The Importance of Choosing the Right Substrate for Your Aquarium Plants
Choosing the right substrate is crucial for the health and growth of your aquarium plants. A suitable substrate not only provides proper anchorage but also supplies essential nutrients, maintaining an optimal balance for your aquatic ecosystem. Below, we've highlighted the key factors to consider when selecting the best substrate for your aquarium plants.
Optimal Aquarium Plant Lighting: Balancing Light Intensity for Growth
The intensity of a light source reaching any surface is measured in units of lux. Natural bright sunlight produces about 70,000-80,000 lux, although much of this is lost by the time it reaches aquatic plants. The lux requirement of aquarium plants varies between roughly 300 and 6,000 lux, depending on the species.
Best Metal Halide Bulbs For Reef Tanks
A reef tank thrives when it's provided with the right type of lighting, and the metal halide bulbs are considered the top choice by many aquarists. These bulbs offer a unique blend of qualities that make them indispensable for recreating the natural habitat of corals and marine life.
Best Canister Filters Reviews - Top 10 & Complete Guide
Introduction Among types of fish tanks filter, the canister appears to be the most popular one. Thanks to the great combination of biological, chemical and mechanical filtration, the filter does a great job in keeping your fish tank water crystal clean, ensuring a healthy and clean habitat for your fish. Photo credit Foter.com Because you are bombarded with exaggerated advertisements of manufacturers, you find it a task of a challenge to get a good deal.
Best Background Aquarium Plants
Aquarium plants play a vital role in creating a healthy and visually stunning underwater environment. Background aquarium plants are particularly important as they provide an aesthetically pleasing backdrop, privacy for fish, and a place for beneficial bacteria to colonize. Let's explore some of the best background aquarium plants to consider for your tank.
10 Best Fish Tank Filters Reviews | Aquarium Filters For Your Choice
Whether you are an aquariology or just want to buy a filter for your aquarium, buying a high-quality and functional filter is always necessary. In fact, you are now bombarded with multiple advertisements from different brand names, which may confuse you. Photo credit Foter.com If you haven't got any filter that may fulfill your need, read the review of top 10 best fish tank filters. Perhaps you may come across a suitable one.
Best Hardy Background Aquarium Plants
When setting up an aquarium, one of the essential components for a vibrant and healthy environment is the background plants. These hardy aquatic plants not only provide a visually stunning backdrop for your tank, but they also offer numerous benefits for the ecosystem, such as oxygenation, shelter, and a natural habitat for the aquatic life.
Tank Selection and Construction Tips for the Best Glass Aquariums
A well-designed glass aquarium can not only serve as a beautiful home for your aquatic pets but also become an eye-catching centerpiece in your living space. When it comes to selecting the perfect glass aquarium, a few essential factors can help guide your decision-making process.
What Are Mesenterial Filaments
Aggressive interactions in corallimorphs have only been observed in two genera, Corynactis (spirocysts and homotrichs) and Disco-soma (homotrichs). However, all genera possess at least some form of nematocysts, and these can be quite potent, especially in Pseudo-corynactis, and is likely that further studies will bring this to light.
Best Foreground Plants for Aquariums
A well-designed aquarium should include a variety of plants that enhance its aesthetic appeal and support a healthy ecosystem. Foreground plants play a crucial role in creating depth, texture, and visual interest. They also provide shelter and feeding grounds for small aquatic creatures. This paragraph highlights some of the best foreground plants for aquariums.
Best Undergravel Filter: Jaubert-Style Plenum & Coral Reef Microhabitat
Natural substrate materials of coral reef origin assist greatly in maintaining a proper chemical balance and can be used to create authentic and unusual aquarium microhabitats. On top of the eggcrate, one or more layers of plastic window screening are used to prevent the sand from falling through to the plenum.
Aponogeton Boivinianus
The attractive crinkled leaf and large size of this plant make it an ideal specimen plant for the midground of a larger aquarium. In a heavily planted aquarium where there is competition for light and nutrients, A boivinianus may produce smaller and fewer leaves. The leaves are bright green and sometimes slightly transparent in places. Maximum height 16 in 40 cm , sometimes taller Growth rate Initially fast, but slows as the plant ages Area Midground, Specimen.
Cec Of Calcined Montmorillonite
Featuring the healthiest aquatic plants this side ot the Amazon The Aquarium Center delivers a complete selection ot domestic and imported cultivated aquatic plants from throughout the tropical world. Visit Our Web Site www.aquariumcenter.com There is a wide varity of substrates for use in today's planted aquarium. Due to the growth and popularity of aquatic plants, new products are being introduced all the time. This is good for us gardeners, but it only adds to the confusion over which...
Tips On Coral Placement
Ne of the more vexatious challenges, even for experienced reef keepers, is the appropriate placement of corals within the aquarium. Finding just the right level of light intensity and water motion can mean the difference between a specimen that thrives and grows, showing full polyp extension and brilliant col oration, and one that leads a lackluster existence, with polyps retracted or shrunken, dull coloration, and no growth. Specific recommendations for each species of coral that an aquarist...
Clownfish Host Anemones Difficult Choices
Though the clown fishes are generally a hardy lot, the anemones with which they associate in the wild are not. Some experienced aquarists have come to believe that most Pacific anemones are more difficult to maintain than even the sensitive small-polyped stony corals. Most aquarists should choose between Entacmaea quadricolor and Macrodactyla doreensis and leave the others to the experts. Many species of clownfish will bond with anemones other than their native favorites if they have no other...
Marine Invertebrates
There is potentially a much larger market for reef aquari- extremely delicate aquariums subjects. For example, Stan ums than at present. When people learn what can be done Brown of the Breeder's Registry has a photograph depict- with a 30-gallon tank, provided a few simple techniques ing spawning by captive Orange-spotted Filefish Oxy- are mastered, dealers will sell more of them, along with the monacanthus longirostris . This species is generally livestock to go in them. This can only help the...
The Outer Reef Habitat
Outer reefs of the Indo-Pacific are the home of the most widely available giant clam, Tridacna derasa, which is an adaptable species that can be recommended to any aquarist. This is a good species to accompany SPS corals. Dartfishes, such as the Common Firefish, Nemateleotris magnified, and the Purple Firefish, N. decora, occur here in pairs, and shoals of anthias hover in the strong currents. See the discussion of anthias in Chapter Ten before attempting these fish, however. The striking...
M Acroalcae Cultivation
An aquarium based on keys or Caribbean species would be ideal for the many species of interesting and attractive macroalgae available to hobbyists. For the calcium-loving calcareous types, the tank should have a layer of substrate the upper layer of a live sand bed is satisfactory, perhaps making it a bit thicker than an inch here and there, to better support these algae, which are rooted in the substrate by a holdfast. Penicillus, Rhipocephalus, Udotea and Halimeda incrassata are typical and...
The Shallow Inshore Habitat
Practically all of the invertebrates collected for the aquarium in the early days came from shallow lagoon than in deeper water, and scuba equipment is not often available to collectors in the developing Rapidly gaining favor among reef enthusiasts are the countries that supply most of the specimens. Thus, species small-polyped scleractinian SPS corals that predominate of macroalgae, corals, and anemones from this habitat have on the outer reef. Outer-reef fauna thus belong in the third been in...
Feeding Coelenterates
By filtering the water, the Coelenterates trap small suspended particles, particularly the crustacean zooplankton. Collecting, keeping, and distributing plankton is not a task to be taken lightly, and it is best to look for other solutions. However, it must be made clear that commercial foods on the market provide little more than a stopgap. It is possible to use rotifers or freshly hatched brine shrimp nauplii, normally used as the main food for fish, but not everybody breeds these animals....
Tetras Can Help Cycle Your Tank
These little fish are able to withstand different water types. I'm a fairly new aquarist, and I'm having a problem with one of my freshwater tanks. It is a 20-gallon setup filtered by a Penguin 170 filter with a biowheel. The tank contains no live plants. The problem is that the tank has not cycled after six weeks. I'm certain I caused the problem by putting too great a bioload on the system too soon. Within a week of setting up the tank, I added three platys, six neon tetras, one tri-color...
You Need to See: How Long Can a Betta Go without Food?
How Long Can a Betta Go without FoodVia freepik.com Betta fish is very enjoyable because they look beautiful and aggressive. It is noticed that betta fish does not require to care too much. There are reasons why the busy people choose to keep them. Yes, even so, you cannot skip them. Basically, you should know the exact answer to the question how long can a betta fish go without food This one is very useful for those who are too busy at the office or school.
Gallery Of Echinodorus Bli
Below Echinodorus 'Rubin' is a cultivated variety of echinodorus. Many aquarium plants are manmade varieties, created by crossing separate species, which results in attractive, new hybrid plants. The leaves of Echinodorus 'Rubin' vary in color. A mixture of red and green areas, combined with visible veins, creates a distinctive plant. The red edging of this leaf is unusual and creates a good contrasting effect when viewed against other leaves and plants. Right The narrow-leaved form of E....
Yongeichthys Criniger 403
Cryptocentrus caeruleomaculatus 403 7-8 r lt V J2 26 C sg 1.022 8 cm 100L Cryptocentrus caeruleomaculatus 403 7-8 r lt V J2 26 C sg 1.022 8 cm 100L 7, 9-10 xr 4 26cC sg 1.022 13 cm 100L 7, 9-10 xr 4 26cC sg 1.022 13 cm 100L 10xr4 V .j 263C sg 1.022 11 cm 100L 10xr4 V .j 263C sg 1.022 11 cm 100L 9 r lt V 26 C sg 1.022 6 cm 80L 7, 9 xr 4 V U 26 C sg 1.022 8 cm 80L Cryptocentrus fasciatus 403 7 xr 4 V J Z3 26 C sg 1.022 8 cm 100L Cryptocentrus fasciatus 403 7 xr 4 V J Z3 26 C sg 1.022 8 cm 100L 7,...
Poeciliidae
The Poeciliidae inhabit considerable areas of the American continent, favoring hard, alkaline, and sometimes even slightly brackish conditions where the water is rich in plant life and normally calm. This is a family of active, energetic fish, ideal for the beginner. They will accept any form of food, including small, live prey, but appreciate extra vegetable material. The male is normally smaller than the female, though often more vividly colored. His anal fin, by a modification of the third,...
Central America
The combined influence of the sun and the temperature produces abundant vegetation. The waters close to the sea are hard or very hard (sometimes very slightly salty) and warm (over 26 C). The inland streams have clear, well-oxygenated water. amateurs to keep. The aquariums with brown, but still transparent water, recreate an Amazon-style river under the forest roof. Its acidity and its color (sometimes even black) are the result of acids derived from humus. These tanks house other species of...
Characidae Characins
The majority of characidae commonly known as Characins over 1,000 species in all live in South America, especially in the Amazon basin, but not all are aquarium fish. You can usually identify them by a small adipose fin situated between the dorsal and caudal fins however, this is not always present, and is also found in certain catfish species. Their solid teeth indicate that they are carnivores their diet consists, among other things, of insects and insect larvae. Characins live in groups or...
The genus Cichlasoma
The genus Cichlasoma originates from Central and South America. These fish are considere as potentially aggressive, especially during spawning, though some species remain reasonably peacable. Because of their temperament and their size, it is important to keep them in large tanks 200 liters for the smaller species and at least 400 liters for the largest. The decor should consist of rockwork and sturdy plants. These fish are omnivorous there is no problem keeping them in captivity, but be aware...
Family Balitoridae Homalopteridae 107river loaches Freshwater Eurasia
Three or more pairs of barbels present near mouth. Recognition of Nemacheilinae and Balitorinae as comprising a mono-phyletic lineage follows Sawada 1982 . According to this author, balitorids may be recognized as a separate lineage from cobitids by differences in the Weberian apparatus e.g., by the Y-shaped tripus, the most posterior element of the Weberian ossicles . About 59 genera and about 590 species. The number of estimated valid species is approximate there is much need for a systematic...
Physical and Chemical Cycles
The most important physical and chemical cycles operating within the saltwater aquarium are biological filtration, gas exchange, and the day night cycle. Without biological filtration, an aquarium requires water changes so frequently as to be impractical. Life in an aquarium cannot exist without the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at the surface. Photosynthetic organisms require both light and darkness for their survival, and the alternation of light and dark regulates the metabolism of...
Soapfishes Hawkfishes
SIX-LINED SOAPFISH Grammistes sexlineatus SIZE to27cm 10V lt in. Soapfishes Serranidae ID Black with 6-9 white to gold stripes. Solitary. Under ledges or in recesses of lagoons, reef flats or seaward reefs to 20 m. Indo-Pacific Red Sea and E. Africa to Marquesas Is. in French Polynesia. - S.W. Japan to Australia. MOTTLED SOAPFISH Pseudogramma polyacanthum SIZE to 7.5 cm 3 in. Soapfishes - Serranidae ID Mottled brown large pale-edged dark spot on gill cover. Similar Ocellated Soapfish previous...
Marine Fish
There are almost 20,000 species of marine fish in the world, but only a small minority is of any interest to the aquarist. Of these, most come from the Pacific and Indian oceans, although a few are native to Australia and the tropical Atlantic ocean. Marine fish are usually collected in their natural environment and rarely reproduce in captivity. They find it more difficult to acclimatize than freshwaterfish, particularly as regards feeding some refuse to eat artificial food, and others have...
Echinodorus Harbich Propagation
Ft WP554 ft2 WP695 ftfWP1080 fWP637 WP959 pH 6-7.5 j 18-28 soft-hard J 3 < f> Cultivar Propagated from the adventitious plantlets on the floral stalk or from eyes of rhizome A very beautiful hybrid berween . horemanii Red' and Eibitwtionts x. 'Barthii'. The submerged ruby red leaves with prominent creamy veins on short petioles can give a very good contrast. Leaves are lanceolate and arc 15-35 cm long and 3-5 cm broad. A good solitary plant, that can be ideally placcd in mid to background...
Transhipping
Transhipping is an activity that emerged during the 1970s and 1980s. It involves grouping the orders of several retailers and or wholesalers and placing them with an exporter, collecting the shipment at the airport, clearing customs and redistributing the boxes without opening Divers' breathing equipment hookahs on deck. Divers' breathing equipment hookahs on deck. them . The responsibility for the entire shipment falls onto the retailer. All transhippers require to operate is a telephone, fax...
Pomacentrus Cuneatus
BROWN DAMSEL Pomacentws opisthostigma SEE to 8 cm 3 in. Damselfishes - Pomacentridae ID E. New Guinea Variation - Color variable from dark brown to yellowish tan most consistent identification feature on all variations is small dark wedge-shaped mark on upper pectoral fin base. Solitary. Turbid shores with coral in 3 -12 m. Asian Pacific Philippines and New Guinea. This variation from Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. Brown Damsel - W. New Guinea Variation ID Brown whitish blotch on rear dorsal fin....
Best Treatment for Sick Fish
Always remove sick fish to quarantine for treatment with appropriate medicaments and heat. Professional breeders often dispose of sick fish rather than treat them in order to rapidly eliminate the disease agent from the premises. page 59). For those that cause disease in fishes, we have a few tricks of our own. Of the medicaments effective against bacterial diseases, those synthesized in the laboratory, such as sulfa drugs, are called antimicrobials. Chemicals produced by bacteria or fungi are...
Hymenophyllaceae
These ferns are mainly found in tropical lowlands and rain forests. The taxonomy of this genus is volatile and many species are ascribed to other genera. T. javanicum aqua fern from Malaysia has erect brown stem bearing pinnately dissected leaflets. Another species, Trichomanes sp. generally known as Borneo fern has erect brown stems and leaflets borne by these slender stems arc entire and dark green with fringed margins. These fern should be attached to wood work or rocks in the terrarium in...
Bright To Very Bright
These plants require a high-intensity light for a large proportion of daylight hours. In most cases, fluorescent tubes will not provide sufficient light to promote good growth. Use metal-halide or mercury vapor lamps. Above Red plants, such as this Myriophyllum tuberculatum, thrive in very bright light. Alternanthera reineckii Ammannia gracilis Bacopa monnieri Blyxa echinosperma Blyxa jap nica Cabomba aqua tica Cabomba piauhyensis Cryptocoryne parva Didiplis diandra Echinodorus macrophyllus...
Alternanthera reineckii
This red-ieaved stem plant can be found in many different leaf forms and shades of color. The top leaf surface may vary from olive-green to brown, while the underside is pink-red. A good source of iron will help to intensify the red color. The plant is easy to care for if given the right conditions, which include strong lighting and a good iron-rich substrate. In larger aquariums, plant A. reineckii in small, well-spaced groups around the center of the aquarium. The red leaves make the plant a...
Reef Tank and Fish Tank Whats the Difference
There are many different ways you can set up an aquarium depending on what you would like to keep and what interests you most in the hobby. Accordingly hobbyists tend to put names on the different types of aquariums that can be set up because they have similar general requirements depending on the classification of tank. A Fish Only Tank is a tank that is dedicated to keeping fish, without any sort of corals, anemones or clams. They can contain some mobile invertebrates mainly for helping keep...
Beginner Invertebrates
Many people believe that invertebrates are only for mini or micro-reef tanks. Not so. There are quite a few invertebrates that do well in non-reef tanks. However, not a lot of invertebrates should be attempted by inexperienced saltwater fish keepers. Below is a brief summary of the more hardy invertebrates available to aquarists. There are many different shrimps available in the market, with most of them being perfectly suitable for a lightly loaded saltwater tank. In fact, some shrimps are...
Polka Dot Grouper
I hesitate to include this fish because it has been overfished in many parts of its range, both for the aquarium and as a food fish. For a truly bulletproof tank subject, however, this big grouper is hard to best. Aquarium Capacity At least 75 gallons, preferably larger crushed coral rock fine grade coral rock a few large pieces coral skeletons artificial or natural Background see text Chromileptes altivelis up to 3 Start this fish in a large tank, and you won't be faced with a crisis when it...
Subclass Chondrostei
Interopercle absent premaxilla and maxilla rigidly attached to the ectoptery-goid and dermopalatine spiracle usually present myodome absent in the most primitive taxa. The classification of this group is very insecure. It is a group of great structural diversity, and evidence is lacking for monophyly not only for this subclass but also for most of the groups herein recognized. Given the many phyloge-netic uncertainties that exist on the relationships of many taxa, I have not made many changes...
Types of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs can be divided into two basic classes, shelf reefs and oceanic reefs Wood, 1983 . Shelf reefs grow on the continental shelf that surround the major continents, while oceanic reefs develop in deeper waters, beyond the continental shelf. Oceanic reefs generally develop along the slopes of submarine mountains, often of volcanic origin, that reach within a few hundred metres of the surface. In some cases, such as Hawaii and Tahiti, these volcanic mountains will extend above the water...
Coral Reef Flat
Behind the outer reef flat lies an area of aligned corals, where tongues of sand and rubble extend leeward giving a pronounced spur and groove appearance. Stony corals such as Acropora and Pocillopora are dominant in these areas, along with Goniastrea, Favia, Favitesand Porites Veron, 1986 Davies et al,1984 . Waves carry sand and rubble from these areas to the sand flat and lagoon areas behind them Davies et a ., 1984 . The coral reef hat gives way to a sandy area in some reefs. These areas are...
Reproduction Strategies of Corals Sexual Reproduction
Sexual reproduction in corals may occur in two ways some corals are brooders, with fertilization and embryonic development occurring internally, in their coelenteric cavity others are broadcasters, releasing their gametes synchronously into the water wliere fertilization and embryonic development occur Atkinson and Atkinson, 1992 . Depending on the species and its location, the reproductive period may be seasonal, monthly, or continuous Atkinson and Atkinson, 1992 . Synchronization of spawning...
Water Quality Parameters For Tropical Marine Aquariums
Temperature 75 degrees F (optimum natural range is about 68 to 84 degrees) *May depend upon individual circumstances. table, above. The numbers are for fore-reef conditions organisms from this habitat are the most demanding, especially of oxygen. In the back reef, lagoon, and inshore zones, salinity may be lower, currents variable, and the concentrations of nutrient ions much higher than around a blue water coral reef. Many reef organisms considered especially tolerant of aquarium life are...
Special Purpose Aquariums
- breeding aquariums, often a simple glued glass tank with no soil, for temporary use - large aquariums. These are large by virtue of their length, as their depth and breadth cannot exceed certain limits for technical and practical reasons. They sometimes present installation problems, due to the weight on the base and the special materials required for their construction. Large tanks are often given over to large species which require ample living space on account of their size. They can also...
Difficulty
Above The small leaves of Azolla sp. have a velvety appearance, as a result of many fine hairs, which help to resist water and keep the plant afloat. Small, surface-dwelling fish such as this honey gourami Colisa sota appreciate the cover provided by floating plants. Above Good lighting will allow Bacopa monnieri to grow compactly, with smaller spaces between the leaves. This often produces a better-looking plant and reduces the need for regular pruning. Common name Round bacopa Origin Southern...
The Order Perciformes
The order Perciformes contains about 150 families and more than 7,500 species (in both fresh and salt water) and is thus the largest and most diversified of any of the fish orders. The composition of this order will vary as controversial issues are settled and others arise. Among the largest families are the Cichlidae (fresh water), Gobiidae, Labridae. Serranidae, Blenniidae, Pomacentridae. and Apogonidae. Snooks and Glassfishes (Plates 115, 254) The snooks (family Centropomidae) have the...
A hardwater aquarium
Vallisneria asiatica var. biwaensis Hygrophila stricta Twisted, or corkscrew, vallisneria Thai stricta Tall plants along the back of the aquarium will begin to grow around the sides to create a frame for the aquascape. Using smaller foreground plants or suitable decor in front of them helps to break up the solid appearance they create. Cryptocoryne bottom and larger-grade toward the top wendtii will provide a good rooting medium. A layer of nutrient-rich substrate will boost plant growth....
Identification Group
Surgeonfishes - Moorish Idol - Rabbitfishes - Scats This ID Group consists of fishes that are fairly large, thin-bodied, have a basic oval shape, and are generally colorful. FAMILY Surgeonfishes - Acanthuridae Surgeonfishes have thin, oval bodies, with relatively long continuous dorsal and anal fins, small pointed mouths, and crescent tails. Lateral lines are continuous and scales are not conspicuous. A spine, or pair of spines in a few member of genus Naso, as sharp as a surgeon's scalpel and...
Different Types Of Aquarium
An aquarium is not just a motley collection of plants and fish. Some aquarists aim to reconstruct the biotope of a specific geographical region (Central America, the Amazon, Asia, Africa), while others concentrate on a single group offish (for example, livebearers, Cichlids, or marine fish). Whatever the option, an aquarium must be attractive and well-balanced for its occupants to thrive, and this entails some understanding of the various habitats, as well as their inhabitants. An aquarium is a...
Predators Pests Commensals And Good Guys
Aquarists often wonder whether a new creature they observe is a beneficial organism or a potential trouble maker. In this chapter we want to provide a broad overview of some of the creatures that make reef keeping difficult, some that make it easy, and some that just make reef keeping interesting. Reef aquarists know that certain types of polychaete worms can wreak havoc on other invertebrates. We discuss two particularly nasty worms here, and refer the reader to volume one for additional...
Scientific Name Catalaphyllia jardinei Saville Kent 1893
Common Names Elegance Coral, Elegant Coral, Elegans Coral, Wonder Coral, Comb Coral, Meat Coral Catalaphyllia jardinei was named for Dr. Rene Catala, the curator of the aquarium at Noumea, New Caledonia, who displayed this coral under blue and ultraviolet light, showing off its spectacular fluorescent green tentacles with bright pink tips. Colour Several colour morphs exist, and there are also some differences in tentacle structure. The most typical morph is green with light pink tips on the...
The Inshore Zone
One of my favorite spots in the Keys is a huge, bowl-shaped tidepool just off U.S. 1. Protected from wave action by a sea wall of coral rock rubble, this pool is a giant natural aquarium. Dozens of species of macroalgae occur here. By far the most common are members of the large genus Caulerpa. C. prolif ra has a simple flat blade botanically, the assimi-lator that often spirals like a loose corkscrew as it grows upward. C. mexicana has a blade more reminiscent of a fern frond, that is, it is...
Zoanthus Sociatus
Discosoma neglecta is commonly called the Neon Disc Anemone. It lives in inshore waters, usually on hard-bottom areas where branched Porites corals and many macroalgae are found, as well as on the fore reef. This species is seldom collected for the aquarium but well worth obtaining for its bright blue-green coloration. Tentacles are completely absent. SEA MATS Order Zoantharia . This is an interesting and hardy group that lies somewhere between anemones and corals in the scheme of cnidarian...
Scientific Nomenclature
The naming of living things follows a classification scheme known as scientific nomenclature that groups living organisms on the basis of their shared characteristics. Students remember the hierarchy of classification by means of a phrase like, ukeep party clean or father gets sore, each word beginning with the first letter corresponding to the terms kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species. Coral taxonomists examine coral skeletal structure to group corals Coral taxonomists...
Similar Species Protopalythoa see Protopalythoa for differences
Natural Habitat Zoanthus spp. occupy several different niches on and near coral reefs. The most typical location for many species is the intertidal zone on rocky shores, particularly along channels where there is a swift tidal current. Intertidal species are often exposed at low tide. In some areas they may also extend into tide pools. Some species live in shallow backreef, lagoon, or Zoanthus sociatus is commonly exposed at low tide. J, Sprung These Zoanthus sociatusare fully exposed to the...
Nymphaea stellata
Common name Red and blue water lily Origin India Although sometimes sold as red tiger lotus Nymphaea lotus var. rubra this tropical lily has smaller, spade-shaped leaves and will grow more compact, sometimes creating a better effect in a well-planted aquarium than red tiger lotus. The leaves will grow up to 4.7 in 12 cm long and are a brownish pink to red in color. If the light source is not bright, the plant will produce larger 8 in 20 cm green floating leaves. As it ages it may die back...
The Biology of Soft Corals
We must begin with a good definition of soft coral because the popular concept and literal meaning of the name are quite different from the actual definition. Taie soft corals all belong to the subclass Octocorallia. Like stony corals and anemones, the soft corals belong to the phylum Cnidaria and the class anthozoa. What distinguishes them is the number of tentacles on the polyps. All soft corals have eight tentacles on each polyp, hence the name Octocorallia. Exceptions to this rule only...
Family Alcyoniidae Lamouroux 1812
The family Alcyoniidae includes soft corals in which the polyps are contained in fleshy, membranous, or lobed masses. Polyps are dimorphic in some genera and monomorphic in others, and they are mostly evenly distributed, though they may be confined to a polyparium or capitulum that is separate from a polypless stalk. There are approximately twenty genera worldwide. See chapter one for more information on colony organization and shapes. Formerly known as Cladiella in aquarium literature....
Pumping Xenia Coral
Common Name Cespitularia, Blue Xenia Similar Species Xenia, An the i a, EJJlatournaria , Alcyonium. Cespitularia injirmata is not the only species, but it may be the common type imported. Natural Habitat like Xenia, encrusting dead coral skeletons and among algae, usually in shallow water with good water movement, either surge or tidal currents. Most colonies are imported Distinguishing Characters Cespitularia has an appearance that is somewhere between Xenia and Alcyonium. Colonies may be...
Coenenchyme Gastrovascular tubes of polyps
Lines the inside of the tentacles, pharynx, mesenteries, gastrovascular cavity and extends through the colony via the gastrodermal tubes. The gastrodermal cells are where zooxanthellae are located. Between these two layers lies the mesogloea consisting of a gelatinous matrix and this is where the sclerites spicules occur. Within the polyps it forms a very thin layer, but forms the majority of coenenchyme of the colony outside of the polyp fig. 1-2 . Within the mesogloea exist the gastrovascular...
Adaptations Of Animals
Invertebrates Stone and False Corals, Colonial Anemones. Engel-bert Pfriem Verlag, Wuppertal, germany, 134 pp. Wilkerson, F. P., Muller-Parker, G. and Muscatine, L. 1983 Temporal patterns of cell division in natural populations of endosymbiotic algae. Limnol. Oceanogr28, 1009-1014. Wilkerson. F. P. and Muscatine, L. 1984 Uptake and assimilation of dissolved inorganic nitrogen by a symbiotic sea anemone. Proc. R. Soc. Lond., B, 221, 71-86. Wilkerson, F. P. and Trench, R. K....
Pseudopterogorgia Elizabethae
Gorgonians are predominantly arborescent in nature, though a few single unbranched stem species do occur they are subdivided into two main groupings determined by the nature of their central supporting structure. In the Scleraxonia this is called an axis and in the Holaxonia, the central core. This structure is a product of the coenenchyme, and as such is produced by the colony, not the polyps. The Scleraxonia have a central axis composed of horny material called gorgonin, and usually, fused...
Scientific Name Alcyonium Parerythropodium spp
Common Name Encrusting leather coral Colour Yellow or brown Distinguishing Characteristics Encrusting thin sheets with long polyps that resemble those of leather corals Sarcophyton spp. The sheets are extremely soft and fragile with consistency like Xenia and Anthelia. Strong pungent odor when lifted out of water Natural Habitat Alcyo n in m Pa reryth ropod in m fit I vu m ft i Ivu m is common in the Red Sea while Alcyonium Parerythropodium membranaceum occurs in the Indo-Pacific. Wide ranging,...
Echinodorus parviflorus
Common name Black Amazon swordplant This adaptable and hardy Amazon swordplant is a popular, commonly available species. As the plant will reach only 10 in 25 cm in height, it is an ideal alternative to many of the larger Amazon swordplants when used in a smaller aquarium. The substrate should be fine and iron-enriched. Remove older leaves if they become tatty and covered with algae. This is the aquatic leaf form of E. tenellus, but many plants are sold with the terrestrial leaf form. Area...
Natural aquarium propagation
Aquarium plants reproduce naturally by means of runners, offsets, and adventitious plantlets. Runners Runners are horizontal branches produced at the base of the plant that develop daughter plants called slips at the ends. The rootlike runners normally grow just above, or sometimes just below, the surface of the substrate and may continue to extend, producing slips along the runner at intervals of about 2.4-6 in 6-15 cm . The new slips obtain the majority of their nutrients from the parent...
Fun Facts Of Zoanthus
Parazoanthus sp. growing over a hydroid in the Solomon Islands. J. Sprung Prolific asexual reproduction results in the typical compact growth form of these Zoanthus spp. photographed in an aquarum. J. C. Delbeek genus. It is not uncommon to find colonies several meters in diameter on reef flats these can sometimes even he formed by hundreds of clones of a single polyp (Mather and Bennett, 1993). Extensive growths of Zoanthus spp. for example, are often found along shorelines, literally covering...
Sea anemones Actinia
These live on the substrate, attached by their single foot, which acts as a sucker, but they can move around and find the place that suits them best (sometimes the tank's front pane). Some rare species live in the sand and can retreat into it. They are fairly robust in an aquarium if in water that is well lit and aerated (some anemones have Zooxanthellae). A large living space must therefore be planned for them, as other Anthozoa do not appreciate their tentacles moreover, they sometimes...
Special note Not a true aquatic plant
Below Flowers readily form on healthy specimens of S. wallisii. Due to the large white petiole, they appear much larger than flowers of other aquatic plants. Maximum height 14 in 35 cm Growth rate Medium Area Background Light Bright Temperature 72-82 F 22-28 C Propagation From runners Difficulty 1, 2 Left The tiny, white flowers of Vallisneria spp. are often produced in the aquarium, and may be formed on a straight or twisted stem that grows rapidly toward the aquarium surface. Maximum height...
Pseudojulis Notospilus
Pale-tail Chromis, Chromis xamhura, 3S7 Pale-tailed Damsclfish, Stegastes leucorus, 405 Paleband Spinecheck, Scolopsis ghanam. 282 Palefin Basslet, Liopropoma pallidum, 199 Palefinncd Threadfin Bream, Nemipierus marginatus, 306 pallasii, Pleuronectes, Pallas's Flounder, 613 Pallas's Flounder, Pleuronectes pallasii, 613 Pallid G by, Coryphopterus eidolon, 574 pallidum, Liopropoma, Palefin Basslet, 199 Palmate Horned Blenny, Parablennius sanguinolentus, 524 Palomcta, Trachinotus goodei, 254, 255...
Cheilinus Undulatus
Cheilinus bimaculatus 358 7'9vO iSa 26 C sg 1.020 15 cm 200L Cheilinus bimaculatus 358 7'9vO iSa 26 C sg 1.020 15 cm 200L Cheilinus bimaculatus 358 7-9vCVfiE 26 C sg 1.020 15 cm 200L Cheilinus bimaculatus 358 7-9vCVfiE 26 C sg 1.020 15 cm 200L 6-10 xr C V t E 26 C sg 1.020 35 cm 400L 6-9 X C V t E3 26 C sg 1.020 35 cm 400L 6-10 xr C V t E 26 C sg 1.020 35 cm 400L 6-9 X C V t E3 26 C sg 1.020 35 cm 400L Cheilinus lunula tus 358 Cheilinus trilobatus 358 10 C V S 27 C sg 1.020 50 cm 500L 6-9 xj- O...
Do Saltwater Dsb Work
Although the matter of water changes is sometimes a a plastic reservoir tank, a pump, an electric float switch controversial subject, it remains my view that no filtration that controls the pump, and plumbing to run from the system, regardless of its complexity, can permanently elim- pump to the sump. The float switch is installed in the sump inate the need for regular partial water changes in a marine and adjusted so that it will energize the pump when the wa- aquarium. The more artificial the...
Chapter Four The Biology of Tridacnid Clams
Tridacna rosewateri Sirenko and Scarlato, has recently been described from Saya de Malha Bank, an isolated region in the Indian Ocean. Its validity is not generally accepted with great confidence because it was described from shells only. It has large, widely spaced scutes on the primary radial folds, like T, squamosa, a thin shell, and dorsal valve margins having 4 to 5 strongly elongated triangular, medially projecting interdigitating processes, a trait in common with large...
Distribution And Biogeography
Fishes occur in lakes, streams, estuaries, and oceans throughout the world. In most species of fishes, all individuals live entirely either in fresh or in marine waters. Over 225 species are diadromous, regularly living part of their lives in lakes and rivers and part in the oceans. Among these, most are anadromous, spawning in freshwater but spending much of their time in the sea. A few are catadromous, spawning in the oceans but returning to freshwater. Classification of some species as...
TClass Acanthodii
Dermal and perichondral bone present, endochondral bone absent jaws formed by palatoquadrate and Meckel's cartilage, both uncalcified, calcified, or with perichondral ossification mandibular arch palatoquadrate probably closely associated with hyoid arch, with the spiracular gill cleft homologous with spiracle of other fishes and eustachian tube of tetrapods virtually closed ornamented platelike dermal cover over gill chamber associated with hyoid arch in most species five gill arches notochord...
Subphylum Craniata
Notochord never extends in front of brain cranium present vertebrae usually present cartilage or bone or both present heart chambered red blood corpuscles usually present brain well developed 10 to 12 pairs of cranial nerves dorsal and ventral nerve roots usually united nephridia absent epidermis with several cell layers endostyle only in larval lampreys ammo-coetes and transformed into thyroid tissue in all others sensory capsules present neural crest formation present. The neural crest is a...
Nutrient Regulation on Coral Reefs
Nutrients dissolved in the aquatic environment make life possible since aquatic organisms have to directly or indirectly extract most of their required elements from the water that surrounds them. The availability of organic and inorganic nutrients limits biological productivity. Coral reefs develop best in nutrient poor water, but reef communities may also exist in more nutrient rich coastal waters. In order to appreciate some strategies employed in maintaining corals, one needs to understand...
Faster than those that do not have zooxanthellae
The zooxanthellae of corals are brown in colour, which is the best colour for absorbing blue light Benson, 1984 . If you have ever been SCUBA diving in a tropical ocean, or seen pictures from these areas, you may have noticed that the water is very blue. This is due to the absorption of the longer wavelengths of light red and yellow within the first few metres of water. Therefore it is the blue light that extends furthest into the sea. Zooxanthellae have adapted to make the most use of blue...
Order Pyramidellacea
There are a wide variety of snails that feed on clams and oysters. The majority of these belong to the family Pyramidellidae, of which there are at least 1000 species in the Pacific alone Cumming, 1988 . These snails are generally quite small reaching a maximum length of 2-4 mm 0.08-0.16 in. , and look like small grains of rice. The majority of what is known about these snails comes from the species that are commonly found feeding on oysters and clams in commercial operations. Very little is...
ZSpar Splash Zone Compound A 788
This compound is a two-part epoxy putty. After mixing equal parts of A and B according to the directions, some heat will be generated, but not enough to really be a problem underwater. Virtually all epoxies are very sticky above water, but do not adhere well when wet. Z-Spar loses enough stickiness to make it easy to handle if your gloved fingers are wet, but one of the unique characteristics of this compound is that it still stays relatively sticky and adheres well to rocks even underwater....
Dorsal Fin Banggai
Purple Dottyback Pseudochromis porphyreus Neon Dottyback Pseudochromis aldabraensis Orchid Dottyback Pseudochromis frid man i Bicolor Dottyback CPseudochromis paccagnellae Diadema Dottyback Pseudochromis diadema Sunrise Dottyback Pseudochromis flavivertex one of the bachelors will move to the head of the class with the best specimens coming from Hawaiian collectors, within a few days. The primary drawback to successful DOTTYBACKS. Among the Pseudochromidae, or dotty-aquarium husbandry of these...
Coralline Algae
Obbyists interested in reef tanks and live rock certainly hear a lot about coralline algae. Most are aware that this is something good to have in a marine aquarium, but not many know what coralline algae are and how to encourage them to grow. Classification of the marine algae is a subject for experts, although the corallines form a distinct group. They are red algae Rhodophyta, Order Cryptonemiales scientifically identified by certain microscopic details of their reproductive structures. The...
The Smithsonian Style Aquarium
Walter Adey of the Smithsonian Institution places heavy emphasis on the role of specially cultivated turfs composed of various species of algae Adey and Loveland, 1991 . This is commonly known as the Algal Turf-Scrubber approach, and it is currently more common in institutional aquarium installations than in the hobbyist world. Periodic harvesting of a portion of the algae growth serves to export accumulated wastes. In other words, such systems rely heavily upon...
Nesaea crassicaulis
Nesaea crassicaulis is a beautiful and highly recommended aquarium plant, although it has high demands for light. It has red-brown, cognac-coloured leaves. GroWs best in soft and slightly acidic water. Make sure the lower leaves get sufficient light, otherwise they will die off. This plant is similar to Ammannia-spec es and is often mistaken for them. But in the aquarium it can be recognised by its yellow-green stems. Easy to propagate by side shoots or cuttings, which can be cut off and...
Saltwater Aquarium Models
Recipes for Creating Beautiful Aquariums That Thrive Copyright 2007 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey. All rights reserved. Photography Aaron Norman Howell Book House Published by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, except as permitted under Sections 107 or 108 of the 1976 United...
Royal Parks and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon Nineveh
Babylonian and Assyrian royal parks and hanging gardens were the result of Meso-potamian garden evolution. Some of these parks and gardens may have been public parks for the benefit of the cities in which they were established. However, for the most part, they were for the use and enjoyment of the royal family. Royal parks and gardens were often the site of royal hunts, a place to entertain guests, and a place to keep animals. Tiglath-Pileser I Assyria, 1114-1076 b.c. kept herds of deer,...
Gallon Gulf of Mexico Patch Reef
Full of surprises for those unfamiliar with the beauty of reef organisms from North American waters, this Gulf of Mexico display makes attractive use of a cube-shaped acrylic aquarium. Rear view of the system shows the integrated sump that easily accommodates a venturi skimmer, system pump, heater, and chemical filtration media in nylon pouches. Side view of the reef, showing the stable structure of aqua-cultured live rock and numerous sponges, gorgonians, small colonies of coral, and a...
Seriola Rivoliana
7-8 xr sC fiS 26 C sg 1.022 100 cm 1000L 7-8 xr sC fiS 26 C sg 1.022 100 cm 1000L Circumtrop.xr sf UE 26 C sg 1.022 100 cm 1000L Circumtrop.xr sf UE 26 C sg 1.022 100 cm 1000L 7-8, 11-12 s C SJ C 23 C sg 1.024 90 cm 1000L 7-8, 11-12 s C SJ C 23 C sg 1.024 90 cm 1000L Seriola dumerili juv. 306 Seriola dumerili 306 Circumtrop. rsf L 3 24 C sg 1.022 180cm 2000L Circumtrop. xr s t L Dv24 C sg 1.022 180.cm 200CL 3. 4 Ej 25X sg 1.022 90 cm 1000L Circumtrop. a 26 C sg 1.022 100 cm 1000L Circumtrop....
Preparing wood
Woods such as bamboo, brushwood, and cork bark will need preparing before use. Dry woods such as these may contain fungal spores and are prone to rotting when wet. If they are placed in the aquarium without prior treatment they quickly decay, producing bacterial blooms that will appear as a slimy film over the wood and or cloudy water. Fungal blooms normally white or Above To ensure that woods such as bamboo last longer underwater, they can be varnished using a clear polyurethane varnish....
Brackish Water Species
Some species cope well with conditions where there are large variations in salinity. In the case of others, juveniles start their lives in fresh water before descending to estuaries, where they complete their development once grown to adulthood, they live permanently in the sea. It is vital to keep such fish in special aquariums where the salinity is carefully adapted to suit their metabolisms. You will find several species available on the market some possess really remarkable features and are...
Nemateleotris Decora
Wrasse Pseudocheilinus hexataenia , and the Hawaiian Neon or Four-Line Wrasse P. tetrataenia several smaller species from the genus Halichoeres, such as the hardy Yellow or Golden Coris Wrasse . chrysus and the fairy wrasses genus Cirrhilabrus . Fairy wrasses sometimes called social wrasses should be kept in groups consisting of a single male and several females. CLOWN FISHES AND DAMSELFISHES. Clownfishes and damselfishes Pomacentridae are often the first fishes kept by a beginner. They are...
Plants As Tools And Pests
In many situations, plants are a vital tool used both by man and in nature for ecological purposes. Fast-growing plants are often used to remove wastes from water, allowing the cleanup of polluted waterways or to prevent toxic algal blooms from occurring in nutrient-rich areas. Aquarists use plants as a form of filtration, both in aquariums and ponds. Some special pond filters are designed to house a bed of aquatic or marginal plants that remove nutrients and toxic metals from the water,...
Halichoeres Podostigma
7-9 lt V e E 26 C sg 1.022 18 cm 200L 7-9 lt V e E 26 C sg 1.022 18 cm 200L 6-10 C V a E3 26 C sg 1.022 25 cm 300L 6-10 C V a E3 26 C sg 1.022 25 cm 300L Thalassoma quinquevittatum 358 d 6-9 O Vi 3 26 C sg 1.022 17 cm 200L Thalassoma quinquevittatum 358 d 6-9 O Vi 3 26 C sg 1.022 17 cm 200L Thalassoma genivittatum 358 9 OVSQ 26 C sg 1.022 20 cm 200L Thalassoma genivittatum 358 9 OVSQ 26 C sg 1.022 20 cm 200L 7-9 ova ta 26 C sg 1.022 18 cm 200L 6-10 C V C E 26 C sg 1.022 25 cm 300L 7 C V El 26 C...
Halichoeres Ornatissimus
Haackei, Parapercis, Wavy Grubfish, 504 haackei, Platycephalus, Haackc's Flathead, 72 Haacke's Flathead, Platycephalus haackei, 12 haematoptenis, Corythoichthys, Messmate Pipefish, 128 haematopterus, Lelhrinus, Deep-bodied Emperor, 295 Huemulon aureolineatum, Tomtate, 279 Haemulon chrysargyreum, Smallmouth Grunt, 279 Haemulon Jlaviguiiatum, Pacific Lined Grunt, 280 Haemulon flavolmeaium, French Grunt, 277, 278 Haemulon macrostomum, Spanish Grunt, 279 Haemulon parrai, Sailor's Choice, 278...
Pomacentridae Red See
Chrysiptera caeruleolineata Damselfishes - Pomacentridae BLUEUNE DEMOISELLE SEE to 5.5 cm 2V in. ID Pale yellow to orange often with purplish tints bright neon-blue stripe from snout to rear dorsal fm. scattered blue spots on head. Usually form small groups. Rubble and rock outcroppings on steep outer slopes in 30 - 65 m. West Pacific Rowley Shoals, 260 km west of N.W. Australia to Samoa, north to S.W. Japan. Blueline Demoiselle - Rowley Shoals Variation ID Dark purplish blue neon-blue stripe...
Aqua Design Amano
The nature photographer Takashi Amano comes from the Japanese city of Niigata, which is also famous as the stronghold of Koi breeding. Although aquaria furnished attractively with aquatic plants were originally unknown in the Japanese aquarium hobby, this was changed by the fantastic photographs of Takashi Amano. Through his invaluable preliminary work, today in Japan aquatic plant gardens are commonplace in the aquarium hobby. In his manner of furnishing aquaria, Amano trod completely new...
Cryptocoryne Aponogetifolia
Planted Aquaria ISSN 1529-9228 is published quarterly for 20 per year by Planted Aquaria, 7 Gateview Court, San Francisco CA 94116-1941. Application to mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is pending at San Francisco CA. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Planted Aquaria, 7 Gateview Court, San Francisco CA 94116-1941. Subscriptions 20 year 38 two years, add 8 per year outside USA. Planted Aquaria, Issue 2, Summer 2000 Copyright 2000, Dave Gomberg, All rights reserved No responsibility assumed for...
Family Ovulidae
Cyphoma gibbosum feeding on a Caribbean gorgonian, Plexaurella sp. J. Sprung. An unidentified ovulid snail feeding on Lemnaliasp. imported from Indonesia. J. Sprung. Closely related, and sometimes mistaken for true cowries, are Ovulidae snails. Many of these are predators of soft corals and gorgonians. The unidentified ovulid illustrated came attached on a colony of Lemnalia on which it was feeding. The well-known Caribbean Flamingo Tongue, Cyphoma gibbosum, is an example of an ovulid that eats...
Jaubert Plenum Filter
Natural Systems for Maintaining Anemones Top In the Jaubert System a perforated plenum isolates a body ot water within the deep gravel bottom substrate. A screen located about one and a halt inches 4 cm above the plenum prevents burrowing organisms from digging deep enough to expose the plenum. Strong light, live rock, and water circulation via air stones or pumps are used. See volume one for additional information. Middle in this variation the same plenum system is used, but water drains off...