General information Paguristes cadenati is very hardy and requires minimal care in a well-established system. More importantly, however, these small hermit crabs have a voracious appetite for detritus and algae. In fact, they are particularly fond of nuisance algae of the filamentous, hair, and slime varieties, as well as cyanobacteria. Finally, unlike some hermit crabs,…
General information The Green Striped Hermit Crab, like all hermit crabs, also live inside the empty shells of gastropods. Its body is colored dark green or brown with streaks of white or grey. Its legs are also green or brown in color covered with short bristles. It can grow up to 10 cm (4 in)…
General information The Sand Sifting Sea Star, at first glance, seems to be drably colored like most bottom dwellers. But closer inspection reveals a striking beauty and serenity to the alternating bands of brown and beige that dress this invertebrate's thick, spine-covered arms. Like other starfish, Astropecten polycanthus efficiently consumes mass amounts of detritus and…
General information The Anton Brunn’s Cleaner Shrimp is a great addition to your clean up crew. Not only will they clean fish but they are also excellent scavengers for leftover food & more. This is a peaceful shrimp which can be kept in multiples. They are a good selection for beginner aquarist since the care for this…
General information The tiny Bumble Bee Snail benefits most marine reef aquariums in big ways. Heralded for their small size and beautiful coloration, Engina sp. can get into small crevices and tight locations between rockwork. Here, they clean away detritus, including uneaten meaty foods and decomposing organisms. This tiny member of the Buccinidae family also…
General information The Condy Anemone is found throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, in lagoons or on inner reefs, as individuals, or loose groups. It is never found in connected clusters. Its disc diameter is of 16", but a disc of about 4" is common in an aquarium. This species has diverse color variations. The…
General information The Serpent Sea Star of the genus Ophioderma has a central, 5-sided disc with five banded, scaly arms. Depending on the species and locale, the color can range from maroon to orange, to green. The central disc can also have variable markings. It does well in an aquarium if provided with ample hiding…