40 Gallon Breeder Stocking list
Fish: Inverts:
Helfrichi Firefish Cleaner Shrimp
Green Clown Goby Red Banded Snapping Shrimp
Royal Gramma Basslet Emerald Crab (1-2)
Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab (1-2)
Black Ice Ocellaris Clownfish (Pair) Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab (2-3)
Six-line Wrasse Nerite Snails (3-5)
Lawnmower Blenny Cerths Snails (3-5)
Nassarius Snails (2-3)
Rose Bulb Anemone
Corals:
Elegance Coral Trumpet Coral
Bubble Coral Torch Coral
Branching Hammer Coral Branching Frogspawn Coral
Favites Brain Coral Lobophyllia Brain Coral
Zoanthus Colony Polyp Actinodiscus Mushroom
Rhodactis Mushroom Ricordea Mushroom
Helfrichi Firefish
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 2.5”
Diet: Carnivore
The Helfrichi's Firefish is also known as the Helfrich's Dartfish, or Helfrich's Firefish. The head is distinctly yellow with a purple forehead, and the body is varying shades of purple and white.
It requires a 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble as part of the aquascape, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out of the tank. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a bonded pair.
The Helfrichi's Firefish will feed mostly on prey suspended in the water column, but will pick food off the substrate. Its diet should vary between chopped or shaved seafood, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.
Green Clown Goby
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 1.75”
Diet: Carnivore
The Green Clown Goby, also known as the Earspot Coral Goby, is common within the reefs of the Indo Pacific, found usually among soft and hard coral colonies. They are a small stocky shaped fish with a very large head for their size. There are many different color variations, and this species is a yellow to greenish-tan color with orange vertical stripes on its head. They are a peaceful fish that makes a wonderful addition to a reef aquarium containing colonies of polyp corals, as they enjoy swimming and hiding amongst the polyps. However, they may nip at the polyps of SPS corals.
It requires a 10 gallon or larger aquarium preferably with branching coral. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight with its own kind in smaller tanks. Therefore, it is best if it is kept with other docile species.
It is common for clown gobies to spawn in an aquarium. Caution should be exercised if the aquarium contains Acropora sp. or similar SPS corals. They will lay their eggs on the underside of the coral's branch, which will cause tissue recession in that area of the coral. However, under good conditions, the coral will regenerate the lost tissue.
The Green Clown Goby's diet should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores.
Royal Gramma Basslet
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3”
Diet: Carnivore
The Royal Gramma Basslet brings an explosion of color to any saltwater aquarium. It has a bright purple to violet colored anterior contrasted by a vibrant yellow posterior. Coveted for both its unique color pattern and relatively small adult size, Gramma loreto is well suited for small nano reef systems.
Native to the deep-water reefs of the Caribbean, this member of the Grammidae family prefers extensive rockwork caves in which to hide and somewhat subdued lighting. Since it demonstrates territorial aggression towards its own kind, the Royal Gramma Basslet should be housed singly. However, most Royal Gramma Basslets are peaceful towards tankmates of similar size and temperament.
For the best care, keep the Royal Gramma Basslet in reef systems of at least 30 gallons. Since it is a carnivore, feed a varied diet of meaty fare, including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.
Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 2.5”
Diet: Carnivore
The Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby, also known as the Yasha Haze Goby or Clown Shrimp Goby is a very unique goby that is not often available in the hobby. A vivid red and white broken striped body with a large dorsal fin and black patch under the jaw sets this fish apart from other gobies. Bright yellow opaque dorsal, anal, and caudal fins make this fish very appealing to most hobbyists. It has the ability to form symbiotic partnerships with most species of pistol shrimp. It provides a watchful eye while the shrimp digs a burrow for them to share.
It is best suited for aquariums that are 10 gallons or larger which have adequate hiding places. The aquarium should have a tight- fitting lid to prevent this goby from jumping out. Very passive, this species works well in small groups or as an individual specimen. The Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby is very hardy and adapts well to reef aquariums, as long as they are maintained with passive tankmates. Ideally this goby should be the first bottom dwelling goby added to the established aquarium, so the fish may stake out its territory before other more pugnacious gobies are added. It prefers a bed of fine sand and loose coral rubble to move around and dig its burrow.
Feed the Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby a diet consisting of a variety of fresh or frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and table shrimp and it should be fed at least twice per day. Black Ice Ocellaris Clownfish (Pair)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3”
Diet: Omnivore
The Captive-Bred Black Ice Ocellaris Clownfish is a relatively new strain of clownfish developed from breeding a Black Ocellaris Clownfish with a Snowflake Ocellaris clownfish. These fishes have an orange base coloration, with three white stripes edged in black, with the center stripe having an irregular shape. The Captive-Bred Blacker Ice Ocellaris Clownfish displays a more intense, blacker coloration in the body than the standard Black Ice Ocellaris. This member of the Pomacentridae family is an excellent addition to almost any saltwater aquarium system.
Captive-bred fish have a unique advantage over wild-harvested species, as they are very hardy and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike.
The Captive-Bred Black Ice Ocellaris is easy to breed in the home aquarium. The females will be the largest of the pair and the two fish will usually stay close to each other in the aquarium. Clownfish are egg layers and will deposit the eggs on a flat surface and defend the eggs from other tank mates. The eggs will normally hatch in 8-11 days depending on the water temperature. The fry must be reared in a separate aquarium on a diet of rotifers followed by baby brine shrimp.
This Clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will accept most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.
Six-Line Wrasse
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 3”
Diet: Carnivore
The Six Line Wrasse is both beautiful and active. With its six distinct, horizontal blue lines overlaid against an orange body, this member of the Labridae family brings a zip of color to any marine reef aquarium. This is especially true when a courting male Six Line Wrasse displays an increased color intensity. However, it is the active darting amongst rock outcroppings and corals that most attracts the Six Line Wrasse to any onlooker.
Also known as the Sixline or Sixstripe Wrasse, Pseudocheilinus hexataenia is native to reefs of the Indo-Pacific and the coast of Fiji. Here, the Six Line Wrasse forages amongst corals and rocks for foods, mainly keeping to itself. In the home aquarium, the Six Line Wrasse requires a peaceful environment with a generous supply of hiding places and live rock on which they can forage for food. Here, the Six Line Wrasse will search for live foods in the form of small crustaceans such as pyramidellid snails (clam parasites), urchins, and commensal flatworms. The Six Line Wrasse is also known to feed on unwanted pests on live rock, such as bristleworms.
Though generally peaceful, the Six Line Wrasse may act aggressively towards peaceful Wrasses and other easily-intimidated fish, especially if inadequately fed or if its habitat is void of places in which it can hide.
The Six Line Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Sailfin/Algae Blenny
Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Care Level: Easy/Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Max Size: 5”
Diet: Herbivore
The Sailfin/Algae Blenny is notable for its unique looks and winning personality. With a mottled tan color, oversized eyes, and typical body shape of the Blenniidae family, Salarias fasciatus adds visual appeal to any marine aquarium. But despite its tendency to grow to an impressive 5" in size in the home aquarium, the Sailfin/Algae Blenny remains peaceful, active and, therefore, fun to observe.
Also referred to as the Jewelled Rockskipper, Lawnmower, or Rock Blenny, the Sailfin/Algae Blenny is native to the reefs across the Indo-Pacific. Like other Blennies, the Sailfin/Algae Blenny will perch on live rock, hide in caves, hop across the substrate, and graze on microalgae. Therefore, it requires a larger system with a variety of live rock and rockwork.
The Sailfin/Algae Blenny is peaceful towards other fish unless the tank mate is similar in shape or appearance to the blenny. It is best to house the Sailfin/Algae Blenny singly unless kept in a larger aquarium and the two are a mated pair. It is known to nip at small-polyped stony coral and clam mantles.
The Sailfin/Algae Blenny does best in well-established aquariums with large amounts of natural algae to feed on. The diet can be supplemented with vegetable matter, spirulina, and herbivore preparations.
Cleaner Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Carnivore
The Cleaner Shrimp acts like the medic of any saltwater aquarium. In fact, this active cleaner will set up shop on live rock or coral outcroppings and wait for fish to come and be cleaned of ectoparasites or dead tissue. Many fish value its services so highly that they even allow the Cleaner Shrimp to clean inside of their mouths without harming the shrimp. No matter how your fish use the Cleaner Shrimp's services, it is easy to see why this peaceful creature is so popular amongst home aquarists.
The Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp because of the distinct pair of bright red stripes that outline the single white stripe running down its back. The Cleaner Shrimp is often found in groups amongst live rock or coral. In the home aquarium, the Cleaner Shrimp requires similar habitats and peaceful tankmates. Some fish, such as Hawkfish and Lionfish or predatory shrimp or crabs may see this member of the Hippolytidae family as food.
Like other invertebrates, the Cleaner Shrimp is intolerant of copper-based medications, high nitrate levels, and fluctuating water parameters. It also requires the drip-acclimation process when first introduced to your system. Also, proper iodine supplementation is necessary to promote molting and growth. To supplement their diet, feed Cleaner Shrimp freeze dried, frozen, and flake foods.
Red Banded Snapping Shrimp
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Carnivore
The Red Banded Snapping Shrimp and its cousins all have a unique left pincher. The pincher is modified to produce a loud sound and stream of water whenever it is opened or closed. In the aquarium, it sounds like a loud clicking noise.
Startling for the aquarist, it uses this skill in the wild to warn away predators and to knock down prey. The Red Banded Snapping Shrimp and its mate will usually reside in a burrow of sand or mud, often with one of the gobies of the genera Amblyeleotris or Stonogobiops. The goby's superior eyesight also gives it advance warning of any predators. They also tend to share some of each other's food.
While the shrimp are in the burrow, you will usually only see one of them "standing guard" at any one time. Under the cover of darkness it is likely to forage, occasionally preying on tiny shrimp. Otherwise, it will subsist on meaty foods and bottom feeder tablets in the aquarium. It is intolerant of copper or high nitrates, but will require a correct iodine level in the water for proper molting.
Emerald Crab (1-2)
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
The Emerald Crab is well respected for its scavenging ability. It will enthusiastically feed on uneaten meaty foods and many types of nuisance algae. Unlike many other animals, Mithraculus sculptus will eat bubble algae and helps clean your aquarium of these algae. Its distinct, flat shiny green body and hairy legs easily identify the Emerald Crab.
Native to the reefs of the Caribbean, the Emerald Crab is nocturnal and hides in caves and amongst rubble during the day. In the home aquarium, this member of the Majidae family requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places. Once familiar with its surroundings, the Emerald Crab will venture out of hiding during the day to forage on algae.
Care needs to be taken to ensure an ample supply of food is available for the Emerald Crab. Many aquarists supplement the Emerald Crab's diet with dried seaweed and chopped meaty foods, such as shrimp, as well as a quality pellet fish food.
Otherwise, this opportunistic feeder may turn to corals, invertebrates, or small fish for a food source. However, when well fed, most Emerald Crabs are very tolerant of their tankmates and highly compatible in reef environments. Like other invertebrates, the Emerald Crab does not tolerate copper-based medications or fluctuating water parameters. Dwarf Blue leg Hermit Crab (1-2)
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Don't let the small size of the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab fool you. As a voracious scavenger, this omnivore can get into the smallest crevices and openings within live rock to consume nuisance algae including hair algae and cyanobacteria. While doing so, Clibanarius tricolor also helps aerate sand substrate, thereby encouraging growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.
Also known simply as the Blue Leg Hermit Crab, this member of the Diogenidae family is a colorful and reef-safe addition. Named after its bright and colorful red-banded blue legs, the Blue Leg Hermit Crab has claws of equal size and makes its home in abandoned snail shells. Take note that when the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab is looking for a new home or if food supplies are insufficient, this minute scavenger may attack snails to obtain the shell for its home or eat the snails for food.
Supplement the diet of the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab with dried seaweed if insufficient algae are present. Though an efficient scavenger, and due to its small size, the Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crabs should be kept in groups for larger aquarium systems.
Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab (2-3)
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Diet: Herbivore
The Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab is a voracious scavenger. Like its Blue Leg cousin, the Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab serves as an ideal member of your marine or reef aquarium's cleanup crew. Also known simply as the Red Tip Hermit Crab, this omnivore will scavenge all over your live rock and sand substrate - finding its way into the tightest of spaces - to feed on algae and detritus.
Like other members of this genus, the Red Tip Hermit Crab has claws of equal size and, for this reason, members of this genus are sometimes called "Equal-handed Hermit Crabs." Native to the coastal water surrounding Mexico, the Red Tip has a bright red face and legs. In the home aquarium it does best in saltwater reef or fish-only systems with sand substrates in which they can forage and dig. Its feeding methods also help aerate the sand bed and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. The Dwarf Red Tip Hermit Crab should ideally be kept in a well-established system with plenty of algae and live rock to graze upon.
Making its home in abandoned snail shells of various size and shape, be sure to offer empty shells to accommodate the growth of these small members of the Diogenidae family. Additionally, offer dried seaweed if algae levels are insufficient. Like other invertebrates, care needs to be taken during the acclimation process to prevent pH shock. Also, take special care to ensure an invertebrate-friendly environment free of predators and copper-based medications.
Nerite Snail (3-5)
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
The Nerite Snail comes from the inner tidal areas of the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans and has a rounded shell. This snail does not grow very large, and the coloration is brown to black. They are wonderful scavengers for reef aquariums as they remain small and with their rounded shells, rarely knock over rocks or corals in the aquarium.
The Nerite Snail does well in an aquarium when provided with ample hiding places and room to forage. Live rock provides algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms for food, but it also is an effective film algae eater, grazing on other surfaces, such as the sides of the aquarium. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and will not tolerate high nitrate levels. This is a perfect snail for the reef aquarium because it will not grow too large, and will not disturb corals or rockwork.
The Nerite Snail has no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate male from female.
Cerths Snail (3-5)
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Don't let the Cerith Snail's small adult size fool you. As well as having a gorgeous, elongated spiral shell, this active scavenger can consume large amounts of detritus, uneaten food, fish waste, and algae. Plus, this species of the Cerithium genus often burrows in your aquarium sand and helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the substrate.
Native to the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific off the coast of Mexico, the Cerith Snail does best in larger, well-established reef systems with deep sand beds. This voracious feeder is most active at night. In fact, breeding pairs of Cerith Snails will lay their eggs on your aquarium glass just after dark in long, stringy curves. However, since these eggs take a while to develop, they are often consumed by other tankmates or removed from the water column by filtration before the eggs have a chance to hatch. The Cerith Snail is extremely difficult to breed in captivity. Not only is determining the sexes difficult, but the water parameters required to do so are unknown.
Like other invertebrates, the Cerith Snail is sensitive to high nitrate levels and copper based medications. It also requires a gradual acclimation process, preferably the drip acclimation method, since it is sensitive to even minute changes in water parameters.
Nassarius Snail (2-3)
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Diet: Carnivore
The Nassarius Snail is a little snail with a big appetite. This hungry critter glides through your aquarium foraging for food. The Nassarius Snail is an efficient scavenger and detritus eater and is the perfect member of your reef aquarium cleanup crew. You will be pleased at how quickly a small group of Nassarius Snails will clear detritus, uneaten food, decaying organics, and fish waste.
The Nassarius Snail is a small scavenger with an oval, spiral shell that resembles an olive pit. The Nassarius Snail likes to burrow in the sand, usually with its long, tube-like siphon protruding from the substrate. As it searches for food, the Nassarius Snail helps prevent compaction and aerates aquarium substrate.
The Nassarius Snail prefers an established aquarium with live rock and a deep sand bed. It is sensitive to high nitrate levels and copper-based medications. The Nassarius Snail is extremely difficult to breed in captivity.
Rose Bubble Tip Anemone
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Simi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Lighting Requirements: Moderate to High
Water Flow: Medium
The Rose Bubble Tip Anemone is a less common form of the Bubble Tip Anemone which is often referred to as the Four-colored, Bulb Tentacle, Bulb Tip, or Bulb Anemone. At rest, the enlarged tip at the end of the tentacles is a rose to red color.
The Bubble Tip Anemone is usually found in coral rubble, or in solid reefs. Its pedal disc is usually attached deep within dead coral. It stretches its tentacles to become sweeper tentacles when hungry. That is, the tentacles become elongated to capture a meal, then the tentacles shorten and the bubble tips return.
Handle this invertebrate, and all Anemones, with care. They can sting other Anemones, as well as Corals.
In order for the Rose Bubble Tip Anemone to keep its bright coloration and bulb tips, it needs strong illumination supplied by metal halides, or intense florescent lighting of at least 6 watts per gallon. They require an aquarium of at least 30 gallons, as they can grow up to 12" across in the aquarium. These anemones will typically remain compact and will gain bulb tips under intense lighting. If the lighting is insufficient, they will expand their bodies to great lengths to make the most of the available light. It should be kept with a Clownfish for best results. At times, the tentacles may appear stringy; this may be due to insufficient light or the need for food.
Its diet should include chopped fish, shrimp, or worms if a clownfish is not present.
Elegance Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Low to Medium
Placement: Bottom
The Catalaphyllia Elegance Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) often referred to as Elegant Coral, Wonder Coral, or Ridge Coral. It is truly the most unique and interesting stony coral known. Its polyps are extended during the day showing off its vast array of color- tipped tentacles. Under actinic lighting, the fluorescent qualities are beautiful with lime green, blue, orange, or purple-tipped tentacles which vary between branched or round and bulbous shapes. The most common color variety available to aquarists is gold with pink or purple-tipped polyps.
The Catalaphyllia Elegance Coral is moderate to maintain in the reef aquarium and makes an excellent choice for the beginner to expert hobbyist. Provide ample space in the aquarium between it and other neighboring corals as it will expand to twice its usual size during the day and will sting other corals in close proximity to it. It is best to place the skeleton of the coral into a soft substrate. The soft substrate is less likely to irritate the fleshy underside of the coral when compared to the rockwork. Clownfish may accept this coral as its host if no anemone is present. Use caution when handling, as it is very fragile and can also sting its handler.
Ideal reef aquarium conditions for the Elegance Coral should include moderate lighting with moderate water movement. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
It will benefit from additional food fed daily in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp. Trumpet Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
The Trumpet Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral often referred to as the Trumpet, Torch, Candy, or Bullseye Coral. The skeleton of this species is branched out of a central base, and terminates into a large head that resembles a trumpet. A large fleshy polyp covers the each head of the colony, and the polyps are florescent green in this species. The Trumpet Coral is able to expand its fleshy polyps to many times its skeleton size giving the coral a similar appearance when compared to a closed brain coral.
It is hardy and a relatively peaceful reef inhabitant, with very short sweeper tentacles. It requires moderate lighting and moderate water movement, along with the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. This and other species of Caulastrea sp. can be sensitive to metal halide lighting, so take time in acclimating these corals to this type of lighting. Simply place the coral low in the aquarium for a few weeks until it opens fully and slowly move the colony to the desired location.
It will benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of chopped meaty items, baby brine shrimp or zooplankton.
Bubble Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Low to Medium
Placement: Bottom
The Bubble Coral is a beautiful LPS coral that originates from the reefs of the Indo-Pacific. It has a green or white-ridged hard skeleton that can be seen when the polyps are deflated. When inflated, the large fleshy polyps will cover the entire skeleton, and are green, white or yellowish in color. Like many other LPS corals, they do posses sweeper tentacles that can harm other corals within reach.
The Bubble Coral requires a moderate level of lighting combined with low to moderate water movement in the aquarium. Too much water flow may impede the coral from fully expanding. The fleshy polyps of Bubble Corals are very fragile and will puncture easily. Be careful when handling these corals, to only handle them by the hard skeleton. Because they can form long sweeper tentacles, be sure to provide plenty of room to prevent damage being done to its neighbors. For continued good health, it will also need the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
It will benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of brine shrimp or micro-plankton.
Torch Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: Bottom
The Euphyllia Torch Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral, often referred to as Trumpet Coral or Pom-Pom Coral. It has long and flowing polyps with single rounded tips which are visible throughout the day and night, hiding its branching skeletal base most of the time. It may be brown or green with yellow on the tips of its tentacles. The yellow will sometimes appear to glow under actinic lighting.
Provide plenty of room between the Euphyllia Torch Coral and other sessile animals, since at night, its sweeper tentacles can extend up to several inches from its base and sting other coral species. It is moderately difficult to maintain, but it is a popular coral that will thrive under proper conditions and excellent water quality parameters. Ideally, it needs to have moderate lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. Its aquatic home will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water for its continued good health. It will also benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of micro- plankton or brine shrimp.
Branching Hammer Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: Bottom
The Hammer Coral, Branching is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral and often referred to as Euphyllia Hammer Coral or Anchor Coral. Its common names are derived from the appearance of its hammer-, or anchor-shaped tentacles. Its polyps are visible throughout the day and night and hide its skeletal base. It may be green, tan, or brown in color, with lime green or yellow tips on the ends of its tentacles that glow under actinic lighting. Some varieties may be branched which makes them look similar to a Torch Coral (E. glabrescens).
It is moderately difficult to maintain, but with proper water conditions in the aquarium, it will thrive. It will require moderate lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. At night, its sweeper tentacles can extend up to six inches in the reef aquarium, stinging other species of corals and animals. Allow plenty of room between it and other neighboring corals. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
It will benefit from additional food fed weekly in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp. Branching Frogspawn Coral
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: Middle to Top
The Frogspawn Coral is a large polyp stony coral (LPS) often referred to as the Wall, Octopus, Grape, or Honey Coral. Its polyps remain visible throughout both the day and night, resembling a mass of fish eggs or frog eggs, hence one of its common names Frogspawn. Its coloration is green or brown to tan in color. With its appearance and coloration it would make a nice addition to any reef aquarium.
During the evenings, its sweeper tentacles can extend up to six inches beyond its base into the reef aquarium surroundings. It will sting other neighboring corals in the reef aquarium, therefore, it is best to leave plenty of room between itself and other types of corals. It is moderately difficult to maintain, but it is a popular coral that will thrive under the proper conditions. It will need to have moderate to heavy lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional requirements from photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp.
Favites Brain Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: All
The Favites Corals are large polyp stony (LPS) corals often referred to as Moon, Pineapple, Brain, Closed Brain, Star, Worm, or Honeycomb Coral. They are the most common and prolific coral in the world, and are very similar to the genus Favia, sharing many of the same common names, and sometimes being very difficult to differentiate. Favites Corals are found in various color forms and polyp shapes. "Pineapple Coral" is the name commonly given to those that have smaller circular patterns.
The Favites Corals are aggressive, expanding their sweeper tentacles at night well beyond the base. It is important to leave space between them and neighbors in the reef aquarium. Maintenance for the Favites Corals is relatively easy, making them excellent choices for the beginner to expert hobbyist. They require moderate lighting combined with moderate water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements should be added to the water. It will also benefit from the addition of supplemental food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp, fed twice per week in the evening while its tentacles are visible.
Lobophyllia Brain Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Simi-aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate to High
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: All
The Lobophyllia Brain Coral is a large polyp stony (LPS) coral often referred to as a Lobed, Colored, Carpet, Flat, or Open Brain Coral, Meat Coral, Modern Coral, or Large Flower Coral. It has fleshy polyps that hide its calcareous skeleton. It is found in a variety of textures and color forms. Some are smooth, while others are pimply, and look like carpet. Colors vary from bright red, green, orange, gray, tan, or brown.
Its behavior is semi-aggressive and it will sting other corals with its extended sweeper tentacles during the night. Provide plenty of space between it and other neighboring corals. It is easy to maintain in the reef aquarium, making it an excellent candidate for the beginning through expert reef aquarist. It requires moderate to strong lighting combined with a moderate water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, it will also require the addition of calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provides the majority of its nutritional requirements through photosynthesis. It will also benefit from additional food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp fed in the evening when its tentacles are visible.
Zoanthus Colony Polyp
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Simi-aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: Middle to Top
The Zoanthus Colony Polyp Corals are also referred to as Sea Mats, or Button Polyps. They are colonial animals with multiple individual polyps attached to a piece of live rock. The individual polyps of this variety are very small when mature, and offer a variety of texture for the reef aquarium. They are brown with shades of pink tones, and will brighten or darken depending on the lighting in the aquarium.
These polyps have the ability to sting other polyps or corals. While the sting is not strong, they are semi-aggressive and need to have space between their colony and any neighbors since they tend to crowd them out. They are easy to maintain, making them a good choice for beginner reef aquarists. They require a moderate light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium. For continued good health, they will also require the addition of iodine and other trace elements to the water. Under the right conditions, these Colony Polyps will spread relatively fast in the reef aquarium.
They will reproduce easily in the reef aquarium by budding (splitting off a portion of their base or mouth), which will increase the size of their colony.
They contain the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae, which provides almost all of their nutritional requirements. Especially if the lighting is not optimal, they should be fed micro-plankton or baby brine shrimp a few times per week.
Actinodiscus Mushroom Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Simi-Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Low to Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
The Actinodiscus Mushrooms are also referred to as Mushroom Anemones and Disc Anemones. They were previously in a genus called Discosoma. These corals display a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Some are solid colors, whereas, others are striped or spotted. The taxonomy of the various species is in a state of flux, and will probably continue to change.
They are hardy and moderately easy to maintain, and under the right conditions, will multiply and spread very rapidly. In general, they need a medium light level, and should be placed lower in the tank if the light intensity is high. The Actinodiscus Mushrooms prefer a low to medium water flow within the aquarium, although different species may have different requirements. They are semi- aggressive and require adequate space between themselves and other corals and sessile invertebrates. Each ships as several individual mushrooms attached to one rock.
An Actinodiscus Mushrooom receives some of its nutritional requirements through the photosynthesis of the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae which it hosts. It also feeds on other nutrients and particulate matter and benefits from additional food in the form of micro-plankton or brine shrimp fed to each polyp of the colony.
Rhodactis Mushroom Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Simi-Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate
Water Flow: Medium
Placement: Bottom to Middle
The Rhodactis Hairy Mushroom is a member of the order Corallimorpharia and occurs in many colors including brown and tan, and the more colorful green. Like the name suggests, the surface of these mushrooms are covered with many hair-like tentacles, giving it a hairy appearance.
It is very easy to maintain in the reef aquarium, and a good choice for the beginner hobbyist. It is somewhat aggressive, however, and can harm sessile invertebrates and overgrow other inhabitants of the reef. It often grows in shallow water, so it prefers a medium to high light level combined with a medium water movement within the aquarium.
It reproduces by fission or laceration, and will do so in the home aquarium provided that water conditions are adequate, sometimes causing over-population. A small portion of the base or mouth will separate from the parent polyp and grow into a full sized mushroom within a few months.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within its body provide some of its nutritional requirements, but it also eats plankton and some larger organisms.
Ricordea Mushroom Coral
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Simi-Aggressive
Lighting Requirements: Moderate to High
Water Flow: Low
Placement: Bottom
The Ricordea, or Flower Mushroom Coral, is a member of the order Corallimorpharia (Stephenson, 1937), and has short, club, or berry-shaped tentacles. It shares some similarities to stony corals, and is also termed a Disc Anemone. It is found in a variety of color forms, but green is the most common.
It requires a medium to high light level, but metal halide lighting may be too bright. It prefers a low water movement within the aquarium, and it may not be as hardy as some of the other mushroom corals. It is considered semi-aggressive and requires adequate space between itself and other corals. It reproduces by longitudinal fission.
The symbiotic algae zooxanthellae hosted within it provides the majority of its nutritional requirements from the light driven process of photosynthesis. It also eats plankton and smaller invertebrates such as crustaceans.