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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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Micromussa, formerly known as Acanthastrea, are large polyp stony (LPS) corals popular in reef aquariums. They are known for their vibrant colors and relatively easy care requirements. Two common species are Micromussa lordhowensis (formerly Acanthastrea lordhowensis) and Micromussa amakusensis, distinguished by polyp size, with lords having larger polyps.  General Characteristics: Colonial: Micromussa form colonies of individual polyps, often with a massive, cerioid (forming a tight, even surface) structure.  Corallites: The individual polyp cups (corallites) vary in size, with lords having larger corallites than micros.  Septa: The septa (radiating plates within the corallite) are prominent, sometimes with beaded edges or teeth.  Columella: The central structure within the corallite (columella) can be well-developed or poorly developed.  Fleshy Tissue: A thick, fleshy mantle often covers the skeleton, sometimes with papillae (small projections).  Color: Micromussa display a wide range of colors, including red, orange, purple, blue, and green, often with contrasting colors in the corallite walls.  Specific Species: Micromussa lordhowensis: Known for its large corallites (up to 15mm) and varied color patterns, often with two contrasting shades.  Micromussa amakusensis: Has smaller, angular corallites and is often found with a thick fleshy mantle covered in papillae.  Care Requirements: Lighting: Micromussa generally prefer low to moderate lighting conditions, with some species being susceptible to bleaching or color changes from intense light.  Water Flow: Moderate flow is recommended to prevent detritus buildup while still allowing the coral to extend its tentacles for feeding.  Feeding: Micromussa are opportunistic feeders and benefit from target feeding with meaty foods like mysis shrimp, krill, or small pellets.  Placement: Due to their potential for aggression and long sweeper tentacles, Micromussa should be given ample space and kept away from other corals.  Acclimation: Proper acclimation is crucial when introducing new Micromussa to an aquarium.  Aggression: Micromussa can be aggressive towards other corals, so adequate spacing is important. 

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Lobophyllia corals are large polyp stony (LPS) corals known for their vibrant colors and distinctive, fleshy polyps that can retract into stony cups called corallites. These corals are typically found in reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific region and are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their appearance and moderate care requirements.  Key Characteristics: Growth Form: Lobophyllia corals can grow into hemispherical or flattened mounds, sometimes forming large, composite colonies.  Corallites: They have prominent corallites, which are the stony cups that house the individual polyps. These can be either phaceloid (tubular and growing from a common base) or flabello-meandroid (arranged in valleys).  Polyps: The polyps are large and fleshy, with a thick mantle that often obscures the underlying corallite structure.  Septa: Each corallite contains septa, which are vertical blades that have sharp, tooth-like projections.  Coloration: Lobophyllia corals exhibit a wide range of colors, including shades of gray, pink, violet, and yellowish-brown, sometimes with contrasting patterns.  Habitat: They are found on coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific, from shallow reef slopes to deeper areas.  Aquarium Keeping: Lobophyllia corals are moderately challenging to keep in aquariums and are considered a popular choice for reef tanks.  Specific Examples: Lobophyllia corymbosa: Forms flat sheets or hemispherical domes, with individual lobes united at their bases. Its corallites have distinct walls and numerous radiating septa.  Lobophyllia hemprichii: Can form large, hemispherical or flattened mounds, sometimes with multiple colonies growing together. Its corallites can be phaceloid or flabello-meandroid.  Lobophyllia flabelliformis: Known for its flabello-meandroid growth form, with closely compacted elongate valleys. 

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Symphyllia is a genus of large polyp stony (LPS) corals, characterized by their massive, dome-shaped or flat colonies with meandroid (brain-like) corallites. These corals are known for their diverse colors and patterns, often with contrasting colors between valley floors and walls. While the genus name Symphyllia is no longer taxonomically valid, with most species now classified under Lobophyllia, it's still used for CITES purposes.  Key characteristics of Symphyllia: Colony Shape: Typically massive, dome-shaped, or flat, with meandroid valleys.  Corallites: Flabello-meandroid (brain-like), with ridges separating valleys, often with contrasting colors.  Polyps: Each corallite houses multiple polyps, indicated by the many mouth openings.  Color: Wide range of colors, often mottled, with contrasting colors between valley floors and walls.  Tentacles: They have long sweeper tentacles that can extend to sting other corals.  Habitat: Found on reef slopes and in protected areas of reefs.  Taxonomy: While the genus Symphyllia is no longer valid, it's still used for CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) purposes, and many species have been reassigned to Lobophyllia.  Examples of Symphyllia species: Symphyllia valenciennesi (now often classified under Lobophyllia), Symphyllia wilsoni (now often classified under Australophyllia), Symphyllia radians, Symphyllia agaricia, and Symphyllia recta.  Distinguishing Symphyllia from Lobophyllia: Corallite Size and Structure: Symphyllia species generally have larger, more branched corallites with more mouth openings compared to Lobophyllia. Valley Ridges: Symphyllia corallites often exhibit ridges dividing the interior surface (like a brain coral), while Lobophyllia corallites are often more separated. 

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  Micromussa, formerly known as Acanthastrea, is a popular large polyp stony (LPS) coral in the reef aquarium hobby, known for its vibrant colors and relative hardiness. Two commonly seen species are Micromussa lordhowensis and Micromussa amakusensis, distinguished by polyp size. They thrive in low to moderate light and moderate water flow, benefit from target feeding, and can be aggressive, so they need space from other corals.  Key characteristics of Micromussa corals: Colony Formation: Micromussa forms massive, cerioid (closely packed, adjoining corallites) colonies.  Corallites: The individual corallites (the structures housing the polyps) are typically circular or angular, and vary in size depending on the species. For example, M. lordhowensis has larger corallites than M. amakusensis.  Septa: The septa (walls within the corallites) are thick and beaded or toothed.  Columella: The columella (a central structure within the corallite) is typically poorly developed.  Fleshy Tissue: Micromussa colonies have a thick fleshy mantle, sometimes covered with fine papillae (small projections).  Color: Micromussa corals exhibit a wide range of colors, including red, orange, purple, blue, and green, often with contrasting colors in the corallite walls and fleshy tissue.  Aggression: Micromussa corals can be aggressive, extending sweeper tentacles to sting neighboring corals.  Care requirements: Lighting: Micromussa corals generally prefer low to moderate light, as intense lighting can cause color changes.  Water Flow: Moderate water flow is recommended, enough to prevent detritus buildup but not so strong as to damage the coral or prevent polyp extension.  Feeding: Micromussa corals readily accept meaty foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, and can also be target-fed with small pellets.  Space: Due to their aggressive nature, Micromussa corals need to be provided with adequate space away from other corals.  In summary, Micromussa corals are attractive, relatively hardy additions to reef aquariums, requiring specific lighting, flow, and feeding, as well as careful consideration of their aggressive tendencies.   

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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.

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Price per frag   Colpophyllia natans, commonly known as boulder brain coral or large-grooved brain coral, is a species of stony coral found in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It's characterized by large, rounded colonies, often resembling a brain, with a distinctive meandering pattern of ridges and valleys on its surface. The ridges are typically grey, while the valleys are green, whitish, or tan.  Here's a more detailed description:  Colony Shape and Size: Colonies are large and can be either hemispherical or encrusting. They can grow up to 2 meters in diameter. Surface Morphology: The surface of the coral features a network of ridges and valleys that resemble a brain, hence the common name. Coloration: The ridges are generally brown, while the valleys are green, whitish, or tan. Habitat: Colpophyllia natans is typically found on reef slopes and tops, at depths of up to 50 meters. Other Characteristics: The coral has exsert, equal, and finely toothed septa. It also has a fine ambulacral groove along the tops of the walls.

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Price per Polyp   Fimbriaphyllia ancora, commonly known as anchor coral or hammer coral, is a reef-building coral characterized by its dome or cushion-shaped colonies and distinctive anchor-shaped (or hammer-shaped) tips on its tentacles. It exhibits a wide range of colors, including green, purple, and orange, making it popular in the aquarium trade. This species is known for its flabello-meandroid skeleton and is found in Indo-Pacific tropical and subtropical waters.  Here's a more detailed description: Colony Shape: Fimbriaphyllia ancora forms dome or cushion-shaped colonies, which can be quite large, sometimes several meters across.  Skeleton: The skeleton is flabello-meandroid, meaning it has a branching pattern with valleys between the ridges.  Polyps: The polyps have large, tubular tentacles with distinct anchor-like tips. These tips can also resemble hammers or the letter T.  Coloration: The coral displays a variety of colors, including blue-gray, orange, and green, often with pale cream or green outer borders on the tentacles.  Habitat: It is found in Indo-Pacific tropical and subtropical waters, forming large colonies in reef environments.  Common Names: It is known as anchor coral or hammer coral due to the shape of its tentacles. 

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Price per polyp   Candy Cane coral or Caulastrea, is a popular, beginner-friendly large polyp stony (LPS) coral, characterized by its bright green, trumpet-shaped polyps. These polyps grow in clusters from a branching skeleton, creating a visually appealing structure. They are known for their hardiness and ability to add a vibrant pop of color to reef aquariums.  Key characteristics: Appearance: The coral has a branching skeleton with trumpet-shaped polyps that are typically a vibrant neon green.  Polyp Structure: Each polyp has a central mouth surrounded by tentacles, and they can expand significantly, sometimes resembling a closed brain coral.  Hardiness: Green trumpet corals are considered hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for beginners.  Lighting and Flow: They generally thrive under moderate lighting and moderate water flow.  Aggression: They have short sweeper tentacles, but are generally considered peaceful and can be placed near other corals, provided there's enough space to prevent them from touching.  Growth: They tend to grow at a moderate pace, forming dense colonies over time.  Water Conditions: Stable water conditions with appropriate levels of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements are important for their health.  In summary, the green trumpet coral is a visually appealing and relatively easy-to-care-for coral, making it a popular choice for reef aquarists of all experience levels. 

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The Pajama Cardinalfish, scientifically known as Sphaeramia nematoptera, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish known for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature. It features a greenish-yellow face, bright orange eyes, and a silver body with a bold black band across the midsection. The posterior part of its body is adorned with orange polka dots. These fish are relatively small, typically reaching a maximum size of 3 inches (8 cm).  Here's a more detailed description: Appearance: Coloration: The Pajama Cardinal has a striking appearance with a greenish-yellow face, bright orange eyes, and a silver body.  Markings: A prominent black band runs across the midsection, and the posterior of the body is dotted with orange polka dots. These dots are black in juveniles and turn red as they mature.  Fins: The fish has distinctive tail fins.  Size: They are relatively small, typically reaching a maximum length of 3 inches (8 cm).  Behavior: Peaceful: Pajama Cardinals are known for their peaceful nature and are suitable for community saltwater aquariums.  Schooling: They thrive in small groups or schools within a larger aquarium.  Hierarchy: While they establish dominance hierarchies when kept in groups, they don't typically rely on aggression to assert their position.  Nocturnal: They are most active during twilight hours and during the night, when they disperse to hunt.  Care: Reef-safe: Pajama Cardinals are generally considered reef-safe and do not harm corals or invertebrates.  Diet: They are omnivores and readily accept a variety of high-quality frozen foods, pellets, and live foods.  Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Pajama Cardinals.  Compatibility: They should be housed with other peaceful tankmates to avoid any aggression.  Additional Facts: Mouth Brooders: Like other cardinalfish, they are mouth brooders, with the males incubating the eggs in their mouths.  Difficult to Sex: It's difficult to distinguish between males and females based on appearance alone.  Origin: They are found in the Indo-Pacific region. 

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