Chrysiptera parasema, commonly known as the Yellowtail Blue Damsel or Goldtail Demoiselle, is a small, vibrant saltwater fish with a distinct blue body and bright yellow tail. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its hardiness and striking appearance.
Key Features:
Appearance: The body is a rich, velvety dark blue, with a bright yellow tail (caudal fin) and sometimes yellow on the back of the anal and dorsal fins.
Size: Reaches up to 2.8-3 inches (7.1-7.6 cm) in length.
Origin: Found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Behavior: Known for being semi-aggressive and territorial, especially in confined spaces.
Diet: Omnivorous, eating algae, invertebrates, and small crustaceans.
Reef Compatibility: Generally reef-safe.
Care: Requires a well-established reef aquarium with ample hiding places, stable water parameters, and a diet of high-quality foods.
Distinguishing Features:
The yellow tail is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from similar damselfish species, such as the Azure Demoiselle (Chrysiptera hemicyanea), which has more yellow coloration on its body.
It can also be distinguished from other similar species by the intensity of the blue coloration and the presence of yellow on the caudal peduncle.
In Summary:
The Yellowtail Blue Damsel is a beautiful, relatively hardy, and popular aquarium fish known for its striking colors and unique tail. It's important to note that it can be territorial and requires a suitable aquarium environment to thrive.
Basslets are a group of small, ray-finned fish, known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature, making them popular choices for saltwater aquariums. They belong to the family Grammatidae, found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, and some species are also referred to as "fairy basslets".
Key Characteristics of Basslets:
Appearance:
They are generally small, with a maximum size of around 10 centimeters for some species. Many have bright colors, including shades of red, yellow, orange, purple, tan, and black and white.
Habitat:
They are reef-dwelling fish, often found in rocky environments with caves and crevices where they can hide.
Behavior:
Basslets are generally peaceful and can be kept in reef tanks, though some species, like the Multilineatum Reef Basslet, may be more predatory.
Diet:
They are primarily carnivorous and eat small invertebrates like crustaceans, zooplankton, and small fish.
Breeding:
Some basslets, like the Fairy Basslet, are hermaphroditic and can change sex, with males often being more brightly colored. Males are also known to display nest care behavior, protecting and maintaining the nest where the eggs are laid.
Examples of Basslet Species:
Fairy Basslet (Gramma loreto): Known for its bright colors and is a common aquarium fish.
Royal Gramma: Another popular species, often found in aquariums.
Swissguard Basslet: A reef-safe species similar to the Candy Basslet in appearance and behavior.
Rainbow Basslet: Another reef-safe species that thrives in aquariums with plenty of rockwork.
Blackcap Basslet: A larger species, typically found in the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic Ocean.
Reef Basslets (Liopropoma): These are characterized by their elongate bodies, pointed snouts, and broad heads.
Cyphastrea are a genus of massive, reef-building stony corals, commonly known as brain corals or meteor corals. They are part of the Merulinidae family and are popular in reef aquariums due to their unique appearance and vibrant colors.
Here's a more detailed description:
Key Characteristics:
Growth Pattern:
Cyphastrea corals can grow in a variety of forms, including encrusting, branching, and plating. They are known for their ability to encrust surfaces and form massive colonies.
Polyps:
They have small, star-shaped polyps that are characteristic of Small Polyp Stony (SPS) corals.
Color:
Cyphastrea come in a wide range of colors, from red and blue to green, and even more unique combinations.
Natural Habitat:
They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they are found in various reef environments, including shaded or low-light areas.
Care:
They are generally considered relatively hardy corals and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, but they prefer low to moderate light levels.
Popular Varieties:
Meteor Shower:
One of the most popular color morphs is the red and blue "Meteor Shower" variant.
Other Color Morph:
Other vibrant color variations are also available, such as green, pink, and yellow.
In Summary:
Cyphastrea corals are attractive, hardy, and versatile reef corals that come in a variety of forms and colors. They are popular with reef aquarium hobbyists for their unique appearance, ability to grow in different areas of the tank, and their ability to adapt to a variety of tank conditions
Pavona corals are a genus of colonial, stony corals known for their various growth forms and common names like "Cactus Coral," "Potato Chip Coral," or "Lettuce Coral". They are part of the Agariciidae family and are distinguished by having clearly defined septocostae connecting corallites, resulting in a flower-like pattern on their surface. Pavona species exhibit a range of colors and growth forms, including columnar, club-shaped, or plate-like colonies.
Here's a more detailed look at Pavona corals:
Key Features:
Colonial:
They grow in colonies, forming various shapes like plates, branches, or columns.
Stony Corals:
They are a type of hard coral, meaning their skeletons are made of calcium carbonate.
Corallites:
They have shallow depressions called corallites, which are the individual polyp chambers within the colony.
Septocostae:
These are radial structures connecting the corallites, creating a distinct pattern on the coral's surface.
Zooxanthellae:
They contain symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Growth Forms:
Pavona corals can exhibit different growth forms, including columnar (Pavona clavus), plate-like (Pavona cactus), and branched (Pavona frondifera).
Examples of Pavona Species:
Pavona cactus:
Often called "Cactus Coral" or "Potato Chip Coral," they form thin, plate-like colonies with a distinctive cactus or lettuce-like appearance.
Pavona clavus:
Known for its columnar or club-shaped colonies, sometimes forming extensive single-species stands.
Pavona duerdeni:
This species forms clusters of cream-colored lobes or discs, with a smooth appearance due to the small corallites on their surface.
Pavona frondifera:
This species has a more delicate, frond-like growth form, often found in lagoons and on upper reef slopes.
Care Considerations:
Lighting:
Pavona corals typically thrive in medium to strong lighting.
Water Movement:
They generally benefit from medium to strong water movement to help with feeding and prevent the accumulation of detritus.
Feeding:
While they are primarily photosynthetic, they may also feed on rotifers and other microfauna.
Aggression:
Some Pavona species, like encrusting forms, can be aggressive and may sting other corals.
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.
Cynarina lacrymalis, commonly known as the flat cup coral, solitary cup coral, or cat's eye coral, is a large, solitary stony coral. It is cylindrical, with a diameter up to 10 cm and a height of 8 cm, and has a single polyp nestled in a corallite. The corallite is a stony cup that the coral has secreted.
Key Features:
Shape and Size: Cylindrical, with a round or oval upper surface.
Corallite: A stony cup secreted by the coral.
Attachment: Usually fixed to rock but can be embedded in sand or unattached.
Color: Various colors, including pale brown, green, pinkish, and bluish, depending on the species of zooxanthellae present.
Tentacles: Extended only at night.
Mantle: Translucent and inflated with water during the day, allowing visibility of the septa.
Habitat: Protected reef environments and deep sandy substrates.
Abundance: Not common, but conspicuous.
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.
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.
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.
price per polyp
Duncanopsammia is a genus of stony coral consisting of a single species, Duncanopsammia axifuga, also known as whisker coral or duncan coral. These corals form colonies of individual polyps with round skeletal bases (corallites) that can be quite large. They are commonly found in the deeper waters of Western and Northern Australia, as well as the South China Sea.
Key characteristics of Duncanopsammia axifuga:
Appearance: The polyps are large and have brightly colored oral discs.
Habitat: They prefer solid objects in sandy areas.
Lighting: They thrive under low to moderate lighting.
Water Quality: They need high pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels, along with low phosphate and nitrate levels.
Feeding: They can rely on symbiotic zooxanthellae algae for photosynthesis and may also benefit from supplemental feeding of meaty marine foods like mysis and brine shrimp.
Temperament: Duncanopsammia corals are generally peaceful and can be housed with other non-aggressive corals and invertebrates, provided they have ample space to grow.
Growth: They are considered a large polyp stony (LPS) coral and can be a good choice for beginners, known for their relatively slow growth rate.
Coloration: They can come in various colors, including vibrant greens.
Tentacles: The polyps have tentacles that can retract and extend, resembling an anemone.
Commensal organisms: They can sometimes host commensal organisms like barnacles.
Defensive Mechanism: Duncan corals can release sweeper/feeder tentacles that can sting and damage other corals.
Flow: They do best with a moderate flow of water.
