The Harlequin Shrimp is one of the most flamboyant crustaceans that we enjoy in our aquariums. It’s right up there with the peacock mantis shrimp in terms of color, pattern and behavior, although it’s a lot easier to accomodate in…
Invertebrate Highlight: The Pom Pom Crab
The Pom Pom crab is a cute and mysterious reef safe crustacean. If you’ve ever seen this curious critter, you may wonder what it is dancing for, and what it is holding. It is actually holding two anemones, Triactis producta, that it uses…
Does the Emerald Crab Earn Its Algae-Eating, Reef-Safe Reputation?
Among the various and sundry marine life commonly sold to aquarium hobbyists for utilitarian purposes is the emerald crab (Mithraculus sculptus). Oft touted for its propensity to gobble up bubble algae and other irksome algal forms, M. sculptus has become…
Cool crustaceans for your reefs part 2: The hovering Urocaridella shrimps
In the continuation of the previous article on cool marine crustaceans for your reefs, we’re sticking with the shrimp theme with Urocaridella. There are many species in this poorly described genus, and a few are available with relative ease for…
Comical crustaceans for your coral cushions – the Periclimenes shrimps
There are more than just skunk cleaner shrimps and blood shrimps in the world of aquarium crustaceans. Many are delightful and colorful little creatures that go unnoticed even to the trained reefer. It is imperative that a reef tank should…
Ixa cylindrus is a spooky purple crab for your peaceful refugium
Ixa is a small genus of crabs with very unique characteristics that separate this group from most other. The grooves that meander around the carapace are characteristic for this genus, and gives the crabs a jig-saw like appearance. The species above…
Selectively bred Black Tiger Prawn is easier to raise and breed
The black tiger prawn is a delicious crustacean which was once mainly harvested from the wild. Scientists working with the CSIRO have created a new “breed” of black tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon, which is easier to breed and faster to…
