The Yellow Stripe Cardinal fish makes a cheery and colorful addition to almost any aquarium. It has a bright silver colored body with many yellow stripes running from its nose to its tail. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 3".The Yellow Stripe Cardinal is a peaceful, reef safe fish. It schools eagerly with its own species and often with other species as well. They are typically safe with invertebrates; however, it has a large mouth and may attack small shrimp or tiny fish. They are easy to feed on a variety of frozen foods, but may need time to adapt to dry food. It prefers an aquarium with some overhangs and caves which it may spend time in during the day. Cardinals are hardy and do not require much swimming space compared to other fish. We recommend an aquarium of at least 20 gallons for a single fish and 30 gallons or larger for a school.
The Yellow Stripe Clingfish is a fascinating fish in every aspect. Its dark hazelnut colored body is lit up by electric yellow stripes along its sides and a big bright spot on its caudal fin. Its snout is long and pointed helping it snap up tiny food items. They swim with an interesting undulating motion making it very entertaining to watch. Males and females are visually identical. This uncommon fish grows up to 2 inches; we recommend an aquarium 10 gallons or larger.The Clingfish's pelvic fins form a suction disk, and it has a unique ability to flatten its body. These two abilities help it hold on to solid objects while in strong currents. It may find shelter amongst the spines of diadema urchins or branchy corals. It does not harm corals but may nibble on the urchins feet, and sometimes pick on clam mantles. They may even help protect their coral host from parasitic bivalves.Gobies are small, peaceful fish which spend most of their day hopping in and around the rockwork and corals in an entertaining manner. They feel most secure in an aquarium with plenty of live rock and caves.We recommend the tank be securely covered as gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. They are typically peaceful with all other types of fish and invertebrates.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. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.They are always alert, watching for a drifting morsel of food; when they spot one they dart out quickly to snatch it up. They are also watching for predators- they should never be kept with large fish as the goby's small size makes it a target for many fish, even those who don't normally eat other fish. Dottybacks, cardinals, sleeper gobies and hawkfish should be strictly avoided.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.
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.A gorgeous and very rare fish, the Yellow Stripe hogfish is spectacularly colored with bright scarlet stripes along its body. Between the red stripes it is colored shining yellow, and its belly is snowy white. It has a much more slender body than other hogfish. Males and females are identical. Most specimens are found in deep water in the wild. It grows up to 5 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 90 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 Yellow Tail Black blenny is an uncommon fish with striking coloration. Its other common name is the Black Comb tooth blenny, however the specimens we receive are black only on their front half. The rear half of the fish is bright sulphur yellow which makes an impressive contrast. Males and females are visually identical; however males may grow larger. It grows up to 4 inches.The Yellow Tail Black blenny spends most of its time perched on top of or in rocks with its head sticking out, always alert and watching its environment. It is typically reef safe, preferring to graze live algae off the rocks.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 an aquarium of at least 30 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.
Damsels are active, coral -safe fish, often with bright colors, especially when juvenile. They are typically safe with invertebrates; however, some large species may attack small shrimp. They are known to be aggressive towards other fish, especially fish added to the aquarium after they are established; they may chase and bite the other fish. We recommend an aquarium of at least 30 gallons for damsels which grow to 3 Inches, and at least 50 for larger species. They are typically easy to feed on a variety of frozen or dried meaty and vegetable foods.Damselfish are extremely hardy and able to survive a wide array of aquarium conditions. They are related to chromis and clownfish.Sought after not only for its super saturated colors but also its peaceful demeanor- it is known to be one of the least aggressive damselfish. Commonly available, it grows up to 3 Inches.
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 Yellow Tail Fang blenny is an interesting and colorful fish. It has an elongated body which is pastel blue over the front half of its body and transitions to dusty yellow towards the tail. Across its eye is a dark black line, and its tail develops two long trailing ends giving it another common name, the fork tail blenny. Males and females are visually identical; however males may grow larger. It grows up to 4.5 inches.Fang blennies have a unique defense mechanism- if eaten by a larger fish they can use their venomous bite to injure the bigger animal and hope to be spit out. They only use this bite as defense and are generally quite peaceful to tank mates. However, care should be taken when handling the fish in a net, or if small children have access to the aquarium and may put their fingers in the water. Fang blennies spend almost all their time swimming in the open water where they can be enjoyed. They are reef safe and very easy to keep.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.
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.These wrasses have active personalities and appreciate plenty of rockwork as well as open space to swim. They may eat small invertebrates, especially shrimp, but do not bother corals or anemones. Due to their relatively shy demeanor they should not be kept with aggressive tank mates. They have very small mouths and may be difficult to feed, so frequent feedings of a wide variety of foods should be offered thorough the day. We only recommend this species for experienced aquarists. They are coral safe, but larger individuals may attack small invertebrates such as shrimp, snails, urchins, worms, bivalves and serpent stars.br />At night time or when threatened these 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 aptly named Yellow Tail Tamarin has a distinctive bright lemon tail which makes an incredible contrast against its inky black body. Countless small polka dots decorate its entire body in a snowy white. An eyespot is present on both the rear end of its dorsal and anal fins. Mature fish may develop into males, who have much more subtle spotting on their bodies, and deep orange fins with navy spots. It grows to 8.5 inches and needs an aquarium of at least 120 gallons.
The Yellow Watchman goby is an iconic fish that is an incredibly bright lemony yellow all over. Depending on its mood this color may darken, and several wide bands may appear along its body. Its back and fins are speckled with sparkling sapphire spots. It may be especially territorial towards similar species. Males and females are visually identical. It grows to 3 inches; we recommend an aquarium of at least 10 gallons. It prefers to pair with a Tiger pistol shrimp.Shrimp gobies go by many names including prawn gobies and watchman gobies. They may be kept on their own just fine in an aquarium; however it is especially fascinating to pair them with a pistol shrimp. The goby will form a strong bond with the shrimp and mutually benefit each other. The hard-working shrimp will excavate a burrow under the sand for them to live in, consisting of several tunnels, entrances and exits. The sharp-eyed goby stands guard at one of the entrances and keeps an eye out for threats. As the shrimp goes about maintaining the tunnel and searching for food it keeps one antennae on the goby. If the goby sees danger it flicks its tail, signaling to the shrimp to make a hasty retreat. The goby may follow quickly if the danger is threatening enough. At nighttime or when a tunnel is not being used the shrimp will block it off with shells and small rocks. It is important to provide deep sand of at least three inches and plenty of shells and crushed coral of various sizes so the shrimp has enough building material to create a stable dwelling. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the shrimp excavates.We recommend a shrimp and its goby partner be added to the aquarium at the same time; it is best if they are placed in a net together and gently lowered to the aquarium bottom. There are three common types of pistol shrimp that pair with gobies; the Tiger, Fine Striped, and Candy Cane pistol shrimp.Unless they are a pair shrimp gobies tend to be quite territorial with each other- if more than one is to be kept in the same aquarium we recommend space enough to accommodate at least 24 inches between burrows. They are typically peaceful with all other types of fish.We recommend the tank be securely covered as sand dwelling gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria.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 Yellow Watchman goby is an iconic fish that is an incredibly bright lemony yellow all over. Depending on its mood this color may darken, and several wide bands may appear along its body. Its back and fins are speckled with sparkling sapphire spots. It may be especially territorial towards similar species. Males and females are visually identical. It grows to 3 inches; we recommend an aquarium of at least 10 gallons. It prefers to pair with a Tiger pistol shrimp.Shrimp gobies go by many names including prawn gobies and watchman gobies. They may be kept on their own just fine in an aquarium; however it is especially fascinating to pair them with a pistol shrimp. The goby will form a strong bond with the shrimp and mutually benefit each other. The hard-working shrimp will excavate a burrow under the sand for them to live in, consisting of several tunnels, entrances and exits. The sharp-eyed goby stands guard at one of the entrances and keeps an eye out for threats. As the shrimp goes about maintaining the tunnel and searching for food it keeps one antennae on the goby. If the goby sees danger it flicks its tail, signaling to the shrimp to make a hasty retreat. The goby may follow quickly if the danger is threatening enough. At nighttime or when a tunnel is not being used the shrimp will block it off with shells and small rocks. It is important to provide deep sand of at least three inches and plenty of shells and crushed coral of various sizes so the shrimp has enough building material to create a stable dwelling. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the shrimp excavates.We recommend a shrimp and its goby partner be added to the aquarium at the same time; it is best if they are placed in a net together and gently lowered to the aquarium bottom. There are three common types of pistol shrimp that pair with gobies; the Tiger, Fine Striped, and Candy Cane pistol shrimp.Unless they are a pair shrimp gobies tend to be quite territorial with each other- if more than one is to be kept in the same aquarium we recommend space enough to accommodate at least 24 inches between burrows. They are typically peaceful with all other types of fish.We recommend the tank be securely covered as sand dwelling gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria.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.
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 Yellowface is a handsome animal also known as the Pineapple triggerfish for its resemblance to the fresh tropical fruit. Its body is yellow to peach colored with black edging to each of its scales. Its face may be a rosy color, and have bright red to orange highlights on the edges of its fins. It is best kept only with other large aggressive fish and never with other triggerfish. It is more likely than other species to bite at invertebrates and corals. It grows up to 24 inches and requires an aquarium of at least 200 gallons.
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
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.
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.
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.
Zebra Danio Brachydanio rerio Rasboras, Danios and Barbs are a highly sought after fish in the hobby. Not only do they beautifully school in the upper areas of your tank, but they also remain rather small, so they are a perfect addition to many smaller sized aquariums. They are a peaceful fish that enjoy the company of others of its species, a school of at least 6 is recommended to keep them feeling safe and secure, but adding more is a welcomed idea.Rasboras, Danios and Barbs generally grow to a size of around 2 inches, so a tank of at least 10 gallons would be best suited for the Rasbora fish, as they enjoy having enough space to swim around in their school. Planted aquariums would provide them with ample spots to hide in and weave through as they are swimming about. Rasboras are omnivores and should be fed a well-balanced diet of freeze-dried bloodworms and quality flake food. Zebra Danio Specifics Zebra Danios grow to a size of 2", so a tank of at least 10g would be best especially if kept in a school of 5 or more. Their temperature should be set between 64-74oF and their pH between 6.5-7.0.
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.
Zebra Snail Neritina zebra Zebra Nerite Snails are one of the most popular and trusted snails for the home aquarium. While adored for their brilliant shell markings, these snails are also amazing additions to a clean up crew. Unlike most snails, they require saltier (brackish) water to reproduce, so they will not begin to overpopulate your tank as with many other species. These snails like a temperature between 65-85oF, pH between 6.5-8.5, and their dKH between 12-18.Zebra Snails are one of the top choices for algae eating within the peaceful home aquarium. Not only are they beautiful, but quite hardy as well.
