Jul 01
With its curious expression, habit of peeking from holes in the rockwork, and unmistakable two-tone coloration, the Bicolor Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor) is one of the most personable small fish available for a saltwater aquarium. The classic color form is almost exactly what the name suggests: the front half of the fish is dark blue, purple-brown, …
Jun 30
Few small saltwater fish deliver as much color as the Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani). Its body glows in shades of violet, magenta, and electric purple, accented by a thin black stripe running through the eye. At only a few inches long, it can add an extraordinary splash of color to a reef aquarium without requiring …
Jun 30
With its long, delicate snout, gleaming silver-white body, and bold copper-orange bands, the Copperband Butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus) is one of the most distinctive fish in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Its appearance is unmistakable. A dark band passes through the eye, several orange vertical bars cross the body, and a large black false eyespot near the …
Jun 29
Few marine animals are as instantly recognizable—or as unusual—as the seahorse. With an upright body, horse-like head, curled prehensile tail, independently moving eyes, and tiny fins that seem almost impossibly delicate, seahorses look unlike nearly every other fish in the ocean. And they are fish. Seahorses belong to the genus Hippocampus in the family Syngnathidae, …
Jun 29
Round bodies, enormous eyes, tiny fluttering fins, beak-like teeth, and an almost comically curious expression make pufferfish some of the most recognizable fish in the aquarium hobby. Then there is the feature everyone knows: They puff. When seriously threatened, a pufferfish can rapidly swallow water and expand its body, making itself much larger and more …
Jun 29
Brilliant colors, nonstop swimming, graceful disk-shaped bodies, and a razor-sharp defensive spine make surgeonfish some of the most recognizable animals on coral reefs—and some of the most desirable fish in large saltwater aquariums. The family Acanthuridae includes the fishes aquarists commonly call tangs, surgeonfish, bristletooth tangs, and unicornfish. Familiar members include the bright Yellow Tang, …
Jun 29
Electric blue from nose to tail, graceful in open water, and considerably more peaceful than many of its damselfish relatives, the Blue Chromis (Azurina cyanea) can be a spectacular addition to a large, established saltwater aquarium. Also called the Blue Reef Chromis or Caribbean Blue Chromis, this species is native to the western Atlantic and …
Jun 29
Butterflyfish are among the most recognizable and colorful fish found on tropical coral reefs. With their flattened bodies, bright yellow, white, orange, and black patterns, pointed snouts, and graceful swimming style, members of the family Chaetodontidae are favorites of divers and marine aquarium enthusiasts alike. More than 130 species of butterflyfish are recognized, with the …
Jun 28
The Longfin Zebra Danio is a graceful, energetic freshwater fish known for its distinctive horizontal stripes and elongated, flowing fins. A long-finned form of the familiar Zebra Danio (Danio rerio), it combines the hardy nature and active personality of the standard variety with an especially eye-catching appearance. Longfin Zebra Danios are social fish that are …
Jun 28
Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) are large, intelligent freshwater cichlids famous for their bold personalities, striking coloration, and ability to interact with the people who care for them. Sometimes called tiger oscars, velvet cichlids, or marble cichlids, these South American fish can become remarkably engaging aquarium residents. That personality comes with a substantial commitment. Oscars grow …
