Marine Invertebrates

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.An amusing animal also known as the Pinocchio shrimp after its long red nose; the rest of its body is bright yellow with dark spots. It is very social with its own kind and is peaceful with all other aquarium inhabitants. It may clean fish, and is easy to feed on fish food. It grows to only 1.5 inches.

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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.This colorful and diminutive shrimp is uncommon and highly sought after. Its claws and tail are striking white with pale red stripes, and its abdomen is yellow with a large red spot on either side. It stays small, only growing to 1.5 inches. 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 Purple Coral Banded shrimp spends most of its time within the rockwork and emerges at night or feeding time. It is aggressive towards its own species but occasionally forms pairs. It is an opportunistic feeder and may attack other crustaceans and small snails and worms. It is easy to feed on fish food.

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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.A talented dancer and fine dresser, the handsome Camel shrimp is both entertaining and easy on the eyes. It waggles its body as if it was dancing The Robot and enjoys the company of its own kind. It is sometimes mistaken for the Peppermint shrimp, however it is quite different. It is also known as the Candy, Dancing and Hinge-Beak shrimp. It grows to 2 inches; males have larger claws than females. It may pick on coral polyps but usually ignores other invertebrates, fish, and corals and anemones with strong stinging tentacles. It is easy to feed with fish food.

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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 Bongo shrimp is a fascinating and diminutive shrimp related to the Harlequin shrimp. It is a specialized predator and only eats miniature brittle and Asterina stars. It is also known as the Spiny Tiger shrimp and makes a spectacular addition to a nano aquarium. It is decorated all over with bright red spots like glittering rubies. It grows to only 1 inch.

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A galaxy of sparkling stars covers this otherwise dark colored crustacean. It may be dark chocolate to turquoise to orange in color. It may hide under rocks for much of the day but will emerge at night time or when hungry. Its long antennae are nearly always visible. It is an opportunistic omnivore and will take any food available, possibly threatening sleeping fish, snails, crabs, urchins and anything else it can catch. If well fed the lobster's predatory nature is more subdued. It is easy to keep, may grow up to 8 inches and needs an aquarium at least 75 gallons.

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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 Bongo shrimp is a fascinating and diminutive shrimp related to the Harlequin shrimp. It is a specialized predator and only eats miniature brittle and Asterina stars. It is also known as the Spiny Tiger shrimp and makes a spectacular addition to a nano aquarium. It is decorated all over with bright red spots like glittering rubies. It grows to only 1 inch.

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Tunicates, or Sea Squirts, resemble sponges but are actually very complicated animals related to fish. Their adult form lives attached to hard substrate and filters the water for food, mainly bacterioplankton. A well established aquarium with a sand substrate will help to generate appropriate food. Additions of phytoplankton and occasional stirring of the sand, as well as minimal or no protein skimming, may help. We recommend Tunicates only be attempted by expert aquarists who can meet their demanding needs.Also called the Monkey sea squirt, it is typically brightly colored cream to orange with royal purple stripes. It may grow up to 3 inches.

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Tunicates, or Sea Squirts, resemble sponges but are actually very complicated animals related to fish. Their adult form lives attached to hard substrate and filters the water for food, mainly bacterioplankton. A well established aquarium with a sand substrate will help to generate appropriate food. Additions of phytoplankton and occasional stirring of the sand, as well as minimal or no protein skimming, may help. We recommend Tunicates only be attempted by expert aquarists who can meet their demanding needs.This unique tunicate is typically robin's egg blue. It has a stem with many polyp-like zooids at the end. It may occasionally cover itself with a clear film in order to clean itself; this may take up to a few weeks to be shed.

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Tunicates, or Sea Squirts, resemble sponges but are actually very complicated animals related to fish. Their adult form lives attached to hard substrate and filters the water for food, mainly bacterioplankton. A well established aquarium with a sand substrate will help to generate appropriate food. Additions of phytoplankton and occasional stirring of the sand, as well as minimal or no protein skimming, may help. We recommend Tunicates only be attempted by expert aquarists who can meet their demanding needs.This interesting animal comes in many colors but is typically earthy shades with contrasting dark stripes. It may grow up to 3 inches.

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Tunicates, or Sea Squirts, resemble sponges but are actually very complicated animals related to fish. Their adult form lives attached to hard substrate and filters the water for food, mainly bacterioplankton. A well established aquarium with a sand substrate will help to generate appropriate food. Additions of phytoplankton and occasional stirring of the sand, as well as minimal or no protein skimming, may help. We recommend Tunicates only be attempted by expert aquarists who can meet their demanding needs.The Encrusting Blue tunicate is very small and lives in a colony with its own kind. They are so small that from a distance they resemble velvet.

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The spectacular Coco feather duster worm creates a protective hard shell up to 8 inches long and comes in a wide variety of colors in alternating stripes. Colored specimens are usually striped red and white.Feather duster worms are filter feeders and require frequent additions of phytoplankton in order to thrive. The visible part of the worm are its feeding tentacles and the rest of the worm is hidden within a protective tube. If there is not enough food it may 'drop' its tentacles and attempt to re-grow them. If stressed it may leave its tube, but if undisturbed it can create a new one. It is imperative when placing the worm into the water to rotate it to remove all air bubbles which may have become trapped inside the tube. It is completely harmless and has no sting. It should never be housed with predatory animals such as butterflyfish.

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The spectacular Coco feather duster worm creates a protective hard shell up to 8 inches long and comes in a wide variety of colors in alternating stripes. Common specimens are usually white sometimes with pale stripes.Feather duster worms are filter feeders and require frequent additions of phytoplankton in order to thrive. The visible part of the worm are its feeding tentacles and the rest of the worm is hidden within a protective tube. If there is not enough food it may 'drop' its tentacles and attempt to re-grow them. If stressed it may leave its tube, but if undisturbed it can create a new one. It is imperative when placing the worm into the water to rotate it to remove all air bubbles which may have become trapped inside the tube. It is completely harmless and has no sting. It should never be housed with predatory animals such as butterflyfish.

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Sea Hare are huge slugs with massive appetites for algae. Most species eat soft green hair algae, although spotted Hares may also eat macro algae such as Caulerpa. Sea Hares have soft bodies and may become sucked into powerheads so all pumps should be screened. It is common for Hares to bury themselves in the sand. If stressed or dying they can release an ink into the water which should be quickly removed with water changes and fresh carbon. They are extremely sensitive to changes in water quality and are only recommended for expert aquarists.The Spotted Sea Hare is variable in color from light caramel to dark chocolate, always with decorative black rings. The long sense organs on its head resemble the ears of a rabbit. It has an internal shell but is soft on the outside. It usually moves by crawling but can also swim by undulating the fleshy extensions on its back.

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The Sea Apple is a large, spectacularly colored filter feeding cucumber. It uses its tiny tube feet to attach itself to its environment in an area of high water flow, extending its feeding tentacles to catch tiny floating food particles from the water. It grows up to 8 inches long. Covers over all intakes are required or the cucumber may accidently become sucked inside. Like other filter-feeding cucumbers its body contains holothurin toxin. This species may poison the water if dying or harassed by its tank mates. Butterflyfish, angelfish and other animals who pick on invertebrates should never be kept with the Sea Apple. A large water change and fresh carbon should be used if it is noticed a cucumber has died. Echinoderms such as cucumbers are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. It requires a well established aquarium and frequent additions of supplemental phytoplankton food. If it is starving it may shrink in size or lose its feeding tentacles, at which point food supply should be increased.

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Echinoderms such as cucumbers are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums for both water stability and sufficient food supply.This delightful animal is a yellowish to greenish color with large bubble-gum pink spines protruding from its sides. Its feathery feeding tentacles are the same hues as its body. It uses its tiny tube feet to attach itself to its environment in an area of high water flow, extending its feeding tentacles to catch tiny floating food particles from the water. If provided with enough food it may reproduce by division. It grows up to 5 inches long.Covers over all intakes are required or the cucumber may accidently become sucked inside. Like other filter-feeding cucumbers its body contains holothurin toxin. This species may poison the water if dying or harassed by its tank mates. Butterflyfish, angelfish and other animals who pick on invertebrates should never be kept with filter-feeding cucumbers. A water change and fresh carbon should be used if it is noticed a cucumber has died. Echinoderms such as cucumbers are extremely sensitive to changes in the water quality. They require well established aquariums and addition of supplemental foods such as phytoplankton. If it is starving it may shrink in size or lose its feeding tentacles, at which point food supply should be increased.

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The Spider crab is notable for its extremely long legs which are covered in attractive banding. It often sits with its body partially buried in the substrate and its legs sprawled out around it. It is an opportunistic feeder which may overpower small creatures, such as other crustaceans. It does best with large fish and other sizable invertebrates that can defend themselves. It makes an effective scavenger and can grow up to a 8 inches leg span.

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This Sponge is completely non-photosynthetic and receives its energy by capturing fine phyto and zooplankton, coral snow and small edible particles which may be found in mature aquariums. Occasionally stirring the sand may release some food items which the sponge may capture- most food utilized is 0.1-1.5 micrometers (typically 0.5 μm or smaller). Most specimens are collected from the Caribbean. We recommend this animal only for expert aquarists who can provide the frequent feedings it demands.Moderate to strong water flow is essential over all parts of the sponge. Lateral flow should be used, with the sponge’s oscula facing down-wind; improper placement will cause closure of the oscula. Never use wave or surge action, or point-source powerheads, which may damage the animal’s delicate structure. Water flow will deliver food to the sponge and remove wastes, and also help to clear nuisance algae, cyanobacteria and debris. Lower lighting or shade should be used to discourage algae overgrowth; as well, for some species bright light is actually damaging. Sponge should never be exposed to air, as it will become trapped within the animal and cause starvation and necrosis. It should be transferred while underwater. If damage from trapped gasses affects the animal the damaged area should be cut away. Poor water quality is also not tolerated by sponges. It should be inspected for predatory nudibranch which may feed on it.Many sponges are bright colors, which serves as a warning to predators that they may contain toxins. The toxin may damage other sessile animals if touched, or be released into the water if the sponge is dead or dying. Demosponges such as this are comprised of silica spicules which may be extremely irritating if touched; wearing gloves or only handling the substrate they are attached to is recommended.Sponges make excellent tank-mates with other filter-feeding creatures such as sun, flowerpot, carnation and chili corals, gorgonians, tunicates, clams and oysters which would also benefit from added food.The Bee sponge is a cheery orange color with an intricate, spiky texture, resembling a honeycomb. It is easy to image its bright chambers dripping with honey. Difficulty: Advanced Growth Speed: Slow Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Middle Water Flow: Medium - High Temperament: Peaceful

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This Sponge is completely non-photosynthetic and receives its energy by capturing fine phyto and zooplankton, coral snow and small edible particles which may be found in mature aquariums. Occasionally stirring the sand may release some food items which the sponge may capture- most food utilized is 0.1-1.5 micrometers (typically 0.5 μm or smaller). Most specimens are collected from the Caribbean. We recommend this animal only for expert aquarists who can provide the frequent feedings it demands.Moderate to strong water flow is essential over all parts of the sponge. Lateral flow should be used, with the sponge’s oscula facing down-wind; improper placement will cause closure of the oscula. Never use wave or surge action, or point-source powerheads, which may damage the animal’s delicate structure. Water flow will deliver food to the sponge and remove wastes, and also help to clear nuisance algae, cyanobacteria and debris. Lower lighting or shade should be used to discourage algae overgrowth; as well, for some species bright light is actually damaging. Sponge should never be exposed to air, as it will become trapped within the animal and cause starvation and necrosis. It should be transferred while underwater. If damage from trapped gasses affects the animal the damaged area should be cut away. Poor water quality is also not tolerated by sponges. It should be inspected for predatory nudibranch which may feed on it.Many sponges are bright colors, which serves as a warning to predators that they may contain toxins. The toxin may damage other sessile animals if touched, or be released into the water if the sponge is dead or dying. Demosponges such as this are comprised of silica spicules which may be extremely irritating if touched; wearing gloves or only handling the substrate they are attached to is recommended. Sponges make excellent tank-mates with other filter-feeding creatures such as sun, flowerpot, carnation and chili corals, gorgonians, tunicates, clams and oysters which would also benefit from added food.This sponge grows like a tall dessert succulent, or a mighty tree with many branches. It has a deep orange to red coloration which adds to its impressive appearance. Difficulty: Advanced Growth Speed: Slow Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Middle Water Flow: Medium - High Temperament: Peaceful

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This Sponge is completely non-photosynthetic and receives its energy by capturing fine phyto and zooplankton, coral snow and small edible particles which may be found in mature aquariums. Occasionally stirring the sand may release some food items which the sponge may capture- most food utilized is 0.1-1.5 micrometers (typically 0.5 μm or smaller). Most specimens are collected from the Caribbean. We recommend this animal only for expert aquarists who can provide the frequent feedings it demands.Moderate to strong water flow is essential over all parts of the sponge. Lateral flow should be used, with the sponge’s oscula facing down-wind; improper placement will cause closure of the oscula. Never use wave or surge action, or point-source powerheads, which may damage the animal’s delicate structure. Water flow will deliver food to the sponge and remove wastes, and also help to clear nuisance algae, cyanobacteria and debris. Lower lighting or shade should be used to discourage algae overgrowth; as well, for some species bright light is actually damaging. Sponge should never be exposed to air, as it will become trapped within the animal and cause starvation and necrosis. It should be transferred while underwater. If damage from trapped gasses affects the animal the damaged area should be cut away. Poor water quality is also not tolerated by sponges. It should be inspected for predatory nudibranch which may feed on it.Many sponges are bright colors, which serves as a warning to predators that they may contain toxins. The toxin may damage other sessile animals if touched, or be released into the water if the sponge is dead or dying. Demosponges such as this are comprised of silica spicules which may be extremely irritating if touched; wearing gloves or only handling the substrate they are attached to is recommended. Sponges make excellent tank-mates with other filter-feeding creatures such as sun, flowerpot, carnation and chili corals, gorgonians, tunicates, clams and oysters which would also benefit from added food.Intense orange coloration and appealing flattened fan shape makes this animal unmistakable. It adds a dramatic splash of color to a mature reef aquarium. In nature it grows sideways extending from vertical cliffs, and this placement should be replicated in the home aquarium. Difficulty: Advanced Growth Speed: Slow Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Middle Water Flow: Medium - High Temperament: Peaceful

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This sponge comes in fantastic shades of azure to ultramarine, which are very rare hues on the reef. It has a rigid form resembling high volcanoes with oscula at the peak. It comes firmly attached to a piece of substrate.This Sponge requires both light for energy and fine filter foods such as phyto and zooplankton, coral snow and small edible particles which may be found in mature aquariums. Occasionally stirring the sand may release some food items which the sponge may capture- most food utilized is 0.1-1.5 micrometers (typically 0.5 μm or smaller). Photosynthetic sponges utilize photosynthetic cyanobacteria or algae symbionts to generate energy from the light, and in return provide its symbionts with nitrogen. We recommend this animal only for expert aquarists who can provide for its needs.Moderate to strong water flow is essential over all parts of the sponge. Lateral flow should be used, and never wave or surge action, or point-source powerheads, which may damage the animal’s delicate structure. Water flow will deliver food to the sponge and remove wastes, and also help to clear nuisance algae, cyanobacteria and debris. Sponge should never be exposed to air, as it will become trapped within the animal and cause starvation and necrosis. It should be transferred while underwater. If damage from trapped gasses affects the animal the damaged area should be cut away. Poor water quality is also not tolerated by sponges. It should be inspected for predatory nudibranch which may feed on it.Many sponges are bright colors, which serves as a warning to predators that they contain toxins. These toxins help it to resist being overgrown by nuisance algae, however it may harm other aquarium inhabitants it touches, or be released into the water if the sponge is dead or dying. Demosponges such as this are comprised of silica spicules which may be extremely irritating if touched; wearing gloves or only handling the substrate they are attached to is recommended.Sponges make excellent tank-mates with other filter-feeding creatures such as sun, flowerpot, carnation and chili corals, gorgonians, tunicates, clams and oysters which would also benefit from added food. Difficulty: Advanced Growth Speed: Slow Lighting: Medium - High Average Placement: Middle Water Flow: Medium - High Temperament: Peaceful

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Tunicates, or Sea Squirts, resemble sponges but are actually very complicated animals related to fish. Their adult form lives attached to hard substrate and filters the water for food, mainly bacterioplankton. A well established aquarium with a sand substrate will help to generate appropriate food. Additions of phytoplankton and occasional stirring of the sand, as well as minimal or no protein skimming, may help. We recommend Tunicates only be attempted by expert aquarists who can meet their demanding needs.This bizarre creature is typically pure white with bright green siphons and may grow up to 4 inches.

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This impressive Caribbean sponge is typically a deep orange color marbled with yellow zoanthids. Together they create a spectacular showpiece displaying a fascinating commensal arrangement. Their contrasting colors act as a warning to predators- one or both animals may be quite toxic. They can also provide each other with food.The needs of both the filter-feeding sponge and its photosynthetic partner zoanthid must be met to ensure success. The sponge receives its energy by capturing fine phyto and zooplankton, coral snow and small edible particles which may be found in mature aquariums. Occasionally stirring the sand may release some food items which the sponge may capture- most food utilized is 0.1-1.5 micrometers (typically 0.5 μm or smaller). We recommend this animal only for expert aquarists who can provide the care it demands.Moderate to strong water flow is essential over all parts of the sponge. Lateral flow should be used, and never wave or surge action, or point-source powerheads, which may damage the animal’s delicate structure. Water flow will deliver food to the sponge and remove wastes, and also help to clear nuisance algae, cyanobacteria and debris. Lower lighting or shade should be used to discourage algae overgrowth- for some species bright light is actually damaging. Sponge should never be exposed to air, as it will become trapped within the animal and cause starvation and necrosis. It should be transferred while underwater. If damage from trapped gasses affects the animal the damaged area should be cut away. Poor water quality is also not tolerated by sponges. It should be inspected for predatory nudibranch which are found on some colonies.Most sponges contain toxins which may damage other sessile animals if touched, or be released into the water if the sponge is dead or dying. Demosponges such as this are comprised of silica spicules which may be extremely irritating if touched. As well, most species of zoanthid also contain toxins in their mucus and tissues, including the potent neurotoxin palytoxin, which may be dangerous to humans. It is important not to underestimate the potency of this toxin- gloves are highly recommended when handling this animal.Sponges make excellent tank-mates with other filter-feeding creatures such as sun, flowerpot, carnation and chili corals, gorgonians, tunicates, clams and oysters which would also benefit from added food. Difficulty: Advanced Growth Speed: Slow Lighting: Medium Average Placement: Middle Water Flow: Medium - High Temperament: Peaceful

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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.A spectacular animal that often grows to 24 inches or more and makes an incredible display. It prefers to bury its foot into deep sand. Its tentacles are very short and numerous. It may host with many clownfish species, hosting easiest with Clarkii, Percula, Saddleback, Ephippium and Skunk complex clownfish.

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