Lobophyllia hemprichii, commonly called lobed brain coral or largebrain root coral, is a large polyp stony coral known for its vibrant colors and fleshy texture. It forms colonies that can be flat to hemispherical, reaching diameters up to 5 meters. These colonies can consist of multiple adjacent colonies, sometimes of different colors, fused together. The coral's skeletal structure (corallites) can be tubular or arranged in valleys with ridges, and the septa (vertical blades within the corallite) have tall, sharp teeth. It is a zooxanthellate coral, meaning it hosts symbiotic algae that provide it with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Growth Form:
Lobophyllia hemprichii forms colonies that can be flat or hemispherical, with individual corallites that may be tubular (phaceloid) or arranged in valleys (flabello-meandroid).
Corallite Structure:
The corallites, which are the skeletal cups that house the polyps, can be tubular or arranged in valleys with ridges. Septa, the vertical blades within the corallite, taper in thickness and have prominent, sharp teeth.
Polyps:
The polyps are thick and fleshy, able to retract into the corallites or extend their tentacles to feed. They can have either smooth or rough surfaces.
Coloration:
Lobophyllia hemprichii exhibits a variety of colors, including shades of gray, pink, violet, or yellowish-brown. Some colonies may have a uniform color, while others display multiple colors concentrated around the mouths or valleys.
Habitat:
It's commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly on upper reef slopes, where it can form large, dominant stands.
Symbiosis:
Like many corals, L. hemprichii is zooxanthellate, meaning it harbors symbiotic algae (dinoflagellates) within its tissues, which provide it with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Aggression:
It's known to be a somewhat aggressive coral, capable of extending sweeper tentacles to defend its space.
Lobophytum is a genus of soft corals, also known as devil's hand or finger leather corals, found in the Indo-Pacific region. These corals are characterized by their fleshy, finger-like outgrowths forming an umbrella-like structure on a short stalk. They are often tan or purple, but can also be brightly colored.
Key features of Lobophytum corals:
Appearance:
They resemble Sarcophyton (toadstool leathers) but have thick-fleshed, finger-like outgrowths.
Distribution:
Found in shallow water throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Identification:
Accurate species identification requires microscopic examination of sclerites (calcareous needles).
Care:
Lobophytum corals require moderate to high lighting to support zooxanthellae, filter-feed, and may benefit from plankton supplements.
Aggression:
They are moderately aggressive, potentially releasing a toxin that irritates other corals.
Propagation:
Lobophytum corals are known for easy propagation and "fragging".
Microbiome:
Research suggests that the soft coral microbiome is relatively resilient to short-term environmental stressors.
Lighting:
Lobophytum corals are not particularly picky about lighting, but low to moderate light is generally preferred.
Salinity:
Maintaining a salinity between 34/35 per mille (1.022 and 1.024 density) is crucial for their health.
Lysmata amboinensis is an omnivorous shrimp species known by several common names including the Pacific cleaner shrimp. It is considered a cleaner shrimp as eating parasites and dead tissue from fish makes up a large part of its diet. The species is a natural part of the coral reef ecosystem and is widespread across the tropics typically living at depths of 5–40 metres (16–131 ft).
Lysmata amboinensis can reach a body length of 5–6 centimetres (2.0–2.4 in) and have long white antennae. Mature shrimp are pale in colour with longitudinal bands on their carapace; one central white band with wider scarlet red bands on either side. The shrimp has a long larval stage and unusual sexual maturation, initially being male but becoming a functional hermaphrodite once mature.
Lysmata amboinensis is popular in home and public aquaria where it is commonly referred to as the skunk cleaner shrimp; this is due to its striking colours, peaceful nature, and useful symbiotic cleaning relationship which can also be witnessed in captivity.
Adult shrimp can reach a body length of 5–6 centimetres (2.0–2.4 in) with two pairs of long white antennae. The body and legs are pale amber in colour with longitudinal bands on the carapace: one central white band is flanked by wider scarlet red bands. There are several symmetrical white spots on the red tail. The most anterior antennae fork into two making the shrimp appear to have three pairs of antennae. As with all decapods there are 10 pairs of walking legs, with the most anterior pair having forceps (pincers). Anterior to the walking legs are a pair of white maxillipeds used for feeding. Underneath the thorax behind the walking legs are paired pleopods (swimmerets) used for swimming and brooding eggs.[Lysmata amboinesis have a pair of stalked eyes though experiments suggest they have coarse vision and are colour blind; this low spatial resolution makes it unlikely they can see the striking patterns of other shrimps or tropical fish.
Distribution and habita
Lysmata amboinensis is native to coral reefs across the tropics including the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific Ocean. They live on tropical coral reefs between depths of 5–40 metres (16–131 ft) and are typically found in caves or reef ledges.
Life cycle
Lysmata amboinesis lay eggs which the adult shrimp keep attached to their pleopods. The early larvae are called nauplii which hatch into more developed larvae called zoeae and go through a free-floating planktonic stage. During this time they feed on other plankton and moult through 14 identified stages growing to approximately 2 centimetres (0.79 in) in length over 5–6 months. At this point the larvae will settle and metamorphose into a more mature form, though not yet the adult state. This is achieved after several moults which occur every 3–8 weeks.
Each shrimp starts out as a male, but after a few moults will become a hermaphrodite allowing them to function as both male and female in interactions with another shrimp; these shrimp have no pure female form. This form of sexual maturation is scientifically described as 'protandric simultaneous hermaphroditism' and is unique to Lysmata shrimp amongst other decapod crustaceans. In one spawning, adult shrimp will lay between 200–500 eggs which are initially attached to the pleopods and are greenish in colour; the eggs swell and lighten in colour before hatching and a few will turn silver on the day of hatching. The eggs hatch around dusk releasing 3–4 millimetres (0.12–0.16 in) long larvae into the free-floating pelagic zone.
Behaviour
Lysmata amboinesis do not live in large groups, more often in pairs, and while omnivorous it is believed they derive much of their nutrition from cleaning parasites and dead tissue from fish. Their mating behaviour has been observed in captivity where it involves little ritual: a pair of fully mature hermaphroditic shrimp will alternate moulting timing, mating occurs shortly following a moult when one shrimp acting as the male will follow the other acting as the female which will brood the fertilised eggs; when the next shrimp moults the roles, and therefore apparent sex, will reverse.
In captivity L. amboinesis have been seen to be socially monogamous showing such aggression that if they are kept in groups of more than 2 individuals one pair will kill the rest. While they are not generally seen in large groups in the wild it is unknown if they are socially monogamous in their natural environment.
Symbiosis
Lysmata amboinesis, like other cleaner shrimp, has a symbiotic relationship with 'client' fish in which both organisms benefit; the shrimp gain a meal from eating parasites living on large fish and the clients benefit from the removal of parasites. Cleaning organisms including shrimp and fish can congregate in one location on a reef in what is called a "cleaning station" which fish will visit when required; cleaning shrimp perform a rocking dance from side to side to signal their services when fish approach. Removal of parasites under captive conditions happens mainly at night though it is unknown whether this is due to shrimp or host fish behaviour.Additionally, cleaning services provided by the shrimp aid wound healing of injured fish supporting the symbiosis hypothesis. L. amboinesis is also commonly found living in caves with their client fish, such as moray eels, providing the shrimp with protection from predators.
Because of the benefits of cleaner shrimp to the fish they clean, Lysmata amboinensis and other species have been suggested as potentially useful to aquaculture.
Common name
Lysmata amboinesis within the marine aquarium trade is commonly referred to as the skunk cleaner shrimp, white-banded cleaner shrimp or scarlet cleaner shrimp due to its appearance, however this last name is also sometimes used for Lysmata debelius.
In the aquarium
Many species of Lysmata, including L. amboinesis, are commonly kept in salt water aquaria; they are safe and beneficial since they will clean both the tank and fish but not harm corals. For these reasons they are often kept in both home and public aquaria for educational purposes, sometimes in 'touch pools' which allow visitors to put their hand in the water so the shrimp will clean their hand.
Despite significant efforts L. amboinesis remains difficult to culture in captivity, though adults will regularly spawn eggs. The cycle from spawning to adult form takes approximately 6 months during which time the vast majority of larvae die. As such most shrimps sold in the aquarium industry are wild-caught, this has led to concern about the negative effects of their removal on natural reefs though there is currently no evidence of an effect.
Lysmata debelius is a species of cleaner shrimp indigenous to the Indo-Pacific. It is popular in the aquarium trade, where it is known as the fire shrimp, blood shrimp or scarlet cleaner shrimp.
Lysmata debelius grows up to 3 centimetres (1.2 in) long, with males and functional hermaphrodites appearing similar. It has a red body, with conspicuous white antennae and white tips to the third to fifth pereiopods. There are white dots on the cephalothorax and legs; white dots on the abdomen distinguish L. splendida from L. debelius.]
Lysmata debelius is one of a group of species in the genus Lysmata that has the role of a cleaner shrimp in reef ecosystems, alongside L. amboinensis, L. grabhami and L. splendida.[5] It is a popular aquarium pet.
Lysmata debelius is a hermaphrodite and therefore any two individuals may mate. The hatching of eggs, moulting, and copulation cycle is identical to that of L. wurdemanni, yielding weekly batches of zoeae from each pair.
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.
Mangrove trees are salt-tolerant plants that are grown in saltwater aquariums for their aesthetic appeal and natural nutrient control capabilities. They filter salt from the water through their roots and can help reduce nitrates, phosphates, and other organic waste. In the aquarium, they have visible roots and leaves that create a unique, natural-looking environment, but they require high light, proper water parameters, and can consume nutrients so heavily that you may need to supplement them.
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Adaptations and functions
Salt filtration:
Mangroves have evolved to filter out about 90% of the salt as it enters their roots. Some species can also excrete salt through glands on their leaves.
Nutrient control:
They act as a natural filter for the aquarium, consuming nitrates, phosphates, and other organic waste. Larger mangroves are more effective at this.
Aesthetics:
Their unique stilt or prop roots, as seen in the popular Red Mangrove, create a beautiful and naturalistic look in the aquarium, especially in a reef tank or brackish setup.
Stress and care:
Mangroves are sensitive to nutrient fluctuations. If they consume too many nutrients, you may need to dose the tank with some nitrates and phosphates to prevent the corals from suffering. A lack of magnesium can also stress the plant.
Lighting:
They require high-output lighting, preferably in a warm white spectrum.
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Mangroves trees and shrubs
Silt roots: In some mangrove species, roots diverge from stems and branches and penetrate the soil some distance away from the mai...
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Aquarium setup and care
Lighting:
Provide moderate to high lighting, ideally with a PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) value between 200 and 600.
Water parameters:
Keep the water temperature between 78–83°F and the salinity up to1.024
specific gravity (sg). The ideal pH is 7.0–8.4 and dKH 8–12.
Root placement:
For the most striking look, allow the roots to hang suspended in the water, rather than burying them.
Leaf care:
Regularly misting the leaves with freshwater can help avoid a buildup of salt on the leaf surfaces.
Substrate:
Plant the pods in a substrate like sand or a "miracle mud".
Nutrient balancing:
Monitor nutrient levels, especially nitrates and phosphates, as mangroves can "bottom out" the tank, which can stress other inhabitants. Be prepared
Maretia planulata, commonly called the Sea Mouse Urchin or Longspine Heart Urchin, is a species of heart urchin that is known for its algae-eating habits and its role in maintaining a healthy aquarium environment. These urchins are found in sandy, intertidal areas and seagrass beds, typically to depths of 60 meters. They are sediment feeders, meaning they burrow through the substrate and process edible bits of food found within it.
Key characteristics and description:
Appearance: The Sea Mouse Urchin has a distinctive oval shape with a more elongated body than some other urchin species. It has sparse, long spines that are banded brown/orange and white, interspersed with many shorter, moveable white spines.
Size: They grow to about 6 cm in length.
Behavior: They are mainly nocturnal, often only emerging at night.
Diet: They are omnivores and can be supplemented with green feed when algae are not plentiful.
Habitat: They prefer sandy environments and can be found in intertidal zones and seagrass beds.
Reef-safe: They are considered reef-safe and can coexist with other marine life in an aquarium.
Live marine copepods are small, naturally occurring aquatic crustaceans that serve as a highly nutritious, live food source for various marine fish, including difficult-to-feed species like mandarin fish and seahorses, as well as fish larvae. They are rich in essential nutrients, high-quality fats, and proteins, which support growth, enhance pigmentation, and improve disease resistance in fish. In addition to being a primary food source, copepods also contribute to a healthy aquarium by helping to cycle nutrients and consume algae and detritus, functioning as a natural clean-up crew.
Benefits of Feeding Live Copepods to Marine Fish
Superior Nutrition:Copepods provide essential proteins, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and other vital nutrients that promote the health and development of marine fish, especially young fish and fry.
Natural Feeding Behavior:Their natural movement triggers a feeding response in fish, mimicking natural foraging behaviors and making them an ideal food for picky or challenging species like mandarins.
Enhanced Fish Health:The high nutrient content and live nature of copepods can improve a fish's immune system, increase resistance to disease, and reduce stress.
Improved Pigmentation and Growth:Feeding copepods can lead to better coloration in fish and improve their overall growth rates and survival rates.
Aquarium Benefits:Beyond being food, copepods are an active part of the marine ecosystem. They graze on algae and consume detritus, helping to keep the aquarium clean and cycle nutrients.
Suitable SpeciesLive marine copepods are particularly beneficial for:
Difficult-to-Feed Species:Mandarin fish, pipefish, and seahorses.
Fish Larvae and Fry:Their small size and high nutrition make them perfect for young fish and newly hatched larvae.
Corals and Filter Feeders:Copepods and their eggs are also consumed by corals and other filter-feeding organisms.
How to Use and Introduce Copepods
Add to the Aquarium:Introduce bags of live copepods into your aquarium to allow them to reproduce and establish a population.
Utilize Refugiums:Adding copepods to a refugium can create a self-sustaining food source and benefit the larger display tank.
Regular Introduction:Consistently adding copepods helps ensure a continuous supply of live food for your fish and other tank inhabitants.
Mega Media Filter Medium
Aquarium Systems Mega Media Small is a synthetic filtration media with a special unique structure allowing, among other things, the retention of large and small impurities.
Aquarium Systems Mega Media can be used with all types of internal and external filters, and
aquariums with sump filters. Its special structure gives this synthetic media the capacity for efficient absorption over a long period of time.
Product features :
The product is chemical free and has no effect on the parameters of the water.
It has a large filtration volume and can be rinsed and reused several times, making it a superior quality and highly economical filtration wool.
Utilisation :
• Loosen before use and rinse with clean water.
• Then place the wool in your filtration system, or directly in the aquarium as a laying medium or hiding place for fry.
• Large absorption capacity.
• Reusable and highly economical.
• Freshwater and seawater.
Mespilia globulus, commonly known as the Globular Sea Urchin, is a small, spherical sea urchin found in tropical shallow reef habitats. It's characterized by its radially symmetrical, globe-shaped body and relatively small spines, usually brown, red, or dark in color. This sea urchin can grow up to 5 cm in diameter and is known for its algae-eating habits.
Here's a more detailed description:
Size and Shape: The Globular Sea Urchin is small, with a maximum diameter of about 5 cm. Its body is spherical, making it resemble a small, spiny ball.
Spines: It has relatively short spines, which can grow up to 2 cm long. These spines are typically brown, red, or dark in color.
Habitat: Mespilia globulus is found in shallow, tropical reef habitats.
Diet: It is a herbivore, primarily feeding on algae at night.
Behavior: During the day, it often hides on rocks or in crevices, emerging at night to graze on algae. It also exhibits a unique covering behavior, using sponges, shells, and algae.
Appearance: The urchin's radial symmetry and short spines are distinguishing features.
Other Names: It is also known as the Sphere Sea Urchin or the Tuxedo Urchin
Price per polyp
Metarhodactis is a genus of corallimorpharian, specifically the genus Metarhodactis, belonging to the family Discosomidae. It's a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species, Metarhodactis boninensis. These organisms are known for their large, oval-shaped oral discs with curled edges and unbranched papilliform tentacles. They are also characterized by having a high density of zooxanthellae in their tentacle gastrodermal tissue.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Classification:
Metarhodactis is a corallimorpharian, falling under the phylum Cnidaria, subphylum Anthozoa, class Hexacorallia, order Corallimorpharia, and family Discosomidae.
Description:
Studies on Thai specimens of Metarhodactis have shown they possess oval-shaped oral discs with curled edges and unbranched papilliform tentacles.
Zooxanthellae:
These corals have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, which are photosynthetic organisms that provide them with nutrients.
Nematocysts:
Metarhodactis possesses a variety of nematocysts, with holotrichs III and microbasic p-mastigophores being the most abundant.
Reproduction:
Male and female reproductive organs are found in separate individuals.
Distribution:
The species Metarhodactis boninensis is found in various parts of the world, including Thailand and Japan.
