Livestock

This coral receives much of its energy by utilizing the photosynthetic algae contained within its tissues. It also depends on absorbing nutrients from the water, and will benefit from occasional feedings of zooplankton and coral snow. Zoanthids are often covered in a heavy mucus layer which helps them capture prey. Many types may be voracious feeders if offered meaty items, especially those corals with long tapering tentacles. Their sting is quite mild, however they can grow fast enough to over-grow other corals, so adequate space should be provided to accommodate future growth. Those species with shorter tentacles typically require higher water flow than those with longer tentacles, and all types will benefit from bright light.Most species contain toxins in their mucus and tissues, including the potent neurotoxin palytoxin, which may be dangerous to humans. It is important not to underestimate this toxin- gloves are highly recommended when handling this coral. Sand Zoanthus polyps may be any of nearly limitless colors, often pink, red, or green, often with contrasting skirts or mouths in a different color. Different color varieties may grow next to one another peacefully, so it is possible to create a rainbow garden. Collected from Australia, each colony is unique.Sand Zoanthus polyps are a type of Zoanthid, also called colonial anemones. They grow in a cluster by budding, and are attached at the base by runners or a mat. Occasionally blowing the colony with a baster or powerhead will help clear detritus from between the polyps and discourage nuisance algae. They are very hardy and are quite tolerant of poor water quality. However, they may be prone to pests such as predatory nudibranch, sundial snails, spiders, some Asterina sp. starfish, and zoa pox infection. Dipping the coral before adding to a display aquarium is highly recommended. Some fish may also nip on them. Difficulty: Easy Growth Speed: Fast Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Middle - High Water Flow: Medium - High Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

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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 Green Ricordea may be any shade of green, sometimes with hints of other colors, and typically arrives attached to substrate.<It is often beneficial upon introduction to place the coral in low or shaded light until it begins reaching for the light, and then gradually move it to a more brightly lit location. Ricordea may show better color and growth if given higher light levels and more food than more common types of mushroom.Yuma Ricordea often have larger bumps around their outside edge which gradually become smaller towards the center, as opposed to Florida Ricordea which have bumps of mainly uniform size.

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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 an uncommon dazzling electric orange hue. It typically arrives attached to substrate.It is often beneficial upon introduction to place the coral in low or shaded light until it begins reaching for the light, and then gradually move it to a more brightly lit location. Ricordea may show better color and growth if given higher light levels and more food than more common types of mushroom.Yuma Ricordea often have larger bumps around their outside edge which gradually become smaller towards the center, as opposed to Florida Ricordea which have bumps of mainly uniform size.

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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 Red Ricordea is very uncommon and may be any shade of brilliant red to pink, sometimes with hints of other colors, and typically arrives attached to substrate.It is often beneficial upon introduction to place the coral in low or shaded light until it begins reaching for the light, and then gradually move it to a more brightly lit location. Ricordea may show better color and growth if given higher light levels and more food than more common types of mushroom.Yuma Ricordea often have larger bumps around their outside edge which gradually become smaller towards the center, as opposed to Florida Ricordea which have bumps of mainly uniform size.

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Pebble Tooth eels have poor eyesight but make up for it with exceptional scent and tactile senses. They typically poke their nose around to find food, often bumping into it before biting. They eat mostly crabs and other hard shelled creatures, and less commonly other fish. They are considered quite safe with large bodied fish too big to swallow; however, sick or injured fish may be too tempting to resist and the eel may attempt to consume them. They are carnivores and should be fed at least once every two or three days a high quality diet of krill, silversides and chopped seafood. Use of a feeding stick may be necessary. We never recommend using ones fingers to feed an eel as the eel may become excited and bite, which may lead to infection. Eel bites should be thoroughly washed and disinfected. They are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary.A gentle giant, the Zebra Moray is one of the most docile eels and is the best choice to keep with other fish as it will not hurt its fish tank mates or its owner. From the tip of its snout to the end its tail it is covered in stripes which may range from inky black to dark chocolate, over a background of snowy white to pale cream. But is it light with dark stripes or dark with light stripes? The Zebra Moray grows to 59 inches and should be kept in an aquarium of at least 125 gallons.We recommend a tight fitting lid for all eel species. They are incredible escape artists, powerful enough to lift themselves out of the water and push on a lid or squeeze through small spaces. Care should also be taken when acclimating so the fish does not escape onto the floor.Their aquarium should provide plenty of secure rockwork- larger species may topple unstable decor or dig under the sand. At least two caves should be provided for each eel, large enough it can fully hide itself when needed. When feeling secure most eels will poke their head out of their cave for the majority of the day. Eels are safe with all corals, sponges and macro algaes, to which they have no interest.Extreme caution should be used if considering adding more than one eel to an aquarium as they may attack one another.

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