The royal gramma (Gramma loreto), also known as the fairy basslet, is a species of fish in the family Grammatidae native to reef environments of the tropical western Atlantic Ocean. They are commonly kept in aquariums.
Appearance
The fish can be a light purple to a deep violet starting at the head which fades mid-body to a golden yellow at the tail. The royal gramma will also have a small black spot on the front of the dorsal fin and a black line that streaks through the eye. It resembles the false gramma (Pictichromis paccagnellae), with the two main differences between the two being the false gramma has clear fins and does not fade, but rather has a distinct change in color. The royal gramma is relatively small, averaging slightly over 8 cm (3.1 in) and has been tank bred. The largest scientifically-measured royal gramma was 8 cm (3.1 in) long.
Diet
The royal gramma is a planktivore, eating mostly zooplankton and crustaceans. The royal gramma is also a cleaner fish. It removes the ectoparasites (a parasite that lives on the skin of a fish) from other fish and learns to eat dead food, such as crustaceans and fish flesh. They prefer to pick their food from the middle of the water coTheir natural range covers the Bahamas, Venezuela, Antilles, Bermuda, and through the waters surrounding Central America and the northern part of South America. The Royal Gramma tends to swim more towards the bottom with the depth range between 1 and 20 m (3 and 60 ft).
In the aquarium
Due to their relatively peaceful nature, diet, and small size, the royal gramma is considered an ideal inhabitant for most reef aquaria containing coral and other invertebrates. Notwithstanding this general statement, they can become aggressive towards tank-mates when kept in smaller nano reef tanks. They stake out territories throughout rocks and crevices and choose favorite hiding places. They are generally peaceful fish, but are very protective of their territories and are known for chasing out other small fish. They tend to stay in one area of the tank and, when startled, will dart back into their holes. They will vigorously guard their hiding places and, when threatened, will open their mouths wide in a threatening gesture to ward off the intruders. The royal gramma tends to orient itself to be parallel with the surface to which it is closest, resulting in the fish swimming straight up and down or sometimes upside down beneath ledges. This behavior is not to be mistaken for illness.
The minimum suggested tank size is 30 gallons and the tank should not receive sharp lighting. The ideal water temperature should range between 72 and 78 °F and the water pH should be between 8.1 and 8.4, with specific gravity of 1.020–1.025. They are often kept in reef aquaria and are generally kept singly or in pairs. However, small groups can be kept as long as the tank is large enough and has enough cracks and crevices for each fish to have its own territory. The royal gramma should not be kept with its own kind unless in a formed male-female pair. It should also not be kept with larger, aggressive fish that will eat them. They are, however, resistant to most diseases and make very good beginner fish. It will also accept frozen and meaty foods, such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp in the wild. The royal gramma is very easy to feed, but rotating their foods is said to keep them from becoming picky. Captive royal gramma will also eat flake and pellet foods.
Breeding
Although pairs are difficult to find because the difference between male and female is not visible, they are very easy to breed. With males usually being larger than females, the male will build the nest among rocks using pieces of algae.The male will then lead the female to the nest, where she will deposit 20–100 eggs in the nest. The male exhibits the following nest care practices: protecting the nest and eggs, ongoing maintenance, frequent debris removal, and constant barging into the nest.During the breeding period, this behavior is repeated almost every day for a month or longer. The eggs are about 1 mm (0.04 in) and are equipped with small protuberances over the surface with tiny threads extending from them. These threads hold onto the algae of the nest and keep the eggs in place. The eggs will hatch in five to seven days, normally in the evening, and can feed on rotifers until they are large enough to consume newly hatched brine shrimp
Halichoeres chrysus, commonly called the canary wrasse, golden wrasse or yellow wrasse, is a fish species in the wrasse family native to central Indo-Pacific area.
Description
The canary wrasse is a small fish that can reach a maximum length of 12 cm. It has a thin, elongate body with a terminal mouth. Body coloration is bright yellow with a few variations according to age. Juvenile and immature female have two black spots rimmed with white or light yellow on the dorsal fin (the first one at the start of the fin (head side) and the second in the middle of its dorsal fin) and a third one between the caudal peduncle and the start of the caudal fin. Mature females or young males only show the two black spots on the dorsal fin. Mature males display only the first black spot on the front of the dorsal fin, a lighter-colored spot just behind the eye and irregular greenish to pinkish lines on the face.
Distribution and habitat
The canary wrasse is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific, in an area bordered by the Christmas Islands and Indonesia, Japan, New South Wales and the Rowley Shoals, and the Tonga Islands and Solomon Islands.
This wrasse occurs on outside reef slopes, in rubble and sandy areas from surface down to a depth of 30 meters.
Biology
The canary wrasse lives in small groups. It is a benthic predator that feeds mainly on small marine invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs, worms and echinoderms captured on or in the substrate.
Like most wrasse, the canary wrasse is a protogynous hermaphrodite, i.e. individuals start life as females with the capability of turning male later on.
he Halichoeres chrysus, commonly known as the yellow wrasse or canary wrasse, is a bright yellow fish with a thin, elongate body and a terminal mouth. Males and females exhibit different color patterns and markings, particularly on the dorsal fin. Juvenile and immature females have two black spots on their dorsal fin, while mature males typically have only one.
Detailed Description:
Overall Appearance:
The fish is predominantly bright yellow with variations in color based on age and sex.
Head and Thorax:
The head and thorax are yellow-orange, with irregular pale green bands on the head.
Dorsal Fin:
Males have a prominent black spot, often rimmed with white, at the beginning of the dorsal fin. Smaller males may have a second spot on the soft dorsal fin. Mature females also have a second black spot on the middle of the dorsal fin, and juveniles may have a third blackish spot near the tail.
Other Features:
A small spot is also present behind the eye. The tail fins are transparent.
Size:
This species can grow up to 12 cm in length.
Habitat:
They are found in tropical Indo-Pacific regions, often in reef environments with sand and rubble.
Aquarium Keeping:
Yellow wrasses are popular in the aquarium trade, known for their vibrant color and ability to control pests like flatworms. They require a tank of at least 50 gallons, a sandy substrate, and good water quality.
The tail-spot wrasse, Halichoeres melanurus, is a species of wrasse in the western Pacific from Japan
to Samoa and Tonga and south to the Great Barrier Reef. This species is found along rocky shores or on coral reefs at depths from 1 to 15 m (3.3 to 49.2 ft). It can reach 12 cm (4.7 in) in total length. This species is popular for display in public aquaria and can be found in the aquarium trade.
The male of the species is more vibrant in colour generally, and when placed in the vicinity of one or more females may "flash" his colours with dramatically increased intensity. The female can be easily differentiated from the male by the presence of ocelli markings (eye spots) on the dorsal and caudal fins.
Haliotis snails, commonly known as abalone, are marine gastropods characterized by their single, smooth, and ear-shaped shell. They have a strong, muscular foot that they use to cling to rocks and other surfaces. The shell exterior is often smooth and covered by the mantle, making encrustations less common. Abalone also have a distinct row of breathing holes on their shell, which can vary in number and shape depending on the species.
Shell Characteristics:
Shape: Oval or elongated, with a relatively flat shell.
Surface: Smooth, with varying degrees of striations or ribs.
Color: Can range from dark green, blue, or black to reddish-brown, olive, or brown, with varying patterns and colors.
Perforations: A series of breathing holes (perforations) on the shell, typically on the left side, allow for water intake.
Inner Surface: Iridescent nacre that lines the inside of the shell, often with shades of pink, red, green, or blue.
Other Features:
Foot: Large, muscular foot used for attachment to substrates and movement.
Radula: A tongue-like band with many small teeth (radula) for scraping algae.
Gills: Symmetrical and well-developed gills for respiration.
Head: Head-lobes are fimbriated, and side-lobes are also fimbriated and cirrated.
Spire: The spire (apex of the shell) can be prominent or concealed, depending on the species
Heteractis crispa, commonly called the Sebae anemone or leather anemone, is a large, striking sea anemone native to the Indo-Pacific region. These anemones are known for their leathery tentacles, vibrant colors (ranging from white to brown, green, purple, or combinations), and their symbiotic relationship with certain clownfish species. They can grow up to 50 cm in diameter and are popular in aquariums.
Key Features of Heteractis crispa:
Appearance: Large, with a leathery, wavy body and long tentacles. The tentacles often have blue or purple tips.
Color: Varied, including shades of white, beige, brown, green, purple, or combinations.
Symbiosis: Forms symbiotic relationships with various anemonefish species, providing shelter and protection.
Habitat: Found in shallow, tropical waters, especially on coral reefs.
Diet: Predatory, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. They can also obtain food from algae that live within them.
Size: Can reach a diameter of 20-50 cm.
Heteractis crispa, commonly called the Sebae anemone or leather anemone, is a large, striking sea anemone native to the Indo-Pacific region. These anemones are known for their leathery tentacles, vibrant colors (ranging from white to brown, green, purple, or combinations), and their symbiotic relationship with certain clownfish species. They can grow up to 50 cm in diameter and are popular in aquariums.
Key Features of Heteractis crispa:
Appearance: Large, with a leathery, wavy body and long tentacles. The tentacles often have blue or purple tips.
Color: Varied, including shades of white, beige, brown, green, purple, or combinations.
Symbiosis: Forms symbiotic relationships with various anemonefish species, providing shelter and protection.
Habitat: Found in shallow, tropical waters, especially on coral reefs.
Diet: Predatory, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. They can also obtain food from algae that live within them.
Size: Can reach a diameter of 20-50 cm.
Heteractis crispa, commonly called the Sebae anemone or leather anemone, is a large, striking sea anemone native to the Indo-Pacific region. These anemones are known for their leathery tentacles, vibrant colors (ranging from white to brown, green, purple, or combinations), and their symbiotic relationship with certain clownfish species. They can grow up to 50 cm in diameter and are popular in aquariums.
Key Features of Heteractis crispa:
Appearance: Large, with a leathery, wavy body and long tentacles. The tentacles often have blue or purple tips.
Color: Varied, including shades of white, beige, brown, green, purple, or combinations.
Symbiosis: Forms symbiotic relationships with various anemonefish species, providing shelter and protection.
Habitat: Found in shallow, tropical waters, especially on coral reefs.
Diet: Predatory, feeding on small fish and invertebrates. They can also obtain food from algae that live within them.
Size: Can reach a diameter of 20-50 cm.
Pulsing Xenia (Heteroxenia fuscescens) is a soft coral known for its rhythmic, pulsing movement and feathery polyps. It has long, sturdy stalks adorned with feathery tentacles that pulse, opening and closing in a "pumping" fashion, adding movement to the reef tank. Pulsing Xenia is a fast grower and a popular choice for reef tanks, both for beginners and experienced hobbyists.
Here's a more detailed description:
Appearance:
Stalks:
Pulsing Xenia features long, sturdy stalks.
Polyps:
The stalks are topped with feathery polyps (tentacles) that pulse in a rhythmic, opening and closing motion.
Colors:
Pulsing Xenia can come in a variety of colors, including lavender, cream, pink, and purple.
Growth:
It's known for its rapid growth rate, which can quickly cover rock surfaces.
Movement:
Pulsing:
The most distinctive feature of Pulsing Xenia is its rhythmic pulsing movement of the polyps, which can reach up to 40 pulses per minute.
Water Movement:
The pulsing action helps to create water movement around the coral, aiding in nutrient exchange.
Other Notable Features:
Fast Growth:
Pulsing Xenia is a fast-growing coral, making it a good choice for beginners who are looking for a coral that will quickly fill up the tank.
Easy Care:
It's relatively easy to care for, thriving in a variety of reef tank conditions.
Photosynthesis:
Pulsing Xenia is a photosynthetic coral, meaning it can produce its own food through sunlight, but it also absorbs nutrients from the water.
Propogation:
It can be easily propagated in captivity
Homophyllia bowerbanki orange is a coral known for its encrusting growth form, often with a central, prominent corallite. Red Bowerbanki, a variety of Homophyllia bowerbanki, typically displays shades of pale gray, brown, or rust, often with a marbled or mottled appearance. It's not fleshy and has irregularly shaped, cerioid corallites. While typically smaller, they can grow to over 1.5 meters in diameter.
Homophyllia bowerbanki is a coral known for its encrusting growth form, often with a central, prominent corallite. Red Bowerbanki, a variety of Homophyllia bowerbanki, typically displays shades of pale gray, brown, or rust, often with a marbled or mottled appearance. It's not fleshy and has irregularly shaped, cerioid corallites. While typically smaller, they can grow to over 1.5 meters in diameter.
Hymenocera picta XL- 75 eur
Hymenocera picta pair - 125 eur
commonly known as the harlequin shrimp, is a species of saltwater shrimp found at coral reefs in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is usually considered the only species in the genus Hymenocera, but some split it into two species: H. picta from the central and east Pacific, where the spots are deep pinkish-purple with a yellow edge, and H. elegans from the Indian Ocean and west Pacific, where the spots are more brownish and have a blue edge. They reach about 5 cm (2.0 in) in length, live in pairs, and feed exclusively on starfish, including crown-of-thorns starfish. They do seem to prefer smaller, more sedentary starfish, but as these generally are not sufficiently numerous for their needs, they commonly attack crown-of-thorns starfish, both reducing its consumption of coral while under attack, and killing it within a few days.
Description
The harlequin shrimp is usually cream colored or white with occasional spots. Around the Pacific Ocean, many of these shrimp have red spots, while the Indian Ocean shrimp typically have purple spots; the Hawaiian H. picta has purple and red spots on its body, the shrimp has two walking legs on each side and large claws, or chelipoda. The claws and eyes appear to look flattened and thin. On its head, the shrimp has "petal-like sensory antennules" to smell out prey. Its body usually reaches up to 5 cm (2 in), and the male is slightly smaller than the female.
Habitat
These shrimp are typically found in Hawaii through the Indo-Pacific below the intertidal zone on coral reefs. They prefer temperatures of 72–82°F, but are very rare because of the changing coral reefs.
Diet
Harlequin shrimp usually only feed on starfish. They are very skilled at flipping over a slow starfish on its back, and eating the tube feet and soft tissues until it reaches the central disk. They, usually one female and one male, use their claws to pierce the tough skin and feeding legs to help them maneuver the starfish. Sometimes, the starfish will shed the arm that the shrimp attacked and regrow it, but it is usually too wounded to regrow. They may also feed on sea urchins, because they have tube feet, as well, but that is rare and only if starfish are not available.
Behavior/reproduction
The harlequin shrimp moves at a very slow pace and in waves. It also may have toxins from its prey (the starfish), which could make it distasteful and potentially dangerous for predators. The shrimp also moves its claws almost constantly. Females are larger and have colored abdominal plates unlike the males. The female produces between 100 and 5,000 eggs per season depending on environmental factors. The male and female are often seen together in the wild, and work together to not only reproduce, but also to forage.
