14-Hawaiian Feather Duster
Sabellastarte sp.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Waterflow: Medium
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Orange, Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Sabellidae
The Hawaiian Feather Duster is a fascinating addition to the reef aquarium. Considered both a feeding device and a breathing gill, the stunning crown (radiole) unfurls in all directions and sways gracefully as if keeping time with the current. The fan-shaped crown of the Hawaiian, or Giant Feather Duster is tan or orange with brown band colorations. The radiole of some species from certain locales may be up to 7 inches in diameter, or of brighter colors.
The Hawaiian Feather Duster uses the radiole to filter out small floating organisms, which it directs toward its mouth located at the center of the crown. It protects its segmented body by secreting a parchment-like tube to cover itself. When the Hawaiian Feather Duster is disturbed, it can quickly retract its radiole into the tube. If it is severely stressed, the Hawaiian Feather Duster will discard its crown, growing it back later.
The Hawaiian Feather Duster is often positioned within the coral rubble at the base of the reef aquarium. Reef rubble is often incorporated into the parchment-like tube of the Hawaiian Feather Duster. It needs to be housed in a well-established reef system, as it is dependent upon plankton for its diet. The Hawaiian Feather Duster is very intolerant of copper-based medications.
Supplemental feeding of phytoplankton and liquid organic foods should be provided.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 5-1/2"
15-Nerite Snail
Nerita sp.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1"
Color Form: Black, Green, Tan
Diet: Herbivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Pacific Ocean
Family: Mollusca
The Nerite Snail comes from the inner tidal areas of the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans and has a rounded shell. This snail does not grow very large, and the coloration is brown to black. They are wonderful scavengers for reef aquariums as they remain small and with their rounded shells, rarely knock over rocks or corals in the aquarium.
The Nerite Snail does well in an aquarium when provided with ample hiding places and room to forage. Live rock provides algae, cyanobacteria, and diatoms for food, but it also is an effective film algae eater, grazing on other surfaces, such as the sides of the aquarium. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and will not tolerate high nitrate levels. This is a perfect snail for the reef aquarium because it will not grow too large, and will not disturb corals or rockwork.
The Nerite Snail has no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate male from female.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"
16-Peppermint Shrimp
Lysmata wurdemanni complex
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Red
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Captive-Bred, ORA®
Family: Hippolytidae
Nerite Snail (Nerita sp.) laying an egg.
The Peppermint Shrimp is best known for its natural ability to manage nuisance Aiptasia, or glass anemones. Keep in mind that some individual Peppermint Shrimp are better at managing aiptasia while others may not be interested in aiptasia at all. Though considered part of the "cleaner" grouping of shrimp, Lysmata wurdemanni is more of a scavenger. The Peppermint Shrimp picks its way around your aquarium and live rock to consume detritus, uneaten food, and decomposing organic material. This ornamental member of the Hippolytidae family is brightly colored with a creamy white body striped with several thin and distinct longitudinal red bands.
Also known as the Veined or Caribbean Cleaner Shrimp, the Peppermint Shrimp is sometimes confused with its Pacific cousin, Rhynchocinetes durbanensis. However, that shrimp has a pointed nose and inter-spaced white stripes over its body. In the wild, Peppermint Shrimp are usually found in the vertical shafts of the reef. Some even take up residence in the core of pipe sponges. The Peppermint Shrimp does best in home aquariums with live rock, ample places to hide, as well as open areas to scavenge.
Peppermint Shrimp are very social and peaceful towards most reef inhabitants. Like other invertebrates, the Peppermint Shrimp cannot tolerate copper-based medications or high nitrate levels. It also requires supplemental iodine to encourage proper molting of its carapace. In addition to what it obtains from scavenging, the diet of the Peppermint Shrimp should consist of most types of prepared foods and the occasional pieces of fresh fish.
The Peppermint Shrimp has been successfully bred by commercial fish farms, and can be bred in the home aquarium. Rearing the larvae requires specialized feeds and care outside of the display aquarium.
The Western Atlantic Peppermint Shrimp complex Lysmata wurdemanni has been reclassified in 2006 by Andrew L. Rhyne and Junda Lin based on their morphology and color pattern. See the article here. In general, peppermint shrimp from different regions can easily be identified to species level by their color patterns. Our peppermint shrimp are from either the Florida Keys or the Gulf of Mexico and are most often Lysmata boggessi, a species proven to consume Aiptaisa (Rhyne et al. 2004). We occasionally receive other species from the Lysmata wurdemannicomplex. We have consulted with Dr. Rhyne and he has confirmed that all species of peppermint shrimp he has tested in the laboratory consume Aiptasia. Differences in exact collection location often dictates what species we have in stock. The exact species that will be shipped to your door is one of the following listed below. The exact species you receive will vary based on the time of year, weather conditions, freight space, and inventory levels. All of the following species make ideal scavengers and prey on the pest anemone Aiptasia pallida.
Florida Bay and Atlantic - L. wurdemanni
Caribbean - L. ankeri
Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico - L. boggessi
South Western Florida Keys - L. rafa
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1-1/2"
17-Pincushion Urchin
Lytechinus variegatus
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Blue, Purple, Red, White
Diet: Herbivore, Omnivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean
Family: Toxopneustidae
The Pincushion Urchin has an oval to round body covered with hundreds of uniform spines. Its color can range from red to purple to white and blue.
It requires ample hiding places and sufficient room in which to forage in the home aquarium. It generally hides in caves during the day, though it may make a burrow in thick substrates. At night, it comes out to graze on algae, moving about by its suctorial podia that are aligned in five doubled rows. The aquarium should include large amounts of live rock on which it can graze. It may also prey on some of the sessile invertebrates in the reef system. Rock formations need to be stable and able to withstand the movement of the Urchin wedging itself in crevices. It is generally solitary, but will tolerate others of its own kind. It is sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and will not tolerate high nitrates. Poor water quality will cause it to lose its spines.
It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium, with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
If there is insufficient algae for it to graze on, the diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
18-Pom Pom Crab
Lybia sp.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1"
Color Form: Tan, White
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii, Indonesia
Family: Xanthidae
The Pom Pom Crab is white to tan in coloration and has darker markings covering the body which serve as camouflage for the crab. This crab carries an anemone in each claw which it uses for defense. Besides defense, the crab will also use the anemones to mop up food off of the rocks and substrate.
The Pom Pom Crab is an interesting addition to an aquarium with its anemones in each hand. It raises these anemones at would be predators and aids in cleaning the aquarium of any left over food and detritus. Caution should be used when adding this crab to a reef aquarium as the anemones could sting sessile invertebrates and corals. The damage that could potentially be caused by these tiny anemones that come on each claw would be minimal due to their very tiny size.
The diet of the Pom Pom Crab should include meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, chopped fish and clams.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"
19-Sand Sifting Sea Star
Astropecten polycanthus
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Omnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Singapore, Solomon Islands
Family: Astropectinidae
The Sand Sifting Sea Star, at first glance, seems to be drably colored like most bottom dwellers. But closer inspection reveals a striking beauty and serenity to the alternating bands of brown and beige that dress this invertebrate's thick, spine-covered arms. Like other starfish, Astropecten polycanthus efficiently consumes mass amounts of detritus and uneaten foods. This nocturnally active member of the Astropectinidae family can move large amounts of sand as it burrows into the substrate in its search for food.
This peaceful omnivore will effectively clean even the largest home aquarium of detritus and left over food. Like other starfish, the Sand Sifting Sea Star will also consume small invertebrates, including shrimp, urchins, mollusks, bivalves, or other small sea stars. As such, the Sand Sifting Sea Star should be actively fed a varied diet consisting of natural food sources, especially in well-established marine aquariums. Otherwise, this voracious feeder will quickly clean your aquarium of detritus and then burrow into your substrate, starve, and eventually begin to decay.
To foster its feeding habits, the Sand Sifting Sea Star should be kept in aquariums with large, deep sand bottoms of several inches in depth. Since it is slower moving than most fish, the Sand Sifting Sea Star should not be housed with natural predators, including Puffers.
Like other invertebrates, the Sand Sifting Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity, and pH and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. To successfully acclimate new specimens to your aquarium, use the drip acclimation method and never expose the Sand Sifting Sea Star to air while handling.
Breeding in the home aquarium is extremely difficult with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate between males and females.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" Medium: 2-1/2" to 4"
20-Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Calcium, Magnesium, Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Hippolytidae
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp acts like the medic of any saltwater aquarium. In fact, this active cleaner will set up shop on live rock or coral outcroppings and wait for fish to come and be cleaned of ectoparasites or dead tissue. Many fish value its services so highly that they even allow the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp to clean inside of their mouths without harming the shrimp. No matter how your fish use the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp's services, it is easy to see why this peaceful creature is so popular amongst home aquarists.
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp because of the distinct pair of bright red stripes that outline the single white stripe running down its back. The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is often found in groups amongst live rock or coral. In the home aquarium, the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp requires similar habitats and peaceful tankmates. Some fish, such as Hawkfish and Lionfish or predatory shrimp or crabs may see this member of the Hippolytidae family as food.
Like other invertebrates, the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp is intolerant of copper-based medications, high nitrate levels, and fluctuating water parameters. It also requires the drip-acclimation process when first introduced to your system. Also, proper iodine supplementation is necessary to promote molting and growth. To supplement their diet, feed Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp freeze dried, frozen, and flake foods.
The Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or is also called the Indo-Pacific White-Banded Cleaner Shrimp, Indo-Pacific White-Striped Cleaner Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or the Scarlet Cleaner Shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 1-3/4"; Large: 1-3/4" to 2"
21-Serpent Sea Star, Caribbean
Ophioderma sp.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 2"
Color Form: Green, Orange, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Ophiodermatidae
The Serpent Sea Star of the genus Ophioderma has a central, 5-sided disc with five banded, scaly arms. Depending upon the species and locale, the color can range from maroon, to orange, to green. The central disc can also have variable markings.
It does well in an aquarium if provided with ample hiding places and plenty of room to roam. Even though it is a nocturnal animal, it will eventually learn to come out during the day to eat.
The Serpent Sea Star is very intolerant of sudden changes in oxygen levels, salinity and pH of the water, and cannot tolerate copper-based medications. The drip acclimation method is highly recommended for all Sea Stars due to their intolerability to changes in water chemistry. It should never be exposed to air while handling.
It is extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium with no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
In the aquarium, it can be fed small pieces of chopped meat, shrimp, mussel, or fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3" to 6"
22-Sexy Anemone Shrimp
Thor amboinensis
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1½"
Color Form: Black, Red, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Supplements: Iodine, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Indonesia
Family: Hippolytidae
The Sexy Anemone Shrimp is named for its unusual body movements. When walking, Thor amboinensis sways its abdomen back and forth with exotic flair. In addition to this fascinating behavior, the Sexy Anemone Shrimp is also uniquely dressed in a reddish brown body dotted with brilliant white spots. These characteristics make the Sexy Anemone Shrimps an enchanting aquarium addition.
Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this member of the Hippolytidae family is usually found amongst the tentacles of an anemone. In the home aquarium, however, the Sexy Anemone Shrimp is often found perched on a coral frag or outcropping of live rock. Most are equally fearless as they are beautiful and will scavenge in any area of the aquarium in search of meaty foods.
For best care, the Sexy Anemone Shrimp should be kept in small groups and fed a varied diet of plankton and flaked, frozen, and meaty foods. It is peaceful towards members of its own species and other tankmates. The Sexy Anemone Shrimp should not be housed in aquariums with predatory fish that might attack these small shrimp.
Interestingly, the Sexy Anemone Shrimp is a relatively fast grower and will molt about once a month. However, most Sexy Anemone Shrimp will grow only to a maximum size of around 1-1/2". Although very hardy, it requires a slow acclimation process to avoid any salinity and/or pH shock. Like other invertebrates, the Sexy Anemone Shrimp cannot tolerate high nitrate or copper levels. To promote proper molting, sufficient iodine levels must be maintained.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1/4" to 3/4"
24-Spiny Star Astraea
Astraea phoebia
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1"
Color Form: Green, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Astraeinae
The Spiny Star Astraea Snail has a unique shell and a ravenous appetite for algae. Unlike many bottom dwellers that are dressed in drab colors to better camouflage themselves against the sand bottoms, Astraea phoebiaboasts a pyramid-shape shell with beautiful, green, yellow, and tan coloration. The Spiny Star Astraea boasts pronounced projections on their shells creating a sculptured spiral star shape that is sure to dazzle the eye.
Though interesting to observe in your home aquarium, the Spiny Star Astraea Snail serves a greater function of cleaning algae-covered live rock. It is very adept at keeping your aquarium clean. In fact, this small herbivore prefers to feed on nuisance hair algae, as well as cyanobacteria and diatoms. Some aquarists also report that the Spiny Star Astraea Snail actually consumes the entire hair algae structure, which helps prevent immediate further algae growth.
The Spiny Star Astraea prefers established aquariums with ample hiding places and sufficient room to roam. In addition to eating algae off of your live rock, this member of the Astraeinae family will also clean your aquarium glass. However, the Spiny Star Astraea Snail is not known to be a climber like other smaller-shelled snail species. Care needs to be taken to observe the daily activities of this hungry snail since it has difficulty righting itself if it falls or is knocked upside down.
Like other invertebrates, the Spiny Star Astraea Snail is sensitive to high nitrate levels and will not tolerate copper-based medications. The Spiny Star Astraea Snail requires a gradual acclimation period, preferably the drip acclimation method (often over two hours), since it cannot tolerate even minute changes in water parameters. If sufficient food levels are not present, supplement the diet with blanched spinach or lettuce and vegetable-based tablet foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 1"
25-Super Tongan Nassarius Snail
Nassarius distortus
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1"
Color Form: Tan
Diet: Carnivore, Omnivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Origin: Tonga
Family: Nassariidae
The Super Nassarius Snail from Tonga combines unique beauty with unparalleled scavenging abilities. Its oval, spiral shell is often said to resemble an olive pit, but it is much more ornate and elegant in its beauty. The most striking physical characteristic, however, is the long, tube-like siphon that protrudes from one end of the shell. This siphon is used to breathe while the Super Nassarius Snail is buried in the substrate foraging for food. In addition to beauty, the Nassarius distortus is an ideal detritus eater that also helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the substrate as they burrow and sift through the sand.
Among the many species of Nassarius snails found in the coastal zones of most oceans, the Super Nassarius Snail is one of the largest and can grow up to 1" in size. This size advantage over their much smaller relatives makes them ideal inhabitants in larger marine reef systems. However, since they spend most of their time buried in your aquarium substrate feeding on waste, uneaten food, and other detritus, they require a well-established aquarium with live rock and sufficient sand substrate.
The Super Tongan Nassarius Snail has an acute sense of smell and can quickly detect food when added to your aquarium. It is definitely fun to watch the sand boil with activity as the Super Tongan Nassarius Snail emerges from the substrate in search for the source of the scent. Super Tongan Nassarius Snails can typically find enough food in most marine aquariums with well-established sand beds. However, if food levels are not adequate, supplement their diet with frozen meaty foods, such as brine or mysis shrimp or pieces of fish or scallops.
Like other invertebrates, Nassarius distortus is very sensitive to copper-based medications and high nitrate levels. The Super Tongan Nassarius Snail requires a gradual acclimation period, preferably the drip acclimation method, since it is intolerant of even the smallest fluctuations in water parameters. The Super Nassarius Snail is extremely difficult to breed in captivity.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1/2" to 3/4"
26-Turban Snail
Tectus fenestratus
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2½"
Color Form: Clear, Tan, White
Diet: Herbivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Origin: Asia
Family: Trochidae
The Turban Snail is a powerhouse that helps keep live rock and aquarium glass free of algae. This peaceful snail boasts an interesting shell and is a smart addition to your existing aquarium cleanup crew. The Turban Snail, is also known as the Top Snail, False Trochus Snail, or Pyramid Snail, and is found in holes and crevices of the reef in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. It has a bumpy shell shaped like a top or turban generally in varying earth tone colors including white, tan or even brown. The foot of the snail is white with fine black dots.
This hardy snail does well in an established aquarium with ample places to hide. The aquarium should ideally have a large area for grazing and live rock. Since the Turban Snail uses calcium to build its shell, an adequate calcium level must be maintained. It is very sensitive to any level of copper-based medications and prefers a low nitrate level.
The Turban Snail can spawn in captivity, normally in mature reef aquariums. The Turban Snail will expel their gametes, temporarily making the water cloudy. In a few months tiny Turban Snails will be visible on the glass and substrate when the lights have gone off. As they grow the Turban Snails will venture out into bright light during the day.
If sufficient algae are not present, the Turban Snail's diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1-1/4"
27-Zebra Turbo Snail
Turbo sp.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2"
Color Form: Black
Diet: Herbivore
Supplements: Calcium, Trace Elements
Origin: Asia
Family: Turbinidae
The Zebra Striped Turbo Snail is a beautiful algae removing powerhouse. Like other members of the Turbinidae family, the Zebra Striped Turbo Snail has a voracious appetite for algae. While other Turbo species have simple top- or turban-shaped shells, the Zebra Striped boasts a stunning dark black shell striped in elegant waves of tan.
Off the coast of Asia, Zebra Striped Turbo Snails are often found in crevices and holes within the reefs. In the home aquarium, the Zebra Striped Turbo Snail prefers ample hiding places and large amounts of room to graze, preferably amongst live rock. They will also feed on the algae covering aquarium glass.
When algae levels are insufficient, supplement their diet with dried seaweed. Keep in mind, that proper calcium levels must be maintained as members of the Turbinidae family use calcium to build their shells. Like many other invertebrates, the Zebra Striped Turbo Snail is also very sensitive to copper-based medications and high nitrate levels.
The Zebra Striped Turbo Snail is extremely difficult to breed in the home aquarium, especially considering the Zebra Striped Turbo Snail has no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate it from its mate.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1-1/2"
