Diversity and forms of the Pseudanthias ventralis species flock: How many are there?

In light of our recent trend in picking apart cryptic species within a given complex like we did for Pseudanthias pascalus and Nemateleotris helfrichi, we continue yet again with a rather massive undertaking. This time with Pseudanthias ventralis. This beautiful species is…

Pseudojuloides polackorum is the newest species of pencil wrasse from South Africa

The genus Pseudojuloides constitutes a collection of fusiform torpedo shaped wrasses with chisel like incisiform teeth that are more often found living in lose sandy rubble instead of the usual coral cover. Pseudojuloides was last revised in 1981 where five new…

Toledo Zoo Aquarium Renovation – Update 15: Grand Opening Today!

Virtually since we launched Saltwater Smarts back in April of 2013, we’ve been bringing you regular updates on the progress of the $25.5 million renovation of the Toledo Zoo Aquarium. Today, we’re thrilled to announce that this ambitious project has…

The 20,000 gallon reef tank relies on a diversity of filtration techniques

If you thought that the lighting for Joe Yaiullo’s 20,000 gallon reef tank is eclectic, just wait until you get a load of the various filtration devices that are employed on this behemoth reef aquarium display. From filtration devices, to…

Nemateleotris helfrichi: A tale of two heads

Immense fish collection in the early 90’s brought new light to a plethora of colourful reef fish, many of which the world had never seen. In 1938, from a smorgasbord of specimens in the Albatross collection, one exquisite little fish…

How do you light a 20,000 gallon reef tank?

If you saw our rave “review” of Joe Yauillo’s magnificent mini-ocean he calls a reef tank yesterday, or have seen the tank in person and wonder “How it’s Made?”, then you’re going to love this multi part installment where we…

Orphek Atlantik Compact LED, unboxing and first impressions

Orphek has long been a player in the LED lighting game and with their new Atlantik Compact fixture, they plan to compete in the top tier of high performance reef LED lights. Priced at $749, the Atlantik Compact is aiming to exceed…

Centropyge abei and Chaetodon smithi: Black and yellow superstars of Waikiki

If you ever visit Hawaii and don’t stop by the Waikiki aquarium, consider yourself a felon and a convicted criminal for breaking the fish geek code. In a small public aquarium within the Waikiki neighbourhood of Honolulu lives two mega superstars of…

Long Island’s 20,000 gallon reef tank is STILL one of the best displays in the world

The 20,000 gallon reef tank in Long Island NY designed and maintained by Joe Yaiullo has long been the apex of large reef aquarium displays. Featuring luxuriant coral growth and a dense and eclectic mix of large and colorful reef…

Wild-looking anemone has colorful furry tentacles

Anemones come in all shapes and sizes, colors and textures, and some even actively try to mimic stony corals. Recently however, a very unusual anemone was acquired by Unique Corals which looks inherently unique. At first glance this anemone appears…