Family: Pomacentridae The spawning of clownfish nearly always takes place in the late afternoon and is a delightful scene to observe. A common precursor to this and a good indication of imminent egg laying is the ritual cleaning of the chosen spawning site. Both male and female clean the site vigorously with their mouths until…
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Keeping the Clown Tang | Acanthurus lineatus
The Clown Tang (Acanthurus lineatus) is one of the most striking members of the Tangs / Surgeons family (Acanthuridae), being one of the most aggressive and can be challenging to keep and care for. It is also known in the trade as the Lined Surgeon and Pyjama Tang. Sooner or later as a reef tank…
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Harlequin Tuskfish | Choerodon fasciatus
The harlequin tusk (Choerodon fasciatus) belongs to the family of wrasses. It has orange mottled bands. Each band is etched by delicate blue-violet ribbons. Anteriorly, between the orange bands is silvery-white, turning to dark grey-black posteriorly. With big protruding tiger-like fangs, the tusk looks very menacing indeed, capable of doing harm to other tank mates.…
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Lyretail Grouper | Variola louti
With the opening of marine collection in the Red Sea, many organisms have become readily available which were previously too expensive for the average aquarist. It was just a few years back that a purple tang (Zebrasoma xanthurus), golden butterfly (Chaetodon semilarvatus), asfur angel (Arusetta asfur), or blue moon angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosas) would cost a…
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Majestic/Bluegirdled Angelfish | Euxiphipops navarchus
Like most other marine angelfish this species is another true beauty. One could say that it runs in the family. Adult and juvenile Majestic Angels (Euxiphipops navarchus) also known as the Bluegirdled Angel differ greatly in coloration. This above pictured specimen has begun its transformation into the adult color pattern. A complete juvenile has no…
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Wrasses for the Marine Aquarium
Family: Labridae If I was asked to name one group of fish which featured a wealth of attributes such as beautiful coloration, tireless activity from dawn to dusk, ease of feeding, a generally peaceful nature, compatibility with invertebrates and disease resistance, I would lay odds that the questioner would not be expecting a realistic reply. (more…)
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Lionfish | Pterois volitans
The Volitans Lionfish is to me one of the most fascinating of marine fishes. They have an almost royal presence about them in almost any aquarium. If you like fish that swim all over the tank then this is not the fish for you, as they tend to be at home for hours in one…
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Saltwater Gobies – Go For A Goby
Family: Gobiidae To the casual observer, gobies may not initially be an overly attractive prospect for the marine aquarium; but look a little closer. This extremely large family of fish (and there are well in excess of 1,500 species in both salt and freshwater environments) contains some of the most appealing and adaptable species available…
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Orchid Dottyback | Pseudochromis fridmani
History is replete with tales of individuals seeking something unobtainable. Jason and the Argonauts sought the Golden Fleece. Ponce de Leon sought the fountain of youth. And I sought to obtain the Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani). I realize that most hobbyists have one fish that they must have, but I doubt that many have contacted…
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Captivating Cardinals
Whilst the coloration and behaviour of this family of fishes could never be regarded as wildly over-the-top in the same as, say, clownfish, they nevertheless have a subdued charm that appeals to the marine fishkeeper. In addition, these are some of the easiest fish to maintain and the newcomer would do well to put the…
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Tropical Marine Blennies
Family: Blennidae Sooner or later, the serious marine aquarist cannot fail to come upon these endlessly fascinating and endearing group of fishes. Their curious habits and occasional brightly coloured appearance have continued to make them a firm favourite with reef and fish-only keepers alike. Blennies are found in seas all over the world. They are…
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(Finally) A How-To on Angelfish Reef Aquariums
In creating a truly sustainable and enduring marine environment, it’s not uncommon for a reef aquarium owner to feel suddenly besieged. Looking at all the filtration setups, pumps, bubble machines, heaters, coolers, fish tank stands and fish tanks out there – it’s easy to get knocked back on your heels. If only someone could consolidate…
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Flame Angelfish | Centropyge loriculus
Saltwater fish really have to compete with each other for attention. When just about everything in the tank has bright colors, bizarre tentacles, elaborate fins, or dangerous spines, simply being beautiful isn’t going to cut it. One fish that doesn’t have to try very hard is the flame angelfish. These vibrant fish have an almost…
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