May 18
Anthias are among the most colorful and graceful fish available for marine reef aquariums. Brilliant shades of orange, pink, yellow, purple, red, and lavender combine with constant open-water swimming to create the appearance of a miniature tropical reef inside the home aquarium. The name anthias refers to a diverse group of reef fishes in the …
May 17
Lionfish are among the most spectacular—and potentially hazardous—predatory fish kept in marine aquariums. With elaborate fan-shaped pectoral fins, long dorsal spines, bold stripes, and a slow, almost hovering swimming style, they can become dramatic centerpiece fish in a carefully planned saltwater tank. The best-known species is the Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans), a large member of …
May 15
The Banggai Cardinalfish is one of the most distinctive small fish available to saltwater aquarists. Its metallic silver body, bold black vertical bands, white-spotted fins, and dramatically elongated fin rays give it an appearance unlike almost any other reef fish. Scientifically known as Pterapogon kauderni, this species originates from a remarkably small natural range around …
May 14
The Clown Goby is a tiny, colorful marine fish famous for perching among coral branches rather than swimming constantly through open water. With its oversized head, compact body, expressive eyes, and almost comical habit of sitting directly on corals and rockwork, this little goby can become one of the most noticeable personalities in a reef …
May 12
The Coral Beauty Angelfish is one of the most popular dwarf angelfish in the marine aquarium hobby. With its electric blue-purple body, glowing orange sides, vivid blue-edged fins, and active grazing behavior, it delivers much of the beauty and personality of a large marine angelfish in a considerably smaller package. Scientifically known as Centropyge bispinosa, …
May 11
The Yellowtail Damselfish is one of the most recognizable small marine fish in the aquarium hobby. Its brilliant electric-blue body and contrasting yellow tail create an intense splash of color, while its hardy nature makes it considerably easier to maintain than many delicate reef species. Scientifically known as Chrysiptera parasema, the Yellowtail Damselfish is also …
May 10
The Midas Blenny is one of the most colorful and charismatic blennies available to marine aquarists. Its elongated golden-yellow body, bright blue-rimmed eyes, expressive face, and unusual swimming motion give it a personality all its own. Scientifically known as Ecsenius midas, the Midas Blenny is also called the Golden Blenny, Persian Blenny, or Midas Coralblenny. …
May 09
The Green Chromis is one of the most popular schooling fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Its shimmering blue-green body can appear turquoise, emerald, aqua, or almost silver depending on the lighting and viewing angle, creating a beautiful flash of color as the fish moves through the water. Scientifically known as Chromis viridis, the Green …
May 08
The Pygmy Angelfish is one of the smallest true marine angelfish available to aquarium keepers, but its personality is anything but tiny. With an intense sapphire-blue to purple body, glowing orange-yellow face and chest, and electric-blue fin margins, this miniature angelfish can become one of the most colorful fish in a relatively modest reef aquarium. …
May 07
The Lawnmower Blenny is one of the most recognizable algae-grazing fish in the marine aquarium hobby. With its mottled brown coloration, oversized eyes, bushy facial cirri, thick lips, and habit of hopping from rock to rock, this unusual little fish brings plenty of personality to a reef aquarium. Scientifically known as Salarias fasciatus, the Lawnmower …
