Stenorhynchus seticornis, or the yellowline arrow crab, is a crustacean with a triangular body, a long, pointed rostrum (snout), and long, spindly legs. Its color is variable, often golden-brown or yellow, with lines on the carapace and reddish or yellow legs. The claws are frequently blue or violet-tipped.
Physical characteristics
Body: Triangular shape, resembling an arrowhead.
Rostrum: An extremely elongated, pointed snout, often with serrated edges.
Legs: Long and thin, sometimes spanning up to 10 cm (3.9 in).
Claws: The first pair of legs are transformed into claws, which are often blue or violet at the tips.
Size: Carapace length is typically 3 to 6 cm (1.2 to 2.4 in).
Coloration
Body: Can be golden, yellow, or cream.
Markings: Often features fine dark, brown, or iridescent blue lines on the carapace.
Legs: Can be reddish or yellow.
Habitat and behavior
Habitat: Found in the western Atlantic, from North Carolina to Brazil, and is common on coral reefs in the Caribbean.
Behavior: It is a nocturnal scavenger that feeds on small invertebrates, detritus, and parasites off of fish.
Association: Often lives in groups near sea anemones.
Trochus maculatus, or the maculated top shell, is a marine snail with a solid, conical shell that reaches up to 7 cm in length. Its shell is characterized by spiral rows of beads and axial streaks of color, while the base is marked with radiating streaks or spots. It lives in rocky shores, coral reefs, and subtidal zones of the Indo-Pacific region, where it feeds on algae.
Morphology
Shell: Conical, solid, and heavy, with a flat base.
Whorls: Approximately 9-10 whorls that are flat or slightly concave, with a beaded spiral sculpture.
Periphery: The body whorl is carinated (angled) and can be spinose.
Coloration: The upper surface is typically patterned with longitudinal stripes or flames of brown, purplish, or reddish color on a lighter background. The base is marked with radiating streaks or spots, sometimes in a zigzag or finely tessellated pattern.
Aperture: The inside of the aperture is white and lirate (lined).
Habitat and diet
Location:
Found in rocky shores, coral reefs, and subtidal zones throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
Diet:
Primarily herbivorous, it grazes on film algae, diatoms, and other types of algae.
Other characteristics
Size: Can grow up to 7 cm, though sizes often range from 3-5 cm.
Body: Has a large foot and long tentacles.
Economic importance: Harvested for food and its shell, which can be used for things like buttons.
Entacmaea quadricolor е вид морска анемона, известна още като "балонна анемона" или "четирицветна анемона", която е силно желана за соленоводни аквариуми заради живите си цветове и способността си да развива балоновидни накрайници на пипалата си при интензивно осветление. "Електриково зеленият" вариант се отличава с ярък, блестящ зелен цвят на пипалата, които могат да достигнат до 12 инча (30 см) в диаметър при идеални условия. Тези анемони се грижат за симбиотична връзка с рибите-клоун, които намират защита в техните жилещи пипала, а в замяна ги защитават от хищници и им помагат да се захранват.
Общо описание
Окраска:
Има ярки, наситени зелени пипала, които блестят и се люлеят в аквариума.
Размер:
Може да достигне до 30 см (12 инча) в диаметър, но в аквариум обикновено остава по-компактен.
Признаци:
Под силно осветление развива отличителни балоновидни накрайници на пипалата, които се смаляват и придобиват по-удължена форма при недохранване или недостатъчна светлина.
Поведение и екология
Симбиотична връзка:
Известен е със симбиотичната си връзка с различни видове риби-клоун.
Хранене:
Храни се с малки риби, планктон и други морски организми, които улавя с жилещите си пипала. Препоръчва се допълнително хранене с парченца месо от скариди, крил или други ситни риби.
Грижа и поддръжка
Светлина:
Изисква интензивно осветление, за да развие характерните балоновидни накрайници.
Хранене:
Препоръчва се директно хранене поне веднъж седмично.
Особености:
Clypeaster oshimensis is a species of sea biscuit, a type of sea urchin, characterized by its flattened, circular body and short spines. It's also known as a sand dollar or cake urchin. Clypeaster oshimensis is a marine invertebrate with a calcareous shell. The shell consists of two valves, and the mantle has two lobes corresponding to the valves. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Shape and Size:
Clypeaster oshimensis is known for its flattened, circular body, giving it a sand dollar or cake-like appearance.
Spines:
The surface of the sea biscuit is covered with short spines, which are often described as furlike.
Mouth:
The mouth is located on the underside (oral surface) and is not prominent.
Habitat:
This species is found in marine environments, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region.
Classification:
Clypeaster oshimensis belongs to the family Clypeasteridae, within the order Clypeasteroida. It is also sometimes classified under the subgenus Pavaya.
Oxymanthus benneti, also known as Anneissia bennetti, is a large feather star species characterized by its numerous feathery arms (31-120) used for filter-feeding. These arms, with their finger-like pinnules, trap food particles like detritus, phytoplankton, and zooplankton from the water column. A defining feature is its large, thick centrodorsal (body) with long, robust cirri (3-4.5 cm) used for attachment and later for elevation when free-living. These cirri help distinguish it from similar species.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Size and Appearance:
Oxymanthus benneti is one of the larger feather star species, reaching up to 30 cm in diameter.
Feeding:
They are filter feeders, capturing suspended food particles with their numerous feathery arms.
Arms and Pinnules:
The arms are equipped with many pinnules, which are finger-like projections that increase the surface area for trapping food.
Centrodorsal and Cirri:
The body (centrodorsal) is large and thick, with long, robust cirri used for initially attaching to a substrate and later for elevation and movement.
Life Cycle:
They begin life attached to a stalk, but become free-living as adults, using their cirri to position themselves for feeding.
Symbiosis:
Oxymanthus benneti is known to host various species of polychaete worms, offering them shelter, food, and protection in a commensalistic relationship.
Ophiolepis superba, also known as the banded brittle star or spotted snake starfish, is a marine invertebrate characterized by its distinctive color pattern and relatively short arms. It typically has a beige to pale yellow-orange base color with a striking pattern of black or purple on the disc and bands on the arms. The arms are smooth due to tiny spines, and the disc is covered with larger plates surrounded by a single row of smaller plates.
Key Features:
Size:
Disc diameter can reach up to 3 cm, with arm lengths up to 9 cm. Some sources indicate a total size of up to 25 cm.
Coloration:
Beige to pale yellow-orange with a pattern of black or purple on the disc and bands on the arms.
Arm Structure:
Short, relatively smooth arms due to small lateral spines.
Habitat:
Found in lower littoral zones and deeper waters, often under rocks and among coral, including coastal and deeper reef areas.
Distribution:
Indo-West Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Indies, Australia, and the South Pacific Islands.
Behavior:
Solitary and spends much of its time hidden, particularly during the day, among rocks and corals. It is an omnivore with carnivorous tendencies, feeding on detritus and carrion.
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.
The "Purple Porcelain Crab," Petrolisthes sp., is a small, flat-bodied crab with a distinctive coloration, known for its vibrant purple hues and the ability to detach its claws when threatened. These crabs are found in tropical oceans and are popular additions to reef aquariums due to their peaceful nature and reef-safe qualities.
Physical Characteristics:
Size:
The carapace (body shell) can grow up to 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) wide.
Shape:
They have a flattened, rounded body, well-suited for hiding in crevices and under rocks.
Coloration:
While often reddish-brown or blueish-grey, they are known for their vibrant purple claws and markings on the body. The claws (chelipeds) are disproportionately large and may have a blueish hue, particularly at the joints (knuckles).
Claws:
They possess large claws that are easily detachable as a defense mechanism.
Legs:
They have four pairs of walking legs, with the fifth pair being reduced and tucked under the abdomen.
Antennae:
Long antennae are located beside the eyes.
Behavior and Ecology:
Habitat:
They are typically found on rocky substrates in intertidal and shallow subtidal zones.
Feeding:
Petrolisthes sp. are filter feeders, using specialized limbs near their mouths to capture plankton and other small particles from the water. They may also scavenge for food and are known to feed on "marine snow" and micro-invertebrates.
Defense:
They are known for autotomy, the ability to detach limbs, especially claws, when threatened.
Reef Safe:
They are generally considered reef safe and pose no threat to other inhabitants of a reef aquarium.
Social Behavior:
They often live in pairs or small groups.
In Aquariums:
Tank Setup: They do well in aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and feeding.
Water Parameters: Maintain stable water parameters suitable for a marine aquarium.
Feeding: Supplement their filter feeding with meaty foods, such as small pieces of fish or shrimp, and plankton-based foods.
Saron neglectus, also known as the Eyespot Shrimp, Green Marble Shrimp, or Spotted Marbled Shrimp, is a small shrimp species found in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. They are known for their striking green or reddish bodies with white bands on their legs and claw arms. These nocturnal creatures inhabit coral reef environments, often among corals or in rubble areas, and are typically no deeper than 12 meters. They are omnivores, with a particular fondness for coral polyps.
Key characteristics:
Appearance: Green or reddish body with white bands on legs and claws.
Size: Typically about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long.
Habitat: Coral reefs, rubble areas, typically not deeper than 12 meters (40 feet).
Diet: Omnivore, with a preference for coral polyps.
Behavior: Nocturnal, can change color to blend with their surroundings.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males have longer foreclaws than females, sometimes as long as their bodies.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific Ocean, from the Red Sea to Hawaii.
Other Names: Eyespot Shrimp, Green Marble Shrimp, Spotted Marbled Shrimp.
Aquarium Suitability: Can be kept in home aquariums, but may eat coral polyps
The sugar cane shrimp, scientifically known as Parhippolyte uveae, is a small shrimp species characterized by its translucent body and distinctive markings. It inhabits caves and anchialine pools in the Indo-Pacific region, including areas like the Indian and western Pacific Oceans. These shrimps are generally peaceful and thrive in reef-style aquariums with plenty of hiding spaces.
Appearance:
Size: They typically grow to about 5 cm in length.
Coloration: The body is red with shades of white
Habitat: They are commonly found in caves, often in shallow coral reef environments, and sometimes in anchialine pools.
Behavior:
Activity: Some populations, like those in Kakaban Island, are photophobic, meaning they are most active at night. Others, like those in the Philippines, are considered "sun-lovers" and are more active during the day.
Diet: Sugar cane shrimp are omnivores, preferring meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis, and phytoplankton.
Temperament: They are generally peaceful and safe for reef and fish-only aquariums.
Other Names:
They are also known as the Red Sugar Cane Shrimp or Red Prawn.
Aquarium Care:
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is generally recommended.
Environment: They do well in reef or fish-only aquariums and are coral and fish safe.
Acclimation: Shrimp are sensitive to changes in salinity, so proper acclimation is important.
The Saron inermis, also known as the Pinecone Marble Shrimp, is a small, colorful shrimp found in tropical Indo-Pacific reefs. They are characterized by their prominent rostrum, banded legs, and opaque white spots on their abdomen. They are typically found lurking in rocky crevices during the day and emerge at night to forage.
Key features of Saron inermis:
Appearance:
They have a translucent body with a mix of white, green, brown, and red coloration, which helps them camouflage in their environment. They grow to about 1.6 to 2 inches (4-5 cm).
Habitat:
They inhabit tropical reefs, specifically in the Indo-Pacific region.
Behavior:
They are solitary and likely territorial, with males sometimes engaging in ritualistic combat using elongated legs. They are known to be omnivores, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Aquarium keeping:
They are popular in the aquarium trade due to their unique appearance. They are relatively easy to care for in an aquarium, with a recommended tank size of at least 11 gallons (50 liters).
Reproduction:
They are gonochoric, meaning they have separate sexes. Mating involves a precopulatory courtship ritual using olfactory and tactile cues, with indirect sperm transfer.
The Saron rectirostris, commonly called the Purple Leg Shrimp, is a species of shrimp in the family Hippolytidae. It is a reef-safe species known for its unique coloration and elongated legs, particularly in males, used for ritualistic combat. They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, often lurking in rocky crevices during the day and emerging at night to forage and interact.
Physical Characteristics:
Coloration: They are typically white with pale brown patches, featuring purple legs and tail.
Cirri: Males have tufts of cirri (feathery appendages) on their back.
Legs: The first pair of walking legs in males are elongated.
Size: They can grow to about 2.5 to 5 cm (approximately 1 to 2 inches).
Translucency: Their bodies are somewhat translucent with various shades of white, green, brown, and red.
Behavior and Ecology:
Habitat: Found on Indo-Pacific reefs, hiding in rocky crevices during the day.
Nocturnal: They emerge at night to feed and interact.
Solitary: Generally solitary and likely territorial.
Ritualistic Combat: Males engage in ritualistic combat using their elongated legs.
Aquarium Keeping:
Reef Safe:
Generally considered reef safe, but should be kept with other small, reef-safe species.
Acclimation:
They require slow acclimation (4-8 hours) and may lie motionless initially.
Diet:
They are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods.
Water Parameters:
They are intolerant of copper and high nitrates, and require iodine for molting.
