When we think of symbiosis on tropical coral reefs, the classic example of clownfishes and their host anemones often comes to mind. However, there’s another model of symbiosis that’s every bit as fascinating to observe but much easier to recreate…
Flame Angelfish: Heavenly Beauty With a Touch of Devilishness
The aptly named flame angelfish (Centropyge loriculus) is an eye-popping Pacific beauty that stops people in their tracks when they catch sight of it in a home aquarium or LFS sales tank. This stunning dwarf angel has much to recommend…
The Perfect Beginner SPS Coral: Seriatopora (Bird’s nest)
If ever one is looking to get into small polyp stony (SPS) corals but is hesitant because of the challenges associated with them, consider an SPS coral from the genus Seriatopora. Seriatopora corals, commonly referred to as bird’s nest corals,…
Bubble-Tip Anemones: Care and Propogation
Virtually every reef aquarium hobbyist has, at one time or another, dreamed of propagating corals for a living. After learning to maintain these delicate organisms in captivity and experiencing the satisfaction of trading a few frags with fellow hobbyists and…
Burrowing Beauty: Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)
Since I first set eyes on a wild specimen while scuba diving in the Florida Keys, I’ve been enamored with the yellowhead, a.k.a. pearly, jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons). Though not the most chromatically gifted fish in the sea, this burrowing beauty…
Red Sea Showstopper: Purple Tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum)
When it comes to vivid coloration, the purple tang (Zebrasoma xanthurum) is arguably in a class all by itself. This resplendent Red Sea showstopper has won a special place in Chris’s heart and, given appropriate housing, tankmates, and nutrition, might…
