price per one polyp
Blastomussa are a genus of large polyp stony corals, also known as "pineapple corals," "swollen brain corals," or "mushroom corals". They are characterized by their fleshy, often brightly colored polyps and rounded, swollen structures. Blastomussa are relatively easy to care for and can be a stunning addition to a reef aquarium.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance and Structure:
Polyp Type:
Large polyp stony corals (LPS).
Colonies:
Form colonies with a small number of corallites, each with its own fleshy polyp.
Color:
Brightly colored, with common colors including red, green, blue, brown, and combinations of these.
Skeletal Structure:
The skeleton is generally compact and rounded, resembling a swollen or mushroom-like shape.
Growth:
They tend to grow in a phaceloid (branched) or subplocoid (slightly branched) manner.
Habitat and Distribution:
Location: Found in reef environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Depth: Can be found on lower reef slopes and in turbid environments.
Care Requirements:
Lighting: Generally prefer low to moderate light levels.
Water Flow: Moderate water movement is recommended, but they can tolerate low flow.
Feeding: Blastomussa are primarily symbiotic with zooxanthellae, obtaining a significant portion of their nutrition through photosynthesis. They will also feed on microplankton, brine shrimp, and krill.
Water Parameters: Maintaining stable water quality is essential, including regular water changes.
Species within the Genus:
Blastomussa wellsi:
A species with smaller corallites and fewer septa, often found in the Indo-Pacific.
Blastomussa merleti:
A species sometimes referred to as "pineapple coral," found in the west and central Indo-Pacific.
Other species:
Blastomussa vivida, Blastomussa omanensis, and Blastomussa loyae are also recognized within the genus.
Caring for Blastomussa in a Reef Aquarium:
Water Quality: Monitor water parameters regularly and perform regular water changes.
Lighting: Provide appropriate lighting levels based on the species and specific needs.
Feeding: Offer occasional feedings of appropriate foods, such as krill or mysis shrimp.
Pruning and Fragging: Prune or frag as needed to control growth and prevent overcrowding.
Pest Control: Monitor for potential pests and predators, such as coral-eating snails and nudibranchs.
Tank Mates: Blastomussa are generally considered peaceful corals and can be housed with other non-aggressive corals.
Green Star Polyps (GSPs), also known as Pachyclavularia violacea or Briareum, are a popular soft coral known for their vibrant green or yellowish-green tentacles and a purple or blue base. They form a mat-like colony and are generally considered easy to care for. GSPs are popular with reef aquarium enthusiasts.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance:
GSPs have multiple polyps attached to a rubbery, purplish-red mat. Each polyp has eight thin, smooth tentacles that can range in color from pale to fluorescent green. They often have a contrasting color (like white or yellow) at the center of the polyp.
Size:
While they can reach a colony size of up to one foot in diameter, the individual polyps are typically less than 0.5 inches across.
Behavior:
GSPs are generally open during the day and may retract their tentacles at night or when disturbed.
Habitat:
They are found in shallow to moderate depths along reef edges in the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Diet:
GSPs are filter feeders, absorbing organic matter from the water column and also hosting zooxanthellae, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Reproduction:
They can reproduce by forming new polyps at the edge of the mat or by brood larvae
Briareum is a genus of soft corals in the family Briareidae.The coral is cultivated by aquarium owners (under the common name "green star polyp" or GSP) for its fluorescing polyps, which reveal themselves under actinic light. The genus is in need of extensive examination, as many specimens sold by marketers display unique and similar characteristics, but are often labeled as one species, Pachyclavularia violacea.
Price per polyp
Candy Cane coral or Caulastrea, is a popular, beginner-friendly large polyp stony (LPS) coral, characterized by its bright green, trumpet-shaped polyps. These polyps grow in clusters from a branching skeleton, creating a visually appealing structure. They are known for their hardiness and ability to add a vibrant pop of color to reef aquariums.
Key characteristics:
Appearance: The coral has a branching skeleton with trumpet-shaped polyps that are typically a vibrant neon green.
Polyp Structure: Each polyp has a central mouth surrounded by tentacles, and they can expand significantly, sometimes resembling a closed brain coral.
Hardiness: Green trumpet corals are considered hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners.
Lighting and Flow: They generally thrive under moderate lighting and moderate water flow.
Aggression: They have short sweeper tentacles, but are generally considered peaceful and can be placed near other corals, provided there's enough space to prevent them from touching.
Growth: They tend to grow at a moderate pace, forming dense colonies over time.
Water Conditions: Stable water conditions with appropriate levels of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements are important for their health.
In summary, the green trumpet coral is a visually appealing and relatively easy-to-care-for coral, making it a popular choice for reef aquarists of all experience levels.
Price per polyp
Candy Cane coral or Caulastrea, is a popular, beginner-friendly large polyp stony (LPS) coral, characterized by its bright green, trumpet-shaped polyps. These polyps grow in clusters from a branching skeleton, creating a visually appealing structure. They are known for their hardiness and ability to add a vibrant pop of color to reef aquariums.
Key characteristics:
Appearance: The coral has a branching skeleton with trumpet-shaped polyps that are typically a vibrant neon green.
Polyp Structure: Each polyp has a central mouth surrounded by tentacles, and they can expand significantly, sometimes resembling a closed brain coral.
Hardiness: Green trumpet corals are considered hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners.
Lighting and Flow: They generally thrive under moderate lighting and moderate water flow.
Aggression: They have short sweeper tentacles, but are generally considered peaceful and can be placed near other corals, provided there's enough space to prevent them from touching.
Growth: They tend to grow at a moderate pace, forming dense colonies over time.
Water Conditions: Stable water conditions with appropriate levels of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements are important for their health.
In summary, the green trumpet coral is a visually appealing and relatively easy-to-care-for coral, making it a popular choice for reef aquarists of all experience levels.
The Heffernan's Starfish, scientifically known as Celerina heffernani, is a species of marine echinoderm in the family Ophidiasteridae. It is characterized by its slender, tapering arms, and a body covered in small, granular plates. Specifically, it can be distinguished from similar species like Fromia monilis by the presence of short, distinct spikes along the arm groove. The abactinal surface (upper side) of the starfish is covered in small plates, ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm in diameter, and these plates are densely covered in granules.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Appearance: Celerina heffernani has five long, slender arms that taper gradually.
Size: The rays (arms) can be approximately 40 mm long, with a central disc radius of about 7 mm.
Plates and Granules: The upper surface is covered in small plates, which are densely granular. Some of the larger plates are convex and more prominent than the smaller surrounding plates.
Superomarginal Plates: These plates run along the sides of the arms and are arranged in an irregular series, with alternating larger and smaller plates. The larger ones are strongly convex, while the smaller ones are almost flat.
Habitat: This starfish is found throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific region.
Distinguishing Features: The presence of distinct spikes along the arm groove is a key characteristic that helps differentiate it from Fromia monilis.
Other Names: It's also known as the Pebbled Sea Star.
Centropyge bispinosa, commonly known as the Coral Beauty Angelfish or Dusky Angelfish, is a small, colorful angelfish with a distinctive appearance. They have a bright orange body with vertical blue or purple "tiger" stripes, and a blue-purple head, dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. Their pectoral and pelvic fins are typically yellow or orange.
Key Characteristics:
Color: Orange body with blue/purple stripes, blue/purple head and fins.
Size: Reaches up to 4-5 inches (10-12 cm) in length.
Behavior: Peaceful, but can be territorial with their own kind and other dwarf angelfishes.
Habitat: Found on outer reef slopes and in rocky areas with hiding spots.
Diet: Primarily eats algae and detritus.
Reproduction: Protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change sex.
Reef Compatibility: Considered reef-safe, but individuals may nip at certain corals, especially soft corals.
Distribution:
Found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and other tropical waters
Огненият ангел ( Centropyge loricula ) е морски ангел от семейство Помакантиди (Pomacanthidae) , срещани в тропическите води на Тихия океан . [3] Други често срещани имена включват пламтящ ангел , пламтящ ангел и японски пигмейски ангел.
Описание
Оцветяването на огнената риба ангел е ярко оранжево-червено с вертикално удължено черно петно и четири или пет ленти отстрани, задната част на гръбната и аналната перка , с редуващи се къси лилаво-сини и черни ленти. Екземплярите от Маркизките нямат вертикални черни ленти. Мъжките обикновено са по-големи и малко по-оцветени от женските.
Продължителността на живота на огнената риба-ангелка е 5–7 години или повече.
Диапазон
Среща се в различни рифове на Океания , най-често на Маршаловите острови, островите Лайн и Кук. Рибата се среща и на Хавайските острови, макар и по-рядко. По-специално, огненият ангел може да се намери по склоновете на кораловите рифове и бистрите лагуни.
Диета
В дивата природа, огненият ангел има разнообразна диета, състояща се от водорасли и ракообразни. Има отделни екземпляри, които живеят много дълго в рифови аквариуми, но по-голямата част от тези риби често умират без видима причина, когато пораснат. Това може лесно да се обясни, тъй като много от семейство Centropyge се хранят предимно с планктон като млади и преминават към естествената си диета за възрастни, след като пораснат напълно. Понякога е достатъчно недохраненият индивид да „тества“ източник на храна. В този случай, ангелите обикновено се добавят в добре установен аквариум и се хранят със замразени скариди мизис или месести ракообразни като скариди и миди.
В аквариум
В плен този вид се храни с разнообразна храна, включително саламура , скариди мизис и друго месо, както и със спирулина , листове от водорасли и пелети, а също така от личен опит [ мнение ] предпочитат риба тон и скариди.
Известно е, че огненият ангел е плах при завеждане в установен аквариум, особено по-малките екземпляри; но в рамките на една седмица той ще придобие увереност и след това постоянно ще бъде виждан да пасе около живи скали през деня.
Огненият ангел често се счита за безопасен за рифа. Той бързо се адаптира към диета в плен, което обикновено му пречи да консумира меки или каменисти корали. Отделни екземпляри, които кълват корали или миди, най-често са недохранени.
Развъждане
Известно е, че огненият ангел хвърля хайвера си в плен, като успешно отглеждани в плен екземпляри се предлагат от Atoll Farm Aquaculture в Тайланд. Огненият ангел е харемичен в дивата природа и може да се отглежда по двойки или по трио в изключително голям аквариум. Аквариумът трябва да съдържа само един мъжки - мъжките имат повече синьо по външния ръб на гръбните и аналните перки и са склонни да бъдат по-големи. Рибите ще хвърлят хайвера си към края на деня и ще освобождават пелагични гамети във водния стълб. Събирането на яйцата и отглеждането на ларвите е най-голямото предизвикателство. Огнените ангели са изхвърлящи хайвера си риби, като едновременно с това освобождават яйца и сперматозоиди привечер. Те се издигат във водния стълб и освобождават яйцата и сперматозоидите си на върха.
Меднолентовата риба пеперуда ( Chelmon rostratus ), известна още като клюноноса коралова риба , се среща в рифовете както в Тихия , така и в Индийския океан . Тази риба пеперуда е един от трите вида, съставляващи рода Chelmon , и всички имат дълги човки.
Описание
Тези риби лесно се разпознават по жълтите ивици и дългата муцуна. Младите риби са подобни на външния вид на възрастните риби. Рибите пеперуди растат до 20 см дължина. Рибата изглежда по-висока от дължината си поради сплеснатото си, дълбоко тяло с дълги гръбни и задни перки, както и вертикалните си жълти ивици на бял фон. Муцуната е дълга и тънка, а тъмното око на рибата е по-малко забележимо от тъмното очно петно на гръбната перка. Основата на опашката е с тъмна лента, която е перпендикулярна на опашката. Рибата пеперуда може да се различи от подобната C. marginalis по цветовата си схема и броя на лъчите на гръбната перка.
Местообитание
Рибите пеперуди меднопръсти се срещат на дълбочина от 1 до 25 метра, самостоятелно или по двойки. Тези риби образуват моногамни двойки по време на размножаване. Обикновено се срещат по коралови рифове или скалисти брегове, както и в естуари и тинести вътрешни рифове. Този вид е териториален и яйценосен .
В аквариума
Рибата пеперуда меднопръста може да достигне 20 см, но в домашен аквариум обикновено е наполовина по-малка. [ необходим е цитат ] Те се справят добре при нормален температурен диапазон на рифа от 24 до 29 °C, с размер на аквариума най-малко 75 галона и много живи камъни за паша. Този вид може да се счита за безопасен за рифа. Тя ще яде много безгръбначни , включително паразитни форми като тръбни червеи , Calliactis parasitica и обикновена стъклена анемона ( Aiptasia , паразитна анемона ). Много акваристи въвеждат пеперудата меднопръста само за да се отърват от тези вредители, без да вземат предвид дългосрочните им нужди за оцеляване. Ако имат избор, Aiptasia е най-малко предпочитаната храна. Рибата пеперуда се храни с всички тръбни и субстратни червеи, миди и мекотели. Това не е препоръчителна риба за неопитни акваристи, тъй като изисква отлични условия в аквариума, за да вирее или дори да оцелее.
The Black Bar Chromis (Chromis retrofasciata) is a small, peaceful damselfish known for its distinctive coloration and active behavior in aquariums. It has a yellow to tan body with a prominent vertical black bar where the body meets the tail. A neon blue ring often surrounds the eyes and edges of the fins. These fish are native to the Western Pacific and are typically found in coral reefs and lagoons.
Key characteristics:
Appearance: Yellowish-tan body with a vertical black bar, neon blue ring around the eyes and fins.
Size: Reaches about 2 inches in length.
Temperament: Peaceful and reef-safe, but can be aggressive towards smaller or shy fish, especially if housed alone.
Habitat: Found in reef areas and lagoons with plenty of live rock for shelter.
Diet: Omnivorous, should be fed a variety of foods including frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and quality flake food.
Social Behavior: Best kept in groups of six or more, but can be kept singly.
Aquarium Needs: Requires a 30-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and exploration.
The Chromis viridis, commonly known as the blue-green chromis or green chromis, is a small, iridescent damselfish with a bright blue-green or apple-green coloration. They are known for their shimmering, almost iridescent appearance that changes based on light. Males may turn yellow to orange during spawning. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs and lagoons.
Key characteristics:
Size: Typically reach a maximum length of 4 inches, but most stay around 3 inches.
Color: Shimmery, iridescent blue-green or apple-green.
Spawning coloration: Males may turn yellow to orange during mating season, sometimes with black coloration.
Habitat: Coral reefs and lagoons, typically in the shallows.
Social behavior: Form large schools, often above branching Acropora corals.
Aquarium suitability: Popular and easy to care for in saltwater aquariums.
Diet: Plankton feeders; readily accept a variety of foods, including flake food, frozen, and live foods.
Territoriality: Can be territorial, especially during mating, and may nip at other fish if crowded.
Natural habitat: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, from the African coast to the Pitcairn Islands.
Chrysiptera parasema, commonly known as the Yellowtail Blue Damsel or Goldtail Demoiselle, is a small, vibrant saltwater fish with a distinct blue body and bright yellow tail. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its hardiness and striking appearance.
Key Features:
Appearance: The body is a rich, velvety dark blue, with a bright yellow tail (caudal fin) and sometimes yellow on the back of the anal and dorsal fins.
Size: Reaches up to 2.8-3 inches (7.1-7.6 cm) in length.
Origin: Found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Behavior: Known for being semi-aggressive and territorial, especially in confined spaces.
Diet: Omnivorous, eating algae, invertebrates, and small crustaceans.
Reef Compatibility: Generally reef-safe.
Care: Requires a well-established reef aquarium with ample hiding places, stable water parameters, and a diet of high-quality foods.
Distinguishing Features:
The yellow tail is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from similar damselfish species, such as the Azure Demoiselle (Chrysiptera hemicyanea), which has more yellow coloration on its body.
It can also be distinguished from other similar species by the intensity of the blue coloration and the presence of yellow on the caudal peduncle.
In Summary:
The Yellowtail Blue Damsel is a beautiful, relatively hardy, and popular aquarium fish known for its striking colors and unique tail. It's important to note that it can be territorial and requires a suitable aquarium environment to thrive.
