A research article published in the Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences has found that cleaner wrasses, Labroides dimidiatus, have the capacity for mirror self-recognition (MSR). Researchers tested the theory by using mirrors, as Cleaner wrasses attack unfamiliar conspecifics…
Estimates Place Half a TRILLION Corals in the Pacific Ocean
We’ve all heard that coral reefs are at risk of extinction due to a number of factors and exacerbated by climate change and coral bleaching. Aerial views of endless reefs of bleached corals sure does make for a poignant illustration…
Wanted: Coral Nursery Research Intern For Six Senses Laamu Maldives
Coral Nursery Research Intern The Marine Team at Six Senses Laamu Maldives is looking for a coral nursery research intern. This is a six-month position, and candidates must submit their own research proposal to be considered for the position. Deadline…
Crowdfund an experiment examining corals and climate change
If you ever wanted to help be a part of and support a coral research program, now is your chance. A PhD student from Oregon State is currently crowdfunding to support her research on how corals are responding to climate…
Salty Q&A: Can We Do Better for Beginners than Caveat Emptor?
Question I recently had a frustrating experience at a major chain pet store in my area. I watched as the aquarium department salesperson sold a type of butterflyfish that has a very specialized diet to a self-identified newbie, and he…
Reef fish can see more colors than us
We knew the mantis shrimp had super-stellar vision being able to perceive 100,000 colors, but it looks like they aren’t the only ocean denizens that can see more colors than humans. Reef fish can apparently also see more colors than…
Florida reefs are dissolving away faster, earlier than expected
Ocean acidification is much worse than imagined, as the limestone structure that forms the foundation of Florida’s coral reefs are actually dissolving dissolving away sooner than ever expected. According to a new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles, research showed the upper…
Top 10 Traits of a Successful Reefkeeper
As marine aquarium hobbyists, we can buy a lot of things to make our experience better and easier, but when it comes to long-term reefkeeping success, the “right stuff” doesn’t come from a store. In addition to a genuine love…
Ask Yourself These Questions Before Starting Your First Saltwater Aquarium
One of our primary goals here at Saltwater Smarts is to give budding marine aquarists all the insights and information they need to embark upon this challenging hobby with their eyes wide open. Encouraging prior research on techniques, equipment, and…
Is the Internet a Viable Resource for Marine Aquarium Research?
Virtually since the advent of the internet, there’s been a tendency in our hobby to rate the reliability and trustworthiness of online content beneath that of print-format materials—books, magazines, and so forth. But is this assessment really fair? The general…
