carnivores, typically feed on small invertebrates, the Humphead feeds on mollusks, reef fish and sea urchins. Some have even been known to eat poisonous sea hares, boxfish and crown-of-thorns starfish. Featured Image Credit: www.diving-dave.co.uk/ Wrasses are generally bottom dwellers, found primarily on rocky coral reefs or sandy bottoms and grass bottoms. Many species are by Saltwater Smarts | Aug 8, 2016 | Corals, Fish, Invertebrates, Reef, Science, Tanks
Freckled hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri)When it comes to keeping hawkfishes in aquaria, one of the more common admonitions is to avoid housing these predators with fish or crustaceans small enough to swallow. For most of the hawkfish species that grace our tanks, which generally have a maximum size somewhere between 3 and 5 inches, only very small tankmates are truly at risk. A noteworthy exception is the freckled hawkfish (Paracirrhites forsteri), which can reach a rather prodigious size and has a mouth to match. You really have to take that warning seriously with this species! That said, P. forsteri is a hardy, easy-to-care-for hawk that makes a worthy aquarium candidate provided tankmates and housing are chosen judiciously.Physical traits P. forsteri has the deep, stout body and high-set eyes, typical of the hawkfishes. Its maximum size is approximately 8½ inches. by Joe Rowlett | Aug 1, 2016 | Invertebrates, Science
Plesionika is a highly diverse and poorly known group of delicate shrimps that constitutes a considerable crustacean component of mesophotic reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific. Several species have been known to sporadically show up in aquarium exports (most often in... by Saltwater Smarts | Jul 31, 2016 | Corals, Fish, Invertebrates, Reef, Science
In general, acros are less tolerant of fluctuations in water parameters than other coralsQuestionI just introduced an Acropora to my 65-gallon reef tank, and it’s already starting to bleach on me. I’d say about one-quarter to one-third of the colony has already bleached, and it’s been in the tank less than a week. This is my first acro. Apart from it, I have several different varieties of soft corals and zoa colonies. The fish include 6 blue-green chromis, 1 royal gramma, 3 polka-dot cardinalfish, and 1 lawnmower blenny. All my water parameters are fine, and my lighting (high-output T5s) and water movement are both good. I placed the Acropora high in the tank close to the lights, so I know insufficient light isn’t the problem. by AquaNerd | Jul 29, 2016 | Aquaculture, Conservation, Fish, Industry, Invertebrates, Reef, Science, Sustainability, Tanks
Quality Marine Press Release Announcement available for the public – The First Ever Aquacultured Yasha Gobies Headed to Quality Marine Pursuant to our continued efforts to support captive breeding initiatives, as well as our dedication to remaining a leading source of aquacultured specimens whenever available, Quality Marine is excited to announce we’re adding yet another breakthrough species to our growing list – the Yasha Goby (Stonogoniops yasha). S. yasha is easily one of the most desirable species of goby available to aquarists. Known as the Yasha Goby (or, alternatively, the White Ray Shrimpgoby), this tiny fish is definitely not small in beauty or personality, with its vibrant red and white patterning and its greatly elongated dorsal fin. Like others in its genus, the Yasha Goby associates by Barry Brown | Jul 28, 2016 | Fish, Invertebrates, Photography, Reef, Science, Technology
Good morning, or should I say GREAT morning, I got a fish named after me today!! Is that super cool or what?? For years I have been photographing all the new finds made by the Smithsonian, many I have posted for you all to see. Most of the fish and creatures that come up from the deep are new species meaning yours truly was the 1st to take their photos, it’s a honor beyond belief! Below is one of the many press releases that came out today, read on…
