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.
Percnon gibbesi, commonly known as the Sally Lightfoot Crab or Nimble Spray Crab, is a marine crab species characterized by its very flat, thin, and wide carapace (shell). It has a distinctive red to brown coloration, sometimes with fine green marbling, and legs with yellow rings at the joints. Adults can reach a carapace width of about 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). They are known for their agility and speed, especially in their natural rocky habitat.
Physical Characteristics:
Carapace: Flat and thin, with a width of about 30mm.
Coloration: Varies from red to brown, sometimes with green marbling.
Legs: Long and flattened, with yellow rings at the joints.
Spines: Each of the five pairs of walking legs has a row of spines along the leading edge.
Habitat and Behavior:
Percnon gibbesi is native to the Eastern Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Canary Islands.
It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the Mediterranean.
It is commonly found in rocky, intertidal and subtidal zones, often hiding under rocks and in crevices.
They are known for their scavenging behavior, feeding on algae, detritus, and small invertebrates.
While generally reef-safe, larger individuals can become aggressive and may prey on small fish and other invertebrates
Nardoa galatheae, commonly known as the brown mesh sea star or green sea star, is a species of sea star belonging to the Ophidiasteridae family. It is found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky substrates at depths less than 30 meters. These sea stars are omnivores, feeding on detritus, small invertebrates, and algae.
Key Features of Nardoa galatheae:
Appearance: They have a characteristic five-armed formation with a mottled, greenish-brown color.
Habitat: N. galatheae prefers shallow rocky reefs, sandy substrates, and areas with live rock containing algae.
Diet: They feed on detritus, small microbes, algae, and may also consume small invertebrates.
Aquarium Care: These sea stars are not tolerant of sudden changes in water chemistry and should be drip-acclimated. They also cannot tolerate copper-based medications.
Size: They typically grow to an average of 25 cm in diameter.
Distribution: They are found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Condylactis gigantea, also known as the Giant Caribbean Sea Anemone or Atlantic Anemone, is a large, columnar anemone found in shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean. These anemones can be white, light blue, pink, orange, pale red, or light brown, with numerous tentacles, each often having a pink, scarlet, blue, or green-ringed tip. They can grow to be over 30 cm in diameter.
Key Features:
Size and Shape: Large, columnar body with a large diameter.
Color: Can be white, light blue, pink, orange, pale red, or light brown.
Tentacles: Numerous tentacles, often with colored tips.
Habitat: Shallow reefs, grass beds, and lagoons in the Caribbean and western Atlantic.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, fish, shrimp, and zooplankton.
Reproduction: Dioecious (separate sexes) with a primary mating season in spring.
Defensive Mechanism: Possesses cnidocysts (stinging cells) on the tips of its tentacles.
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.
