Kenya Tree Coral
Here’s one of the easiest corals to both care for and propagate. The Kenya Tree coral is a soft coral that relies both on photosynthesis and, to a greater extent, planktonic food. This coral will pop up in various places throughout your aquarium. Branches will be cleaved off, set adrift, and settle on rocks and in the sand. These branches will attach to the substrate and grow into their own colonies.
Lubbock's Wrasse
Pictured above is the Lubbock’s Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus lubbocki) in a mixed reef aquarium. The patterns on individuals seem to vary quite a bit. Some have horizontal stripes while others have blotched patterns, similar to the one above. As with most wrasses, two male Lubbock’s wrasses will become aggressive towards each other if housed in the same tank. They will size each other up, nip at each others’ fins, and relentlessly hound each other until one is removed or dies from the stress.
Fighting Conch Grazing
Here’s quite an interesting snail, the Fighting Conch. This snail has a very long proboscis, making it look similar to an elephant. This snail is a wonderful detrivore and sand cleaner. It will bury its entire body in the sand, only keeping its eyes above where it can see passing predators. Another good thing about this snail, other than its cleaning ability, is its relatively small size. Unlike other conchs, the Fighting Conch only grows a few inches in length, making it very ideal for aquarium keepers.
Orange Centered Zoas and Button Polyps
Pictured above is a nice mixture of Zoanthids and Palythoas. These two colonies have done very well under T5HO lighting, and have even grown together with polyps intruding into each others’ space. The Button Polyps are noticeably larger in size than the Zoanthids, and can even eat large food, such as frozen dried Mysis and Brine shrimp.
Platygyra Maze Brain Coral
Glowing in the picture above is a Platygyra Maze Brain Coral. This coral, among other “brain” corals is a very common coral on wild reefs. They can grow into massive colonies and can extend their tentacles great distances. These tentacles lazily flow in the current and can sting other corals nearby. Additionally, it’s quite fun to watch these corals eat. They can inflate dramatically and engulf food right in front of your eyes.
Red Firefish Goby
Not the greatest picture in the world, but a decent one. Shown above is the Red Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica). This spectacular looking fish has a striking red coloration on its tail, with hints of yellow on its face and dorsal fin. They typically hover near the bottom of the aquarium and flick their dorsal fin back and forth to show dominance. Several members of this species can be housed together and they will form a small group. Aggression may pop up from time to time, and on occasion these fish can jump from the aquarium. When frightened, the Red Firefish will dart back into a hole in the rockwork and will only return when it feels the threat has passed.
Sally Lightfoot Crab
The Sally Lightfoot Crab is one interesting crustacean, and one of my favorites. They have a flat shape, menacing claws, move about very quickly, and have a beautiful color. Additionally, their yellow antennae move up and down very quickly, further adding to their appeal. These crabs aren’t predatory though. They are algae eaters. Of course, they can eat leftover food that your fish miss, but they primarily live on various aquarium algae.
Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Here is every fish keeper’s best friend, the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp. These cleaner shrimp do just that, clean. But they don’t specialize in cleaning your tank. Instead they clean parasites and dead tissue off of your fish. The Skunk Shrimp will eat prepared foods, so they aren’t completely reliant on fish for food.
Sunburst Anthias
Pictured is a Sunburst Anthias. These stunning Anthias are somewhat different than other Anthias species, in that they are not schooling/shoaling fish. In fact, the Sunburst Anthias does better when housed as a single species in an aquarium. A pair can be housed in one tank, as long as they are a mated pair. Otherwise, the two fish would fight and probably kill each other.
Yellow Watchman Goby
Here’s one of my favorite fish, the Yellow Watchman Goby. These fish have a great personality and will instantly add a bright spot of color to your aquarium. The watchman Gobies will also move sand around, which can be entertaining on its own, and will form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp.
