The Boxer Shrimp, also known as the Coral Banded Shrimp, is very popular amongst marine aquarists. The contrast of the red and white bands is beautiful, making this one of the most striking of shrimps. It has large pincers compared to some other shrimps of its size. It is quite aggressive in terms of not…
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Star Polyps and Clavularia – The Star Of The Show
FAMILY: CLAVULARIIDAEThe terms, Star Polyps and Clavularia may be rather unfamiliar to many marine aquarists but all marinists interested in invertebrates will have come across the many species of the these delightful colonies, if they do not already own one or two. Unfortunately, the family Clavulariidae, commonly known as Star Polyps, has long been confused…
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The Micro Shrimp Tank
Most of my regular readers will already be aware that, on the whole, I do not condone small marine tanks; that is, tanks with a nett volume of less than 20 gallons (91 litres). They are usually very unstable as far as water parameters are concerned and subsequently exert considerable stress on fish and/or invertebrates.…
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Mantis Shrimp – Thumb Splitters
In the sea a number of animals have earned the reputation of being harmful. Indeed, some denizens, such as sharks, stingrays, scorpionfish, sea snakes, and some jellyfish, can be potentially dangerous to swimmers or divers. In order to survive and reproduce, many sea creatures have evolved protective mechanisms against other predators. Some inject venom through…
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Starting With Invertebrates
There's no doubt about it, a well arranged coral invertebrate aquarium can be one of the most impressive and satisfying sights you are likely to witness within the fishkeeping hobby. People seem to be drawn like a magnet to its exotic beauty and a certain disbelief that something so defying adequate description could possibly be…
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New Marinists Are Welcome
Newcomers, beginners, novices, call them what you will, are the lifeblood of our hobby. They are often confused and discouraged by the ‘rocket-science’ offered by hobbyists at the other end of the scale (and THEY were all newcomers at one time don’t forget!). This is a pity, for without fresh input, our hobby would soon…
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Cowries – The Hard Nuts
Family: Ovulidae It is probably true to say that cowries are of more value to shell collectors than to marine fishkeepers; for although they possess some attractive qualities such as the often beautiful shells, in the reef aquarium they are capable of causing considerable inconvenience. Still, they are popular with marine aquarists and I no…
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Anemones – Flowers Of The Sea
Distribution and Form These ancient animals occupy all the oceans and seas of the world and species are to be found throughout the very coldest to the very warmest regions, such is their ability to diversify and adapt, albeit over aeons of time. (more…)
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