Saltwater Aquaristics

The bluestreak cleaner wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus) is one of several species of cleaner wrasses found on coral reefs from Eastern Africa and the Red Sea to French Polynesia. Like other cleaner wrasses, it eats parasites and dead tissue off larger fishes' skin in a mutualistic relationship that provides food and protection for the wrasse, and considerable health benefits for the other fishes. It is also notable for having potentially passed the mirror test, though this is not without controversy. Taxonomy A genetic analysis of L. dimidiatus revealed the population fell into two monophyletic clades, with Indian Ocean populations generally having different stripe widths to western Pacific fishes. The Japanese cleaner wrasses, though, fell within the same group as Indian Ocean fish, despite differing in appearance, and both clades overlap around Papua New Guinea.Two closely related cleaner wrasse species, Labroides pectoralis and Labroides bicolor, were grouped inside the L. dimidiatus clade, so the bluestreak cleaner wrasse may in fact be polyphyletic, incorporating several species. Description  This is a small wrasse, averaging 10 cm (3.9 in) long, at most 14 cm (5.5 in). It can be recognized thanks to a wide longitudinal black stripe running along the side and eye; the back and the stomach are white (sometimes slightly yellowish). This white part changes to a bright blue on the front of the animal, while the black band widens at the tail. The young are black with an electric blue line. Distribution The bluestreak cleaner wrasse is found on coral reefs in the tropics from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the western Pacific (including Papua New Guinea, Japan, Fiji, and French Polynesia).[5] It was first recorded from the Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve north of New Zealand in 2015, after researchers examined hundreds of hours of unused documentary film footage. Cleaning Cleaner wrasses are usually found at cleaning stations. Cleaning stations are occupied by different units of cleaner wrasses, such as a group of youths, a pair of adults, or a group of females accompanied by a dominant male. When visitors come near the cleaning stations, the cleaner wrasses greet the visitors by performing a dance-like motion in which they move their rear up and down.The visitors are referred to as "clients". Bluestreak cleaner wrasses clean to consume ectoparasites on client fish for food. The bigger fish recognise them as cleaner fish because they have a lateral stripe along the length of their bodies, and by their movement patterns. Cleaner wrasses greet visitors in an effort to secure the food source and cleaning opportunity with the client. Upon recognising the cleaner and successfully soliciting its attention, the client fish adopts a species-specific pose to allow the cleaner access to its body surface, gills and sometimes mouth.[citation needed] Other fish that engage in such cleaning behavior include goby fish (Elacatinus spp.) The bluestreak cleaner wrasse is known to clean balaenopteridae, chondrichthyans, homaridae, octopodidae, and dermochelyidae In different regions, the bluestreak cleaner wrasse displays various degrees of dependency on clients' ectoparasites as a primary food source. In tidal environments such as the Great Barrier Reef, the bluestreak cleaner wrasse is a facultative cleaner that feeds more on corals than on fish clientele.Juvenile bluestreak cleaners are seen to bite their clients more often than the adults within that region, thus changing the dynamic of the known mutualistic relationship.However, in regions where the bluestreak cleaners are solely dependent on clients' parasites, fish who have access to cleaning services have better body condition than those without cleaner access. In the Marsa Bareika of the Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve, Egypt, the bluestreak cleaner wrasse live in specific sectors of the shallow reefs and are shown to rely on ectoparasites from species such as the brown surgeonfish and white belly damselfish. In this region, fish that visit cleaner wrasses have lower antibody responses than those without cleaner access, suggesting that cleaner access may decrease the need for active immunity. Reproduction Cleaner wrasse males defend specific living territories from other males in which they are able to have control over the females in those territories. When the dominant male no longer exists in that territory, one of the larger females is able to change sexes to take control over that territory.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Priece per colony of 10 polyps   Zoanthids, also known as sea mats or button polyps, are a group of colonial cnidarians belonging to the genus Zoanthus. They are prized in the aquarium hobby for their colorful, spreading, and easy-to-maintain nature.  Key characteristics of Zoanthus: Colonial structure: Zoanthids form colonies of many small polyps, often growing flat and encrusting surfaces like rocks and substrates.  Diverse coloration: They exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, making them visually appealing.  Nematocysts: They possess nematocysts, the stinging cells characteristic of cnidarians.  Feeding: Zoanthids can feed on both detritus and zooplankton, and also benefit from photosynthesis with zooxanthellae.  Growth and distribution: They can grow to cover large areas, and are found in various reef environments.  Maintenance: Zoanthids are generally considered easy to maintain in reef aquariums, tolerating a range of lighting and water conditions. 

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Frozen cyclops is a small, fresh-frozen zooplankton food for fish and other aquatic animals, including fish larvae, small-mouthed fish, and marine invertebrates like corals. It is a nutritious, natural live-food alternative that can also promote vibrant colors in fish. The food is typically sold in convenient cubes or blister packs and is often gamma-irradiated to be pathogen-free.  What it is Zooplankton: Made from tiny, fresh-frozen crustacean zooplankton.  Food for small mouths: An ideal food for fish larvae (fry), small-mouthed fish, seahorses, and pipefish.  Supports filter feeders: Excellent for marine filter-feeding invertebrates and corals.  Natural color enhancer: Contains natural pigments that can help promote vibrant colors in fish.  Pathogen-free: Often gamma-irradiated for safety.  How to use Break off a small portion, such as a single cube.  Thaw it in a separate container with a small amount of tank water for about 20 minutes. Avoid using hot water or a microwave, as this can break down nutrients.  Slowly add the defrosted food to your aquarium.  Repeat a few times a week to help maintain health and color

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"Krill Fine" is a frozen fish food consisting of finely chopped krill, ideal for smaller or more finicky fish like adult Discus, or for use as a base mix for larger species. It is a high-protein, nutrient-rich food that is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin, which enhances color. The fine size makes it easy to digest and encourages a feeding response in many fish.  Nutritional information Protein: High in protein, typically around 50-55% dry matter.  Fat: Contains essential lipids, with up to 25% of the fat content consisting of omega-3 fatty acids.  Vitamins and minerals: A natural source of vitamins, carotenoids like astaxanthin (which enhances color), and other antioxidants.  Chitin: A good source of chitin, which can provide roughage.  Benefits Enhances color:  The natural carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin, help intensify the red and other colors in fish.  Stimulates feeding:  The fine texture is a natural and appealing food source that can trigger an immediate feeding response.  Promotes health:  The high protein and essential fatty acids support overall health, energy levels, and proper growth.  Versatile:  Can be used as a staple food or as an additive for larger species in products like spod and stick mixes.  How to use Store the frozen krill in a freezer and only thaw the amount you need for one feeding.  You can thaw it in a small amount of aquarium water before feeding, or in some cases, feed it while still frozen.  Only feed what your fish can consume within a few minutes to avoid soiling the aquarium.

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Sextett Marin is a frozen food mix for marine aquariums containing six high-quality, natural ingredients like Artemia, Mysis, copepods, red plankton, fish meat, and fish eggs. It is enriched with vitamins, trace elements, and unsaturated fatty acids to promote the health and vitality of marine fish, corals, and invertebrates. This blend is typically sold in a blister pack for easy portioning and is ready to be defrosted and fed to your tank inhabitants.  Ingredients and composition Artemia (Brine Shrimp): A staple, highly nutritious source of food. Mysis: Small, shrimp-like crustaceans that are a great source of protein. Copepods: Tiny planktonic crustaceans that are a natural part of a marine diet. Red Plankton: A high-energy food source, often enriched with extra vitamins and fatty acids. Fish Meat: Provides essential protein and other nutrients. Fish Eggs (Roe): A nutritious and often highly palatable food for many marine creatures.  Nutritional benefits Enriched with vitamins, trace elements, and Omega-3: Helps boost the vitality and health of fish and other aquarium life.  Promotes a strong immune system: The variety of nutrients helps build a healthy immune response in your inhabitants.  Natural and high-quality: Composed of 100% natural products that mimic a reef-like diet. 

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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.  The brackish aquarium - Algone Brackish habitats can be found in nature throughout the world where river deltas meet the ocean. These environments are known as e... Error! Filename not specified. Algone Red Mangrove Buy 2 Get 1 FREE | Saltwater Plants This plant tolerates poor water quality and weak water movement. However, it ( red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle ) is adapted to liv... Error! Filename not specified. AlgaeBarn 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.  Any experience growing mangrove trees in aquariums? - Facebook 10.09.2022 г. — * Jeff Brinegar. You'll need very strong lighting. 3 yrs. * Jamie Lynn. So if you are looking for the cool roots of ... Error! Filename not specified. Facebook 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... Food and Agriculture Organization Elevate Your Aquarium with Home-Grown Mangroves Red mangroves have the ability to replace sodium ions, which are present in salt water, with magnesium ions. If you have a salt wa... Error! Filename not specified. TopTropicals.com Mangroves in the Wild & Aquarium | Tropical Fish Hobbyist ... Mangroves in the Wild and in the Home Aquarium. Author: Richard Aspinall. Salt-tolerant plants that are as unusual as they are bea... Error! Filename not specified. TFH Magazine 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

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The Forest Fire Rhodactis mushroom is a soft coral known for its vibrant, fiery colors, typically a red or orange base with neon green, blue, or purple streaks and speckles that glow under aquarium lighting. It has a fleshy, textured appearance with wavy edges and is relatively easy to care for, thriving in low to moderate lighting and low water flow, making it a popular choice for beginner to experienced aquarists.  Appearance Color: A bright base of red or orange with contrasting neon green, blue, or purple patterns that appear to glow. Shape: Fleshy, with a bubble-like or wavy surface and textured edges. Growth: Fast-growing and can spread to form a colorful carpet, filling negative space in an aquarium.  Care and maintenance Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is ideal, around 30-50 PAR.  Water Flow: Low to moderate flow is preferred. Too much flow can stress the coral and cause it to detach from its rock.  Tank Placement: Can be placed in low to mid-level areas of the tank.  Care Level: Generally considered easy to care for.  Re-attachment: If the coral detaches, place it in a small cup with rubble to re-attach, or it may float around the tank.   

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Blastomussa merletti is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral known as a pineapple coral, characterized by its round, flower-like polyps and vibrant colors such as red, green, purple, and orange. It is a relatively easy to keep coral, suitable for beginners, that grows in clusters and is found in the Indo-Pacific region. This species thrives in low to moderate light with gentle water flow and can be supplemented with food.  Physical characteristics Polyps: Develop into small, round, flower-like structures that can resemble mushroom corals.  Color: Often displays a mix of bright colors, commonly red with green oral discs or a combination of red, purple, and green. Other colors can include pink, orange, brown, or dark grey with white margins.  Mantle: The mantle and tentacles are often visible and extended during the day.  Surface: The surface can be continuous, sometimes obscuring the underlying growth form.  Blastomussa merleti Corals of the World Habitat and care Habitat: Native to the west and central Indo-Pacific region. It is also popular in reef aquariums.  Lighting: Prefers low to moderate lighting, and can be overexposed in very bright conditions. High-end LED or T5 lighting is recommended.  Water Flow: Needs a low to moderate flow. Excessive flow can be detrimental, so gentle, indirect water movement is best.  Tank placement: Should be mounted on stable rock or sand, with some space around it, and kept away from aggressive neighbors.  Water chemistry: Requires stable water parameters, including Calcium 400-450 ppm Alkalinity 8-12dKH),  Magnesium 1250 -1350ppm),  and low levels of Nitrates 5-15 ppm  and Phosphates< 0.10ppm Temperature: Optimal temperature is between $76–80^\circ$F.  TSA Merlot Merletti Blastomussa Coral - Top Shelf Aquatics Water Chemistry * Calcium: 400–450 ppm. * Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH. * Magnesium: 1250–1350 ppm. * Nitrates: 5–15 ppm. * Phosphates: < Error! Filename not specified. Top Shelf Aquatics Feeding and growth Supplementation: Can be supplemented with LPS pellets or other small particle foods to promote growth and color, though it is not strictly necessary as it is photosynthetic.  Growth: Grows in tight clusters and can spread over rockwork to create colorful spots in a reef tank.  Temperament: Considered a peaceful coral.   

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