The Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) is a vibrant dartfish characterized by its slender, elongated body, often white or yellow, that transitions to a darker shade towards the tail. Its most striking feature is its purple head and face, which contrasts with the reddish-orange or maroon hues on its fins, often edged with black. It's a relatively small fish, reaching about 3.5 to 4 inches in length, and is known for its peaceful temperament and reef compatibility.
Key characteristics:
Appearance: White or yellow body, purple head, reddish-orange or maroon fins with black edging.
Size: Reaches a maximum length of 9 cm (3.5 inches).
Habitat: Found in tropical Indo-West Pacific waters, from Mauritius to Samoa.
Temperament: Peaceful and reef compatible.
Diet: Feeds on zooplankton, especially copepods and crustacean larvae.
Behavior: Often found in pairs, hovering in the water column, and darting into holes when alarmed.
The Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) is a popular saltwater aquarium fish known for its distinctive two-toned coloration, typically blue or dark brown in the front half and orange or yellow in the back. They are relatively hardy, peaceful, and have engaging personalities, making them a good addition to many reef aquariums.
Key characteristics:
Appearance:
The most prominent feature is the color division, with the front half of the body displaying a blue to dull brown hue, while the posterior half is orange or yellow. Males may exhibit more vibrant colors, especially when breeding.
Size:
They typically grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) in length.
Temperament:
Generally peaceful, but can be territorial towards other blennies, gobies, and dartfish in smaller tanks.
Habitat:
Found in Indo-Pacific reefs, they are bottom-dwelling fish, often found among rocks and crevices.
Diet:
Bicolor Blennies are primarily herbivores, consuming algae and plant matter. They will also graze on algae growing in the aquarium and should be offered a varied diet including algae-based foods.
Reef Compatibility:
They are generally considered reef safe, but may nip at clams or large polyp stony corals in smaller setups or when underfed.
Aquarium Requirements:
A tank of at least 30 gallons is recommended, with plenty of rocks for perching and hiding.
In aquariums:
Bicolor Blennies are known for their active and curious personalities, often seen hopping from rock to rock, exploring their environment. They are a great addition to larger reef tanks where they can help control algae growth and provide entertainment with their antics.
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.
Engineer gobies, also known as convict gobies or worm gobies, are a unique and fascinating species native to the Indo-Pacific region. They are known for their burrowing behavior, constructing intricate tunnel systems in sandy substrates, which they use for shelter and to raise their young. These fish exhibit interesting color changes as they mature, initially displaying black and white horizontal stripes, which later transition into vertical bands.
Physical Description:
Size: Engineer gobies can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length.
Body Shape: They have a slender, eel-like body shape.
Coloration:
Juveniles: Black with bright white or yellow horizontal stripes, often mimicking venomous catfish.
Adults: Black with white vertical bands.
Behavior and Ecology:
Burrowing:
Engineer gobies are renowned for their burrowing behavior, constructing elaborate tunnel systems in the sand.
Social Structure:
They are social fish and often live in groups, with multiple individuals sharing tunnel systems.
Mimicry:
Juvenile engineer gobies mimic venomous catfish to deter predators.
Diet:
They are carnivorous and will consume meaty foods, including frozen and live options.
Care in Aquariums:
Tank Size:
A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, with plenty of substrate for burrowing.
Tank Mates:
They are generally peaceful but can become territorial with other blennies, gobies, or dartfish in smaller tanks.
Diet:
A varied diet of frozen and live meaty foods is essential.
Reef Safe:
Engineer gobies are considered reef-safe and generally pose no threat to corals or most invertebrates.
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
The Pearly Jawfish, also known as the Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons), is a small, peaceful marine fish known for its bright yellow head and pearly white to light blue-green body. They are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to their unique burrowing behavior and engaging personalities.
Key characteristics:
Coloration: Yellow head transitioning to a pearly white or light blue-green body.
Size: Typically reach about 4 inches (10 cm) in length in aquariums.
Behavior: Known for building burrows in sandy substrates, often poking their heads out to observe their surroundings or hovering just above their burrows.
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial around their burrows.
Reef Compatibility: Considered reef-safe and can be kept with most corals.
Diet: Carnivorous, primarily consuming live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other small marine invertebrates.
Tank Requirements: Need a tank with a deep sandy substrate (several inches) to construct their burrows.
In essence, the Pearly Jawfish is a charming and interesting fish for marine aquariums, known for its unique burrowing habits and peaceful demeanor.
The Gobiodon citrinus, commonly known as the poison goby or lemon coral goby, is a small, reef-dwelling fish characterized by its vibrant coloration and toxic mucus. It has a high, yellow body with two blue bars across the eye and another across the back of the head, along with blue stripes along the base of the dorsal and anal fins. A small black spot is typically present at the base of the pectoral fin. These fish are known to inhabit coral reefs, particularly those with Acropora corals, and are found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key characteristics:
Coloration: Variable, ranging from yellow to yellowish-green or even black, with blue markings.
Blue Markings: Two blue bars across the eye, one across the back of the head, and blue stripes along the dorsal and anal fin bases.
Pectoral Spot: A small dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin.
Size: Reaches a maximum length of about 6.6 centimeters (2.6 inches).
Habitat: Found in coral reefs, specifically amongst Acropora corals, at depths of 2 to 20 meters.
Toxic Mucus: The mucus produced by this fish is toxic.
Behavior: Often found in coral branches and can be less shy than other coral gobies.
Reef Compatibility: While considered reef safe, they may nip at coral polyps, especially Acropora.
Aquarium Trade: This species is also found in the aquarium trade and has been bred in captivity.
The Gold Neon Goby, also known as the Yellow Prow Goby or Yellowstripe Cleaning Goby, is a small, peaceful, and vibrant saltwater fish prized for its coloration and cleaning behavior. It typically has a yellow head and lower body, with a black dorsal body and a gold horizontal stripe. These gobies are relatively small, reaching about 2 inches in length, and are known for their reef-safe nature and ability to thrive in nano and community reef tanks.
Key characteristics and care:
Appearance: A slender body with a bright gold stripe running horizontally, often along a black background.
Size: Reaches about 2 inches in length.
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with their own kind, especially in smaller aquariums.
Reef Safe: Yes, suitable for reef tanks.
Cleaning Behavior: They are known to pick parasites off of other fish, making them a valuable addition to a tank.
Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank or larger is recommended.
Diet: They are carnivores, feeding on small organisms, frozen foods, and may also feed on parasites from other fish.
Habitat: Found in the wild on coral reefs and rocky areas.
Breeding: May spawn in aquariums, laying eggs in crevices or shells.
Compatibility: Best kept singly or in mated pairs, unless the aquarium is very large, due to potential aggression towards their own kind.
In summary, the Gold Neon Goby is a beautiful and beneficial addition to a saltwater aquarium, known for its striking appearance, peaceful nature, and cleaning behavior.
The Elacatinus oceanops, commonly known as the neon goby, is a small, colorful reef fish known for its symbiotic cleaning behavior. It features a bright blue stripe along its body, bordered by black stripes, and a white or pale belly. They grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and are found in the tropical Western Atlantic, from Florida to Belize.
Appearance:
Coloration: A distinctive neon blue stripe runs horizontally along the body, bordered above and below by black stripes. The belly is typically white or pale.
Size: They reach a maximum length of about 5 cm (2 inches).
Shape: Elongated body typical of gobies.
Behavior:
Cleaner Fish:
Neon gobies are known for their cleaning behavior, removing parasites and dead skin from larger fish.
Symbiotic Relationship:
This cleaning activity is a symbiotic relationship, benefiting both the goby (food source) and the larger fish (parasite removal).
Reef Dwelling:
They are commonly found on coral reefs and rocky substrates, often associated with coral heads.
Aquarium Trade:
They are popular in the aquarium trade due to their vibrant coloration and beneficial cleaning behavior.
Habitat and Range:
Western Atlantic: Found in the tropical waters of the Western Atlantic, from Florida to Belize.
Depth: They inhabit depths ranging from 1 to 45 meters (3.3 to 147.6 ft).
Reefs and Rocks: They are typically found on coral reefs and rocky substrates.
Care in Aquariums:
Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons (60 liters) is recommended for a pair.
Water Parameters: Stable water conditions with temperatures between 24°C and 28°C are crucial.
Tank Setup: Live rock for hiding and ample swimming space are important.
Feeding: They are omnivores, feeding on small crustaceans, plankton, and prepared foods (frozen or pellet).
Feeding Frequency: Multiple small feedings per day are ideal to meet their nutritional needs.
The Banggai cardinalfish is a small, disc-shaped marine fish known for its striking appearance and unique reproductive behavior. It is characterized by a tasseled first dorsal fin, elongated second dorsal and anal fins, and a deeply forked tail. Its body is silver with contrasting black vertical bars and white spots, and it is popular in the aquarium trade.
Physical Description:
Size: Typically grows up to 8 centimeters (3 inches) in length.
Shape: Disc-shaped body with a distinctive profile.
Fins: Tasseled first dorsal fin, elongated second dorsal and anal fins, and a deeply forked caudal fin.
Coloration: Silver body with three prominent black bars and numerous white spots, especially on the fins.
Other Notable Features:
Mouthbrooding: The male Banggai cardinalfish incubates the eggs in his mouth, a unique reproductive trait.
Habitat: Found in shallow, sheltered areas like coral reefs and seagrass beds in the Banggai Islands of Indonesia.
Diet: Primarily consumes copepods and other small crustaceans.
Temperament: Generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish in a reef aquarium, but males may exhibit some territorial behavior in smaller tanks.
Conservation Status: Endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss.
