Levi’s Deepwater Reef Tank

Deepwater organisms have always had a special place in my heart. In this article, we are going to explore my “Deepwater Reef”.  First things first, what is generally considered to be “deepwater”? Many people have their opinions on this, but I…

Orangeback Bass is a Collector’s Item from the Caribbean

Ah, the odd Orangeback Bass, Serranus annularis…let’s take some time and explore this species. Some may mistake this fish for its close relative the Lantern Bass, but the Orangeback Bass is a unique Caribbean fish that is not seen very…

Awesome Fish Spotlight: The Chalk Basslet

The Chalk Basslet is an overlooked unpopular fish that deserves much more credit than it receives. These wonderful fish are well behaved and are fitting for almost any aquarium. Also known as Serranus tortugarum, it is geographically found in the…

The Harlequin Bass: An Exceptionally Hardy, Beginner-Friendly Marine Fish

Prized for its striking patterning, modest adult size, exceptional hardiness, and overall adaptability, the harlequin bass (Serranus tigrinus), denizen of the tropical western Atlantic and Caribbean, makes an excellent choice for the novice marine aquarist and experienced hobbyist alike. (In…

The deep sea is on display in Curacao

To most people the Mesophotic Zone is an entirely unknown part of the ocean that very few study and even fewer have physically visited. Yet these areas are more diverse than anticipated and contain a cornicopia of life from the…

Chalk Bass: A Caribbean Jewel Custom Made for Marine Aquariums

Anyone who has visited Saltwater Smarts on a regular basis knows that Chris has a bizarre fixation on Caribbean species. No livestock—fish or invertebrate—originating outside the Caribbean/tropical Western Atlantic is allowed in his tank. If he could, he’d probably go…

The Blunt-nosed Basslet is a perfect Caribbean curiosity for your deepwater tank

Bullisicthys caribbaeus is a remarkably cute fish from the deep waters of the Caribbean that is worth taking a second look. Not often is the word cute used to describe a fish, but the blunt-nosed or pug-nosed basslet is certainly cute,…

Halichoeres bathyphilus is one of many Curacao rarities from Dynasty Marine

Halichoeres bathyphilus may not look like much as a juvenile, but this deepwater Atlantic species is one of the most beautiful and elusive of its genus. In its initial phase, it is very difficult to distinguish from the many times…

6 Tips for Choosing the Right-Sized Tank for Saltwater Fish

Have you ever noticed that species profiles written about marine fish almost always include a recommended minimum tank size for the species? Have you also noticed that tank-size recommendations for the same species can vary wildly from one author, dealer,…

Digiman’s rocky reef tank is a rare fish paradise

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKDwMmS08A4&feature=channel[/youtube] Mr. Tay, more commonly known online as Digiman from Singapore, is a rare fish enthusiast that has been featured on ReefBuilders on a few occasions. Enthusiast is an understatement to his passion and Digiman is someone who knows his…