Wrasses are prone to jumping from the aquarium when startled or excited so we recommend a secure lid. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Most species may be kept in pairs or harems as long as they are added together or females first. They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first.They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina.Coris wrasses are easy to keep and have active personalities. They have big appetites for invertebrates, especially shrimp; however larger species may attack other crustaceans, snails, worms and starfish among others. They are often employed to eat pests of corals and clams including flatworms, fireworms, Montipora eating nudibranches, and pyramid snails; they may occasionally clean their fish tank mates. They do not bother corals or anemones, but may flip over rocks in their search for food. Large species may also bully or eat small fish, but they are typically nonaggressive with other large fish as long as they have a different shape. Similarly shaped fish are seen as a threat and may be targeted; we do not recommend keeping them with small species such as flasher wrasses.At night time or when threatened Coris wrasses will dive into the sand for protection. They can even swim under the sand to avoid predators. It is not uncommon to find the wrasse laying on top of the sand to rest during the day. A fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches will help them feel secure. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the wrasse dives in. The Red Coris is also known as the Yellow Tail coris for its bright lemon yellow caudal fin. Its body is a deep rusty orange decorated with navy blue spots and fiery orange fins. Juveniles are an intense tangerine orange with white tiger stripes along its back outlined in pure black and a transparent tail. Mature males have a light green band on the body like a belt, just above where its anal fin starts. Young fish are very similar to the Formosa wrasse but are overall brighter. It grows to 14 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 180 gallons.
Hermit crabs need to live inside of a snail shell in order to keep their soft bodies safe. Even with many shells available hermit crabs will occasionally kill snails in order to take their shell. Please ask our staff and we will be happy to supply you with some empty shells.The Red Dwarf Hermit is is a small to sized hermitcrab that eats a wide variety of algae including some hair algae. As it's name implies you can expect this hermit to have bright red or orange/red legs and is considered to be reef safe, however it is an opportunistic omnivore and will take food where it can find it. It will also eat detritus, algae, fish food, and anything else edible.The Red Dwarf Hermit will spend the majority of it's time on the rock work picking at algae.
Wrasses are prone to jumping from the aquarium when startled or excited so we recommend a secure lid. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Most species may be kept in pairs or harems as long as they are added together or females first. They do not appreciate living with other species of wrasse, so any aquarium with several species must be large enough and the most peaceful species added first.They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina.Coris wrasses are easy to keep and have active personalities. They have big appetites for invertebrates, especially shrimp; however larger species may attack other crustaceans, snails, worms and starfish among others. They are often employed to eat pests of corals and clams including flatworms, fireworms, Montipora eating nudibranches, and pyramid snails; they may occasionally clean their fish tank mates. They do not bother corals or anemones, but may flip over rocks in their search for food. Large species may also bully or eat small fish, but they are typically nonaggressive with other large fish as long as they have a different shape. Similarly shaped fish are seen as a threat and may be targeted; we do not recommend keeping them with small species such as flasher wrasses.At night time or when threatened Coris wrasses will dive into the sand for protection. They can even swim under the sand to avoid predators. It is not uncommon to find the wrasse laying on top of the sand to rest during the day. A fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches will help them feel secure. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the wrasse dives in. Dazzling scarlet stripes rake across the face and midbody of the Red Lined wrasse. Its pine green body makes a stunning contrast against the crimson stripes decorating its fins and crescent stripe on its tail. Males have the brightest colors, and females have two eyespots on the rear dorsal fin. Juveniles are impressively striped scarlet and snow white with two dorsal eyespots and one near the base of the tail. It grows to 4.5 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 70 gallons.
Blennies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, and any other fish who may eat them.The Red Lip blenny is an uncommon import from the Caribbean. It has a blunt face with small horns between its eyes and a large mouth which gives it another common name, the Horse-face Blenny. Its body is chocolate to cream color, with lighter markings on the face and pink to red lips. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 5 inches.The Red Lip blenny spends most of its time perched on rocks, always alert and watching its environment. It uses its large lips to rasp away at the rock work, eating detritus and algae. It may also clean algae from the glass, leaving 'kiss marks'. It is typically reef safe; however it may pick on SPS coral polyps or clam mantels. This does not normally damage large, healthy coral colonies; however if small or weak colonies or frags are present they may become damaged.Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen Mysis shrimp, and other high quality meaty items. It is preferable to feed more than once a day. We recommend a mature aquarium of at least 50 gallons or larger. Live algae is an important source of food, and should be growing in the aquarium before the blenny is introduced. Algae grazing blennies may be especially aggressive towards similar species, and are best kept one per tank.
Hermit crabs need to live inside of a snail shell in order to keep their soft bodies safe. Even with many shells available hermit crabs will occasionally kill snails in order to take their shell. Please ask our staff and we will be happy to supply you with some empty shells.This brightly colored crab from Florida makes a terrific addition to a clean-up crew. It is a medium sized crab that eats a wide variety of algae including some hair algae. It may hide during the day but is quite active at night. It is considered reef safe, however it is an opportunistic omnivore and will take food where it can find it. It will also eat detritus, algae, fish food, and anything else edible.
The Regal angelfish is a stunning beauty; however, it can be one of the most challenging angelfish to keep. Its dazzling colors make it highly sought after. It is primarily yellow with white vertical stripes edged in blue over its entire body. Reginal variations include from the Philippines it may have a blueish to whitish breast; from the Indian Ocean its breast may be yellowish, and from the Red Sea it is a deep orangey-yellow. Males and females are visually identical.The Regal angel can grow to be up to 10 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other large angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish. Because of the challenge of keeping this species we recommend it be added as one of the first fish in the aquarium. Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother SPS corals or other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. It is common for regal angelfish to be finicky feeders. Many people find specimens from the Red Sea to be slightly easier to care for. They should be given a highly varied diet fed minimum 2-3 times a day. marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. Supplements such as Brightwell's Angelixer and Garlic Power may entice a feeding response.
Ricordea mushroom corals receive most of their energy by utilizing the photosynthetic algae contained within their tissues. They will benefit from occasional feedings of zooplankton and small meaty items such as brine shrimp. They are covered by a thick layer of mucus which helps them consume small edible particles, and they also absorb dissolved nutrients from the water. They are quite adaptable and virtually pest and disease free.Ricordea mushrooms are peaceful with other corals so long as they do not physically touch them- they have been known to melt other corals, especially stony corals, in this situation. Different colors of Ricordea often co-exist well in close proximity. Difficulty: Intermediate Growth Speed: Medium Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Mid Level Water Flow: Low Temperament: Semi-Aggressive The Orange Ricordea is a rare color morph which may show hints of other colors or a brightly hued mouth, and typically arrives loose without any substrate.It is often beneficial upon introduction to place the coral in low or shaded light and gradually move it to a more brightly lit location. To encourage it to attach to substrate it may be placed in a shallow dish with course rubble or rock. Ricordea may show better color and growth if given higher light levels and more food than more common types of mushroom.Florida Ricordea are covered in bumps of mainly uniform size, as opposed to Yuma Ricordea which often have larger bumps around their outside edge which gradually become smaller towards the center.
The Rock Beauty angel is overall a bright lemony yellow with a dark flank and highlights of orange on its dorsal and anal fins. Its eyes are highlighted by a lovely sapphire blue. These markings give it its other common name, the tricolor angelfish. It is a beautiful import from the Caribbean. Males and females are visually identical.The Rock Beauty angel can grow to be up to 8 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons. It may become aggressive, especially towards other angelfish. Because of this it should be the last fish added to the aquarium. Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother SPS corals or other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day.
Blennies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, and any other fish who may eat them.The Saddle blenny is an uncommon import from the Caribbean. It is a creamy color with dark rusty red stripes along its back in the shape of small saddles or inverted triangles. These stripes make it unique as none of its relatives share this sort of pattern. It has red eyes and a pointed snout. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 3 inches.The Saddle blenny spends most of its time perched on rocks, always alert and watching its environment. It would appreciate an aquarium with plenty of live rock to make territories in. It is full of personality and appears to watch and interact with its owner through the glass. Diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed more than once a day. We recommend an aquarium of at least 30 gallons or larger.
The Sailfin tang has some of the most impressive finnage of any surgeonfish. When fully extended its dorsal and anal fins are absolutely massive, giving it a huge presence and a unique shape. The Sailfin from the Philippines has broad, strongly contrasting stripes extending vertically down its body, alternating from pale yellow to deep chocolate. Within the darker stripes are finer stripes of pale orange. Its face is pale with many freckles, and its tail is yellow. Males and females are visually identical.The Sailfin tang can grow to be approximately 15 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.
The Sailfin tang has some of the most impressive finnage of any surgeonfish. When fully extended its dorsal and anal fins are absolutely massive, giving it a huge presence and a unique shape. The Sailfin from the Red Sea has strongly contrasting stripes extending vertically down its body, alternating from pale cream to deep chocolate. Within the darker stripes are finer stripes of pale orange which dissipate into polka-dots on its dark fins. Its face is pale with many freckles, and its tail is dark. As a juvenile it is mainly yellow with less defined stripes and a clear tail. Males and females are visually identical.The Sailfin tang can grow to be approximately 16 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 250 gallons or larger. The Red Sea tang is known to graze upon many types of algae such as filamentous and bubble algae that other tangs may not eat.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.
San Merah Discus Symphysodon sp Discus are regarded as one of the most well-known fish to the freshwater hobby, popularized by their striking colors and patterns. They are a peaceful fish that only become territorial while they are breeding. They grow to roughly 8" and would prefer a taller rather than wider tank of at least 60 gallons. They like their water between 79-86oF, a pH between 6,1-7.5.They are primarily carnivores, so providing them with high quality flake food, frozen shrimp, and Discus pellet food will benefit them. Because of their eating habits their water must be cleaned more often than other freshwater species, as they are more likely to do unwell in poor water conditions.
Triggerfish are extremely personable and entertaining, and make great tank mates with other fish of similar size or temperament. They will eat invertebrates, especially shrimp, but also other crustaceans, mollusks, bivalves, sponges, tunicates, feather dusters and more. They may move and flip over rocks to search for food underneath. They do not typically bother corals. They may chase and bully other fish, especially those smaller than themselves. They may be aggressive with other triggerfish and two should only be kept together in sufficiently large aquariums.Triggerfish are named for their first dorsal fin which is typically kept flat against their back but can be cocked into an upright position and cannot be forced down. When threatened they swim into the smallest cave they can fit in and lock their fin up which makes them impossible to be dislodged by predators. This fin may also become tangled in nets.Triggerfish are carnivores and should be fed two to three times a day a high quality diet of meaty items such as Mysis shrimp, krill, silversides, clams, and chopped seafood. Hard shelled items are important to keep their teeth in good shape. Algae clips with nori are a favorite treat and may be quickly devoured. They are easy to keep and usually learn to eat dry foods as well. Triggerfish are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary. The Sargasum is a rare and striking animal from the Caribbean. Its bright steel colored body is accentuated by jet black stripes under its dorsal and anal fins, around its mouth, and a small spot on each of its scales. It is also called the Red Tail triggerfish after its bright scarlet tail. It is one of the most peaceful species and is usually safe with most invertebrates, with the exception of shrimp. It enjoys plenty of water movement and open space to swim. It grows up to 14 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 150 gallons. Groups may be added together to large aquariums.
The Scissortail goby is unique among the dart fishes for having tall dorsal and anal fins giving it a stunning silhouette. Its front half is dusty blue and its rear a deep velvety navy to black. Sparkling blue is visible on its face when the light hits it just right. Its tail is square but appears to be a lyre shape as the center is transparent to yellowish. They are an impressive fish on their own but look even better in a group of at least three individuals, although we find six or more to be incredibly impressive. It schools well with other dart fishes as well. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 5.5 inches; we recommend an aquarium 40 gallons or larger. Dart gobies are extremely peaceful and do best with other mild-mannered fish. When threatened many dart gobies, with the exception of firefish, may quickly dive under the sand for cover. The firefish prefers to hide within the rockwork. A fine sand bed of at least two inches, but preferably deeper, will offer a safe refuge. Flat rocks placed on the sand will further help in creating a natural environment. We recommend the tank be securely covered as gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. It is normal for them to be quite shy when initially introduced, however once settled in they prefer to spend time in the open. Gobies are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed at least twice a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium if the dart goby has not yet earned to eat from the water column. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.As one of the largest families of fish there are near countless varieties of gobies which inhabit every different niche on the reef. They are coral safe and typically quite active and friendly with other fish. They have the ability to change sex to form pairs, although they don't always do so. Most gobies are imported from the Philippines.Gobies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, etc.
The Scopas tang has an intensely coloration with many fine speckles over the body, which are especially impressive as a young juvenile. As an adult it retains the speckles, however the gradation from its dark, nearly black tail to its lighter, sepia colored head is what really stands out. Males and females are visually identical, except males may grow larger.The Scopas tang can grow to be approximately 12 inches long and needs a large aquarium as an adult, we recommend at least 125 gallons or larger.Tangs in the genus Zebrasoma can be quite feisty, often chasing other fish in the aquarium. They don't appreciate living with other tangs, especially others with the same shape. If they are to be kept with other tangs they should be added last, and the aquarium of sufficient size.Tangs are also called surgeonfish or doctor fish because they have at least one spine just in front of the tail which, when the tail is bent, can be stuck out and used as a threat display or weapon against competitive fish or predators. It is important to be cautious of this spine when handling the fish in a net. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. In the wild some tangs live in schools, however in the confines of an aquarium it is usually best to have only one of each genus, or they may be extremely aggressive to each other. They are typically very peaceful with other types of fish.Care should be taken with tangs to ensure they do not catch external parasites, such as Marine ICH and velvet, to which they are very prone.Tangs do not eat coral or invertebrates and are considered reef safe. They are primarily herbivorous, and although they love to eat meaty foods, they must be fed plenty of marine algae in order to remain healthy and vigorous. Having a proper diet may also reduce aggressive behaviors; tangs naturally graze on algae throughout the day. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, frozen mysis shrimp, and other high quality items. They typically learn to eat dry foods easily. It is preferable to feed more than once a day, with an algae clip offered approximately every other day.
The charming Sebae clownfish has deep black draped over its back and bright yellow on its face, belly, lower fins and tail, and sometimes the rear half of its dorsal fin. It has full cheek and mid-body stripes and usually no tail stripe at all. It is similar to the Saddleback clownfish but gets a little larger and lacks the distinctive white tail tips of the Saddleback.Saddleback complex clownfish are typically less aggressive than most other clownfish. They grow up to 5 Inches and need an aquarium at least 30 gallons.The different types of Saddleback complex clownfish include Sebae and Saddleback among others. Species from other complexes in their territory usually causes fighting.They may host with nearly any anemone species, except Atlantic species. Best host is a carpet anemone (Stichodactyla sp.), however Sebae (Heteractis crispa) and Magnifica/Ritteri (Heteractis magnifica) are also popular choices.Clownfish are hardy, easy to keep and are a perfect first fish for a new aquarium. Most species are available tank bred. They are omnivorous and easy to feed on high quality food items such as frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and dry foods, preferably more than once a day.Clownfish are well known for their charming wiggling way of swimming, which serves them well in their natural home, within the stinging tentacles of an anemone. The exact reason clownfish are not stung is not known, but it may have something to do with the fish's slime coat. In the ocean, without the protection of the anemone, clownfish would be easily picked off by predators. In an aquarium the anemone, which has much more demanding needs than the fish, is not necessary. The fish may instead host with a soft coral such as furry mushrooms, toadstool leather, colt coral, or even within macro algae. It may choose to host within large polyp stony corals such as Euphyllia sp. as well, however the coral does sting the fish. We don't recommend encouraging them to host with delicate corals such as bubble or brain type corals, which the fish may injure with its constant swimming. Even with an anemone in the aquarium the fish will chose to host with whichever home it likes best.Clownfish may be kept singly, or more commonly in pairs, in which case the smallest more submissive fish remains a male, and the largest most dominant fish changes sex to become a female. Clowns are related to damselfish, and pairs will not tolerate other species of clownfish within their territory (which may include 50 gallons of space or more) and may fight to the death. They are prone to parasitic infections such as Brooklynella and velvet.It is common for pairs of clownfish to spawn in the aquarium, and pairs in their prime may lay eggs near their nest site as often as every two weeks. It is not necessary to interfere with the parents, who may become more aggressive at this time, chasing away other fish and nipping at their owner's hands. It is possible, though laborious, to raise the young fish at home. If a breeding effort is to be attempted, it is important to ensure the parent fish are of the same species in order to maintain genetic purity for future generations.
The Fancy Serpent star, or Smooth Brittle star, is usually found in a Harlequin pattern of high contrast black and white stripes. It spends most of its time hiding inside the rock with its arms sticking out, waiting for some fish food to drift by. It is an efficient scavenger and can clean the rocks of leftover food and detritus. It is completely reef safe and does not bother corals. Because it eagerly consumes fish food it is one of the easiest starfish to keep.Echinoderms such as starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums of at least 6 months to ensure water stability. It grows up to 12 inches and needs an aquarium at least 50 gallons.
Shrimp are active, entertaining and easy to keep. They shed their shells as they grow, and afterwards need to hide in the rock until their new shell hardens. Shrimp are highly excitable when food is present, and will do anything to get it. Some species may pester corals by attempting to reach food the coral has eaten. In this situation the shrimp should be provided food first. Large individuals may catch and consume smaller species.The tiny Sexy shrimp is also known as the Dancing Anemone shrimp and grows to only 3/4 inches. It holds its colorful tail up high an waves it around making an entertaining display. It is quite social with its own kind and is very peaceful with all other animals and corals. It may spend time within the tentacles of corals and anemones. It is easy to feed on fish food.
The Signal goby is a fascinating and beautiful fish best reserved for experienced aquarists. Its most notable features are its two oversized dorsal fins, each one adorned with a large and decorative eyespot. These spots have earned it the name crab-eye goby, as it may raise its fins and swim sideways, mimicking a crab. Its lower fins are black as night and covered in tiny blue spots like stars in the sky. Hazelnut colored splotches coat its pale body, and streak down from under its eyes. Males and females are visually identical.The Signal goby obtains nearly all its food from within the sand, and live food is especially important. Although the fish is small we recommend a well established aquarium no less than 50 gallons, and preferably larger, with plenty of open sand for the fish to sift through. A refugium is helpful in supplementing the main aquarium with live prey items. Fish who directly compete with it for food should be avoided, primarily sleeper gobies. If pestered by aggressive fish it will hide and fail to obtain enough food. Their bottom sifting activities also leave them vulnerable to intestinal parasites and we recommend de-worming them before adding to a display aquaria. It should be offered frozen food items on the sand several times a day.Sand gobies are small, peaceful fish which spend most of their day hopping around on the substrate in an entertaining manner. A fine sand bed of at least two inches will help them feel secure.We recommend the tank be securely covered as sand dwelling gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. They may be territorial to others of the same or similar species, however if two fish are added to a sufficiently large aquarium at the same time it may be possible to keep a pair. They are typically peaceful with all other types of fish.Sand gobies are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed more than once a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium. Frozen food is best, however in time they usually learn to eat dry foods.As one of the largest families of fish there are near countless varieties of gobies which inhabit every different niche on the reef. They are coral safe and typically quite active and friendly with other fish. They have the ability to change sex to form pairs, although they don't always do so. Most gobies are imported from the Philippines.Gobies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, etc.
The Singapore angel is a subtle beauty with a body that fades from creamy white at the head to velvety black at the rear end. Its tail and face are yellow, and a black band runs over its eyes. The edges of its rear fins is edged in whitish blue. It is similar in appearance to the Cream angelfish, however the Singapore is less aggressive. Males and females are visually identical.The Singapore angel can grow to be approximately 7 inches long and needs an aquarium of at least 125 gallons. It does not appreciate living with other large angelfish and may become aggressive to them, however it is typically non-aggressive with other types of fish. Angelfish may nip on many types of corals, especially LPS corals, clam mantles, sponges, and sometimes soft corals. They do not typically bother SPS corals or other types of invertebrates. They feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. Diet should include plenty of marine algae and Spirulina, Sponge matter, frozen Mysis shrimp, half shell clams, and other high quality meaty items. It should be fed 2-3 times a day
Clownfish are hardy and easy to keep, and are a perfect first fish for a new aquarium. Most species are available tank bred. They are omnivorous and easy to feed on high quality food items such as frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and dry foods, preferably more than once a day.Clownfish are well known for their charming wiggling way of swimming, which serves them well in their natural home, within the stinging tentacles of an anemone. The exact reason clownfish are not stung is not known, but it may have something to do with the fish's slime coat. In the ocean, without the protection of the anemone, clownfish would be easily picked off by predators. In an aquarium the anemone, which has much more demanding needs than the fish, is not necessary. The fish may instead host with a soft coral such as furry mushrooms, toadstool leather, colt coral, or even within macro algae. It may chose to host within large polyp stony corals such as Euphyllia sp. as well, however the coral does sting the fish. We don't recommend encouraging them to host with delicate corals such as bubble or brain type corals, which the fish may injure with its constant swimming. Even with an anemone in the aquarium the fish will chose to host with whichever home it likes best.Clownfish may be kept singly, or more commonly in pairs, in which case the smallest more submissive fish remains a male, and the largest most dominant fish changes sex to become a female. Clowns are related to damselfish, and pairs will not tolerate other species of clownfish within their territory (which may include 50 gallons of space or more) and may fight to the death. They are prone to parasitic infections such as Brooklynella and velvet.It is common for pairs of clownfish to spawn in the aquarium, and pairs in their prime may lay eggs near their nest site as often as every two weeks. It is not necessary to interfere with the parents, who may become more aggressive at this time, chasing away other fish and nipping at their owner's hands. It is possible, though laborious, to raise the young fish at home. If a breeding effort is to be attempted it is important to ensure the parent fish are of the same species in order to maintain genetic purity for future generations.False Percula, or Ocellaris clownfish, grows up to 3 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 15 gallons for a single or pair. Groups may be kept in larger aquariums as long as the dominant female chooses to tolerate the small fish. It works best if all individuals are added at the same time.Ocellaris clownfish are also known as False Percula for their close resemblance to their close relative the True Percula. It pairs best with its own species, but may also chose a True Percula as a mate. It is very rare for another species to bond with it; more commonly fighting occurs. True Percula and False Percula clownfish are nearly identical; the main difference is True Percula typically has a more orange color around the pupil, whereas Ocellaris eyes show more black. Ocellaris clownfish have pencil thin black lines around their white stripes, as opposed to mature True Percula who have thick black outlines.They may host with nearly any anemone species, except Atlantic species. Best hosts are Magnifica/Ritteri (Heteractis magnifica) or Carpet (Stichodactyla sp.), however Bubble Tip (Entacmaea quadricolor) and Sebae (Heteractis crispa) are also popular choices. The orange Snowflake clownfish is brightly colored with stripes resembling crystallized water. It has been selectively bred so its stripes to take on an interesting appearance, with each fish being unique.
Hogfish are related to and share many qualities with wrasses. They are easy to keep and have healthy appetites for invertebrates, especially shrimp, however larger species may attack crustaceans, snails, worms and starfish among others. They do not bother corals or anemones, but may flip over rocks in their search for food. Large species may also bully or eat small fish, but they are typically nonaggressive with other large fish as long as they have a different shape. Similarly shaped fish are seen as a threat and may be targeted.They will hide within the rockwork to sleep, but when threatened may dive into the sand for protection. They can even swim under the sand to avoid predators. A fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches will help them feel secure. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the hogfish dives in.Hogfish feel most secure when there is plenty of live rock to hide in, as well as open space for swimming. They should be fed two to three times a day plenty of high quality meaty items, frozen Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped seafood, marine algae and Spirulina. They usually learn to take dry foods as well.The Spanish hogfish is a bright daffodil yellow over most of its body contrasting with an intense violet saddle on its back. Scarlet highlights its fins and eyes making this a bold tri-colored fish. It is commonly available from the Caribbean. Males and females are identical. It sometimes has the beneficial habit of cleaning its fish tank mates. It grows up to 10 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 150 gallons.
This beautiful snail from the Philippines is a great algae eater for the lower areas of the aquarium. Its shell has long spikes sticking out from one side. Its heavy shell prevents it from climbing onto rocks but it has a long proboscis that can reach onto the glass. It moves with a hopping motion and may hide under the substrate. Its shell may grow up to 11 inch long.
The Large Spiny Astrea snail eats many types of algae including hair algae and some macroalgae. Its shell is typically dark grey and has spikes all over. It may grow to 2.5 inches. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation. It is adapted to rocky habitats; if it falls onto its back on the aquarium's sand it is not physically able to flip over and must be assisted. Snails are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality.
