The famous Black Footed Trochus, or Red Banded snail is famous for its voracious appetite for algae and its ability to flip itself over from its back. This ability makes it one of the most appropriate snails for small aquariums and those with open sand or bare bottoms. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation. Their rasping teeth are able to scratch acrylic, so are recommended only for glass aquariums. Snails are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality.
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 is one of our most popular hermit crabs. It is colorful, stays small, and eats a wide variety of algae including some hair algae. It is typically imported from Florida. It is considered reef safe, however it is an opportunistic omnivore and will take food where it can find it. It will also eat fish food, detritus and anything else edible.
The popular Astrea snail has a pointy white shell often covered in coralline algae. It is a terrific algae eater for the glass and rocks and grows to 1 inch. It is commonly available from Florida. It should be placed right side up on the sand near the glass 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.
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.By far our most popular shrimp, this beautiful animal is bright yellow with a broad scarlet band down its back and a stark white stripe through it, giving it another name, the Skunk shrimp. Its long white whiskers communicate to fishes that it may clean them of parasites and old skin. It may not however cure an aquarium of ICH or other parasites; its main benefit is to lower the fishes stress. The Cleaner shrimp is nearly always perched on top of rocks where it can be seen. It is social and may form pairs; all specimens are hermaphrodites. It grows up to 2 inches and is easy to feed on fish food.
This efficient scavenging snail hides under the sand, emerging at feeding time to consume fish food and detritus. It grows to 1 inch and poses no threat to other aquarium inhabitants. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation. Snails are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality.
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.Ours is the true Caribbean Peppermint from our trusted Florida supplier: guaranteed to eat Aiptasia anemones. The trick is to limit the amount of fish food available to the shrimp, who may not hunt anemones on a full stomach. The shrimp also relies on its own kind for assistance in killing the stinging anemones. It may pester other, larger anemones, and occasionally corals such as zoanthids, but typically ignores all other aquarium inhabitants. It likes to rest upside down in caves in groups, often waving its body back and forth. It is not to be confused for the superficially similar Camel shrimp. The Peppermint shrimp grows up to 1.5 inches.
Urchins have sharp teeth at their center which they use to scrape algae, including coralline algae. They are able to scratch acrylic so are recommended only for glass aquariums. Echinoderms such as urchins are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums for both water stability and sufficient food supply.The Tuxedo urchin is one of the most popular urchins for algae control. If there is not enough algae to eat it may be fed dried algae sheets. It comes in two color varieties and may be either blue or red. It uses its tiny tube feet to collect small items and use them as camouflage. It is very reef safe, and only bothers corals if it is starving. It is typically collected from the Philippines and can grow to 2 inches.
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 popular Cerith snail has a pointy black shell with white speckles. It is a terrific algae eater for the sand and lower areas of the aquarium; it grows to 1 inch. It is commonly available from Florida. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation. The shape of its shell helps ensure it does not become trapped upside down like some other snails. Snails are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality.
The attractive Bumble Bee snail has a jet black shell with bright yellow stripes. It actively patrols the rocks and sand in search of detritus and fish food to eat. It may also consume worms and micro-fauna in the substrate. It grows to 1 inch. It is commonly available from the Philippines. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation. Snails are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality.
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 rusty colored crab from Florida makes a terrific addition to a clean-up crew. It is a small sized crab that eats a wide variety of algae including some hair algae. 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 Turbo snail is well known as a fast moving snail that makes quick work of algae in the aquarium. Its rounded shell usually grows to 2 or 3 inches, although some species may grow even larger. Its operculum, or trap door, is smooth, unlike its Mexican cousins who have a swirl pattern. 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.
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.A very uncommon animal, it is also known as the Blue Knuckle crab, and should not to be confused for the Blue Leg crab which stays quite small. The Electric Blue crab is a medium sized hermit crab and consumes mainly algae including some hair algae and cyanobacteria. 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, fish food, and anything else edible.
One of the best sand-sifting snails, the Orange Lip, or Strawberry conch stays small and eats lots of algae. It moves with a hopping motion and may hide under the substrate. It is regularly imported from the Philippines. It is usually available as a 1 inch snail which may grow up to 3 inches long
The Mexican Turbo snail is well known as a fast moving snail that makes quick work of a wide variety of algae in the aquarium. Its rounded shell usually grows to 2 or 3 inches, although some specimens may grow even larger. Its operculum, or trap door, has a swirl pattern, unlike its Philippine cousins who are smooth. 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.
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 colorful crab from Hawaii is bright scarlet with orange bands. It grows to a medium size and needs shells with a narrow opening such as conch shells. It is well known to eat many types of algae including some hair algae. 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, fish food, and anything else edible.
Anemones have a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles which can capture small creatures and deliver them to the mouth. The sting is often quite strong and capable of damaging corals and injuring fish. Small fish such as firefish and dragonets may accidently swim directly into the anemone and be killed. Large anemones such as carpets may even kill larger fish. The addition of a night light greatly aids fish in avoiding the anemones. The tentacles are often very sticky and can cause painful sores. Some animals are specially adapted to live within anemones, such as Periclimenes shrimp and Porcelain crabs.Anemones receive most of their energy from the light, which should be very bright. Metal halide is the preferred lighting for most anemones. Feeding should be at least twice weekly and consist of small meaty items such as Mysis or chopped krill. Large specimens may take diced fish.The foot of the anemone enables them to adhere to glass and also to crawl around the aquarium. They can also float in the water to move quickly. Newly introduced specimens often wander for some time before settling down. At any time it may relocate, and is prone to being sucked into powerheads; all pumps should be screened for safety. Its foot is delicate and should never be damaged. Protein skimming is recommended to oxygenate the water sufficiently. Stable water conditions are important, and anemones are only recommended for mature aquariums.The Bubble Tip anemone is the best first choice anemone as it tolerates a wide variety of lighting and aquarium conditions. It may grow up to 12 inches but typically divides into two or more specimens before reaching a large size. Its tentacles may take on a bulbous appearance or be long and thin. Both shapes can be found on healthy specimens, and the shape may change depending on the animal's mood.Bubble tip anemone prefers to hide its foot in the rockwork. It may host with any type of clownfish, hosting easiest with Percula, Maroon, Ephippium, Tomato and Clarkii complexes.
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 Babylon snail has a large cream colored shell with orange blotches and is also known as the Leopard Nassarius. It hides under the sand, emerging at feeding time to consume fish food and detritus. It may attack smaller snails and clams. This efficient clean-up critter grows to 3 inches and is similar to the Olive snail. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation. Snails are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality.
The White Sand starfish is well camouflaged to blend into its habitat. It makes a living sifting through the sand, cleaning and aerating it. It may hide just under the surface or crawl on top of the substrate. Sand should be at least 3 inches deep, preferably deeper in order to provide enough natural food, which consists mainly of biofilm and microalgae. It is completely reef safe and does not bother corals. If it is kept with competing animals, such as its own kind, sand dollars or cucumbers, the aquarium must be large enough to support all animals.Echinoderms such as starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums of at least 6 months for both water stability and sufficient food supply. It grows up to 12 inches and needs an aquarium at least 100 gallons.
The Striped Top Hat is a fantastic algae eater with a white shell, often covered in colorful coralline algae. Its shell may reach 2.5 inches tall. 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.
This exceptional snail is both beautiful and hard working. It eats many types of algae such as hair and diatoms, and is not usually targeted by hermit crabs. Its smooth shell is covered by its fleshy mantel when the snail is active. It is known to breed in the aquarium and may sit on top of its eggs to protect them. It grows to 1 inch and is perfect for even small aquariums. It should be placed right side up on the sand after acclimation.
The Spiny Astrea snail eats many types of algae including hair algae. Its shell has small spikes all over. It stays small at 1.5 inches which allows it to reach small crevices in the live rock. 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.
Anemones have a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles which can capture small creatures and deliver them to the mouth. The sting is often quite strong and capable of damaging corals and injuring fish. Small fish such as firefish and dragonets may accidently swim directly into the anemone and be killed. Large anemones such as carpets may even kill larger fish. The addition of a night light greatly aids fish in avoiding the anemones. The tentacles are often very sticky and can cause painful sores. Some animals are specially adapted to live within anemones, such as Periclimenes shrimp and Porcelain crabs.Anemones receive most of their energy from the light, which should be very bright. Metal halide is the preferred lighting for most anemones. Feeding should be at least twice weekly and consist of small meaty items such as Mysis or chopped krill. Large specimens may take diced fish.The foot of the anemone enables them to adhere to glass and also to crawl around the aquarium. They can also float in the water to move quickly. Newly introduced specimens often wander for some time before settling down. At any time it may relocate, and is prone to being sucked into powerheads; all pumps should be screened for safety. Its foot is delicate and should never be damaged. Protein skimming is recommended to oxygenate the water sufficiently. Stable water conditions are important, and anemones are only recommended for mature aquariums.This Caribbean anemone may grow up to 12 inches; common specimens are typically a cream to white color. It is one of the easiest anemones to keep, but still demands stable conditions. It prefers to hide its foot in the rockwork. It does not usually host clownfish, although occasionally Clarkii complex clownfish may host with it.
Abalone are unique snails who have flattened shells with breathing holes in them. They are able to stick firmly to the glass or rocks- so much so that to force them off usually damages them and causes their demise. They have incredible appetites for algae, diatoms and detritus and need a lot of food. Abalone may grow up to 3 inches or more. It should be placed right side up on the sand near the glass 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.
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.
Anemones have a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles which can capture small creatures and deliver them to the mouth. The sting is often quite strong and capable of damaging corals and injuring fish. Small fish such as firefish and dragonets may accidently swim directly into the anemone and be killed. Large anemones such as carpets may even kill larger fish. The addition of a night light greatly aids fish in avoiding the anemones. The tentacles are often very sticky and can cause painful sores. Some animals are specially adapted to live within anemones, such as Periclimenes shrimp and Porcelain crabs.Anemones receive most of their energy from the light, which should be very bright. Metal halide is the preferred lighting for most anemones. Feeding should be at least twice weekly and consist of small meaty items such as Mysis or chopped krill. Large specimens may take diced fish.The foot of the anemone enables them to adhere to glass and also to crawl around the aquarium. They can also float in the water to move quickly. Newly introduced specimens often wander for some time before settling down. At any time it may relocate, and is prone to being sucked into powerheads; all pumps should be screened for safety. Its foot is delicate and should never be damaged. Protein skimming is recommended to oxygenate the water sufficiently. Stable water conditions are important, and anemones are only recommended for mature aquariums.The Bubble Tip anemone is the best first choice anemone as it tolerates a wide variety of lighting and aquarium conditions. It may grow up to 12 inches but typically divides into two or more specimens before reaching a large size. Its tentacles may take on a bulbous appearance or be long and thin. Both shapes can be found on healthy specimens, and the shape may change depending on the animal's mood.Bubble tip anemone prefers to hide its foot in the rockwork. It may host with any type of clownfish, hosting easiest with Percula, Maroon, Ephippium, Tomato and Clarkii complexes.
Anemones have a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles which can capture small creatures and deliver them to the mouth. The sting is often quite strong and capable of damaging corals and injuring fish. Small fish such as firefish and dragonets may accidently swim directly into the anemone and be killed. Large anemones such as carpets may even kill larger fish. The addition of a night light greatly aids fish in avoiding the anemones. The tentacles are often very sticky and can cause painful sores. Some animals are specially adapted to live within anemones, such as Periclimenes shrimp and Porcelain crabs.Anemones receive most of their energy from the light, which should be very bright. Metal halide is the preferred lighting for most anemones. Feeding should be at least twice weekly and consist of small meaty items such as Mysis or chopped krill. Large specimens may take diced fish.The foot of the anemone enables them to adhere to glass and also to crawl around the aquarium. They can also float in the water to move quickly. Newly introduced specimens often wander for some time before settling down. At any time it may relocate, and is prone to being sucked into powerheads; all pumps should be screened for safety. Its foot is delicate and should never be damaged. Protein skimming is recommended to oxygenate the water sufficiently. Stable water conditions are important, and anemones are only recommended for mature aquariums.This incredible animal has slender tentacles and may grow up to 19 inches. It prefers to bury its foot in the sand. Most colored specimens are shades of green. It can be identified by stripes radiating out from the mouth, and small bumps along its column. It may host any clownfish species, hosting easiest with Clarkii, Skunk, Saddleback and Maroon complexes.
This delightful animal comes in many colors, usually cream with dark chocolate 'chips' on its back, although sometimes its base color may be red, orange or even blue. It is similar to the Red Spined starfish. It is usually found crawling on the glass or live rock searching for food. In nature it lives on sandy substrate sea grass beds. It is not reef safe and may eat many types of sessile invertebrates such as corals, sponges and anemones. It can be fed pieces of chopped seafood on the sand with the starfish placed on top.Echinoderms such as starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums of at least 6 months for both water stability and sufficient food supply. It grows up to 12 inches and needs an aquarium at least 100 gallons.
This brightly colored animal may be solid ruby red, sometimes with black tips on its arms, or may be bright orange. It is usually found crawling on the glass or live rock searching for food. A sand substrate helps to generate enough natural food, which consists mainly of biofilm and microalgae. It is completely reef safe and does not bother corals. If it is kept with competing animals, such as other starfish, the aquarium must be large enough to support all animals.Echinoderms such as starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums of at least 6 months for both water stability and sufficient food supply. It grows up to 6 inches and needs an aquarium at least 100 gallons.
The elegant Tube anemone has extremely long and thin tentacles, and may grow up to 8 inches. Ultra colored specimens are typically deep violet or bright pink with a contrasting neon green mouth. Unlike most other anemones, the Tube anemone is non-photosynthetic. Feeding should be at least every other day and consist of small meaty items such as Mysis shrimp and other fish foods. It prefers to hide its foot in the sand or stuck to rocks near the bottom. It encases its column with a protective sleeve of mucus, special threads and debris such as sand. During transport it may lose its tube but can create another one once it enters the aquarium. Numerous Tube anemones may be housed together creating a colorful display.Anemones have a central mouth surrounded by stinging tentacles which can capture small creatures and deliver them to the mouth. The sting is often quite strong and capable of damaging corals and injuring fish. Small fish such as firefish and dragonets may accidently swim directly into the anemone and be killed. The addition of a night light greatly aids fish in avoiding the anemones. The tentacles are often very sticky and can cause painful sores. Some animals are specially adapted to live within anemones, such as Periclimenes shrimp and Porcelain crabs.Although only distantly related to other anemones, the Tube anemone can still move about the aquarium. They can also float in the water to move quickly. Newly introduced specimens often wander before settling down. At any time it may relocate, and is prone to being sucked into powerheads; all pumps should be screened for safety. Its foot is delicate and should never be damaged. Protein skimming is recommended to oxygenate the water sufficiently. Stable water conditions are important, and anemones are only recommended for mature aquariums.
This gorgeous animal may be shades of azure to cobalt blue. It is usually found crawling on the glass or live rock searching for food. A sand substrate helps to generate enough natural food, which consists mainly of biofilm and microalgae. It is completely reef safe and does not bother corals. If it is kept with competing animals, such as other starfish, the aquarium must be large enough to support all animals.Echinoderms such as starfish are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums of at least 6 months for both water stability and sufficient food supply. It grows up to 16 inches and needs an aquarium at least 100 gallons.
