Directory of Marine Fish Sponges and Anemones These invertebrates are an integral part of the reef ecosystem. Anemones are soft-bodied creatures with flowing, stinging tentacles for catching prey. Sponges have a more rigid body structure and are filter-feeders. Both are sometimes known as sessile invertebrates because, like corals, they anchor themselves to the reef. Sponges […]
The angelfish family includes some of the most attractively patterned of all reef fish. The size of angelfish can vary greatly between species. While dwarf angelfish (Centropyge species) attain a maximum length of 5 in (12.5 cm), their larger relatives may grow as large as 24 in (60 cm) in the wild.
The elegant swimming motion of these fish has been likened to the flight of butterflies fluttering around flowers in the garden. As with their insect counterparts, butterflyfish also tend to be brightly colored, making them an extremely popular choice for the home marine aquarium.
These invertebrates are an integral part of the reef ecosystem. Anemones are soft-bodied creatures with flowing, stinging tentacles for catching prey. Sponges have a more rigid body structure and are filter-feeders.
Lighting the marine aquarium is both an art and a science. In an ideal setup, the light should appear natural and should enhance the colors and forms of the tank occupants, but it must also be of the correct intensity and quality to sustain life. Achieving this balance requires some planning, especially in reef tanks.
It is possible to keep marine fish in a bare tank. However, even the simplest fish-only setup will benefit from judicious decoration, which will accentuate the colors of the fish, provide them with places to shelter and spawn, and set out territorial spaces in the tank. In more advanced reef aquariums, the choice of decor is vital, because it transforms the tank into a dynamic ecosystem capable of supporting a diversity of life.
Assembling the components of the marine aquarium is straightforward, but there are a few important factors, such as the quality of your water supply, that must be considered if you are to achieve a successful result.
The breeding habits of tropical marine fish are not well documented because only a small number of species have reproduced in captivity. A few groups, however, such as clownfish, gobies, and sea horses, breed with relative ease. Others, such as angelfish, may spawn in aquariums, but their young are so poorly developed when they hatch that it is extremely difficult to raise them successfully.
A little forethought goes a long way when setting up an aquarium. Give careful consideration to where you want to site the tank, because if you make a poor choice, you will have to empty the tank and strip it down before it can be moved elsewhere. It is also a good idea to plan the layout of the tank well in advance so that you end up with an aquarium that not only looks attractive but also allows the fish to display their natural behavior.
