Двойка Nemateleotris magnifica (огненоподобно попче) обикновено се състои от един мъжки и една женска, често срещани да се реят близо до входа на дупка, като мъжкият пази яйцата, докато се излюпят. Мъжкият и женската са сходни на външен вид, но удълженият първи гръбначен шип на мъжкия може да е малко по-изпъкнал.
Специфични характеристики:
Външен вид:
Огненобялото попче е известно с отличителното си оцветяване: перленобяла предна половина, преходяща в оранжево-червена задна половина, и тъмночервена опашка. Първият гръбен шип е силно удължен и бял.
Поведение:
Те обикновено са мирни риби и прекарват по-голямата част от времето си, окачени близо до убежище, често дупка, чакайки малка плячка да се носи по течението.
Поведение на двойките:
В дивата природа те често живеят по двойки или малки групи, реейки се над рифа и активно ловувайки храна.
Диета:
Те са месоядни, хранят се със зоопланктон, малки безгръбначни, а в аквариуми лесно приемат саламура, скариди мизис и приготвени морски храни.
Salarias fasciatus, известен още като скъпоценен бленни или косачка за трева, е малка, камуфлажна риба, която обикновено се среща в морска среда. Характеризира се с маслинено до кафяво оцветяване, с множество тъмни ивици и бели петна, и склонност да се слива със скали и корали. Може да достигне максимална дължина от 14 см.
Ето по-подробно описание:
Размер и форма:
Salarias fasciatus е сравнително малка риба, достигаща максимална дължина от 14 см (5,5 инча). Тя има удължена форма на тялото, като тялото е отчетливо по-дебело от главата.
Оцветяване и шарки:
Те проявяват пъстър или пясъчен цвят, често с тъмни ивици, бледи петна и ивици. Някои индивиди могат да имат и фини сини петна с тъмни очертания по задната част на тялото.
Структура на перките:
Гръбната и аналната им перка са прикрепени към основата на опашната перка чрез мембрана. Възрастните мъжки имат удължени предни лъчи на аналната перка.
Камуфлаж:
Оцветяването и шарките им са пригодени да се сливат с околната среда, което им позволява да се камуфлират с камъни, корали и чакъл.
Диета:
Въпреки че често са наричани „косачки за трева“ поради навиците си да се хранят с водорасли, те са предимно детритолози, като водораслите съставляват само малка част от диетата им.
Поведение:
Те са известни със своята личност и навика да „зашеметяват“ зрителите с големите си орбитални очи, докато изследват околната среда.
The Magnificent sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica) is a large, Indo-Pacific anemone characterized by its long, non-tapering tentacles with swollen or bulb-like tips, which are dense with stinging cells called cnidocytes. The oral disc, containing the mouth, and the tentacles are usually similarly colored, appearing yellow, brown, or green, with the tentacles often being tan but sometimes displaying vibrant colors like red, pink, or orange. These anemones anchor to hard surfaces with a sticky pedal disc and are well-known for hosting various clownfish and shrimp species in a symbiotic relationship.
Appearance
Size:It is one of the largest sea anemones, growing up to 1 meter (3 feet) in diameter in the wild, though smaller in captivity.
Tentacles:Features long, non-tapering tentacles that can be retracted, with distinctly swollen or bulb-like tips.
Color:The oral disc is often yellow, brown, or green, with tentacles that are commonly tan but can also be green, orange, pink, or red.
Structure:It possesses an oral disc with a central mouth and a pedal disc for attachment to hard substrates.
Habitat and Behavior
Environment:Prefers well-lit, hard, and exposed substrates with strong currents.
Social Behavior:Found in colonies in deeper waters and solitarily closer to the surface.
Symbiosis:Famously hosts clownfish, offering protection in exchange for food and defense against predators.
Feeding:Primarily obtains nutrients through photosynthesis from symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) and also by using its tentacles to capture prey.
Habitat Range
Found widely across the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific region.
This includes the eastern coast of Africa, the Red Sea, Australia, and up to southern Japan and French Polynesia.
A "Designer Pair" of Amphiprion ocellaris, also known as clownfish, refers to a specific type of clownfish that has been selectively bred for unique color and pattern variations. These variations, Salvador Dali, Black Ice Snowflakes, or Snow Storms, are not naturally occurring and are the result of controlled breeding programs. These pairs are sold as a bonded unit, meaning they are two fish that the breeders have observed together and are likely to live harmoniously.
Here's a breakdown:
Selective Breeding:
Designer clownfish are the result of breeding programs that aim to produce specific color and pattern variations in the common Ocellaris clownfish.
Examples:
Black Storms are known for their black body with irregular white markings. Black Ice Snowflake clownfish are a cross between a Black Ocellaris and a Snowflake, exhibiting both black and snowflake-like patterns. Snow Storms are a result of breeding Black Storms and Black Snowflakes, displaying black fins, icy blue edges, and unique facial patterns.
Pairing:
Buying a "Designer Pair" ensures that the fish are likely to be compatible and not exhibit aggression towards each other, unlike randomly selected individual fish.
Reef Compatibility:
These designer clownfish are generally reef compatible, meaning they can be kept in a reef aquarium with corals and other invertebrates.
Symbiotic Relationship:
Clownfish are known for their symbiotic relationship with anemones, and designer strains, like their wild counterparts, can be housed with anemones like Bubble Tip anemones.
Captive Bred:
These fish are captive-bred, meaning they are raised in controlled environments, which often makes them more adaptable to aquarium life and less susceptible to diseases compared to wild-caught specimens.
The Yellow Belly Blue Tang, scientifically known as Paracanthurus hepatus, is a color variant of the popular Blue Tang, notable for its striking blue body and a yellow belly and tail. This variant also features a distinctive black marking on its upper body that forms a sort of "palette" design.
Key characteristics of the Yellow Belly Blue Tang:
Coloration: A vibrant blue body with a bright yellow tail and belly.
Markings: A black marking, shaped like a horizontal bar, extends from the back of the head, loops around the gills, and then extends back to the base of the tail.
Size: Can grow up to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length.
Temperament: Generally peaceful but can become territorial and aggressive towards other tangs, especially when they mature.
Reef Compatibility: Reef safe, meaning they don't typically harm corals or other invertebrates.
Diet: Herbivorous, primarily consuming algae and marine plants.
Habitat: Found in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region.
Additional details:
The yellow coloration on the belly and tail is most prominent in adults, though even small juveniles may show some yellowing.
They are known for their active swimming and need a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room.
They are susceptible to certain diseases, particularly Ich, so maintaining good water quality and a healthy diet is crucial.
Their sharp tail spine (scalpel) is used for defense and can inflict a painful wound.
They require a varied diet, including algae-based foods, to maintain their health and reduce aggression.
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 Ornate Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon ornatus) is a colorful marine fish known for its intricate patterns and vibrant coloration. Adults typically display a mix of browns, yellows, and whites, with darker lines resembling a leopard's spots, hence the name. They exhibit sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger and more brightly colored than females.
Physical Characteristics:
Coloration: Adults have a reddish head, thorax, and abdomen with greenish-yellow bands and spots. The body is mostly covered in blackish shading. Males tend to be darker than females.
Spots and Lines: The distinctive "leopard" pattern is formed by darker lines on a lighter background.
Size: They typically reach a length of around 10-13 cm.
Sexual Dimorphism: Males are generally larger and more brightly colored than females.
Other notable features:
They inhabit lagoon and sheltered seaward reefs, often in areas with mixed sand, rubble, and coral.
They are found in the Indo-Pacific region, including Sri Lanka, western Australia, and Indonesia.
They are collected for the aquarium trade.
They are considered reef safe, but may consume small crustaceans and other invertebrates.
They require a sandy substrate to bury themselves in at night.
