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.
Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber in Sand
The Tiger Tail Sea Cucumber is a very useful invertebrate to have. They do a great job of eating leftover fish food and fish waste that accumulates in the sand. They will usually stay in a pretty small area of your tank, so you might have to use a couple of them in a larger tank.
Red Doughnut Cynaria
Here’s another gorgeous red Cynaria coral. These corals are very fleshy and can swell up to huge proportions. Keep this in mind when finding a resting spot for your Doughnut Coral. If they are too close to a neighboring coral, the Cynaria will probably sting it.
Juvenile Red Sea Desjardini Sailfin Tang
Here is one of my former beauties, a juvenile Red Sea Desjardini Sailfin Tang. These fish are stunning, especially when juveniles. But even as adults these fish are still beautiful, which isn’t exactly common for fish with such pretty juvenile stages. Most species that are attractive when they are younger, end up being bland or even ugly in appearance as adults.
Stonefish
Here’s a scary looking specimen. The Stonefish is a patient predator, snatching up anything that happens to swim by this perfectly camouflaged fish. Additionally, these fish possess a venomous sting, delivered through dorsal spines.
