maroon clown

One of the most beautiful of the reef-safe shrimp, although unfortunately it is usually reclusive. It prefers to be given hiding places in the form of caves and very holey live rock, and will establish a territory in a low-lit area. Like the skunk cleaner shrimp, it has some cleaning capabilities, though its instincts are not as strong. It usually prefers to scavenge and can be a greedy eater that will come up to your hand to pick up bits of food such as frozen shrimp. As with all shrimp, they do molt regularly, so don't let this alarm you, and are very sensitive to copper treatments. Contributed by Cecilia Chen

The royal gramma, Gramma loreto, is a very popular fish in the aquarium trade. The fish begins a dark purple which fades to yellow. The royal gramma resembles the false gramma, with the two main differences between the two being that the false gramma has clear fins and does not fade, but rather has a distinct change in colour. Royal gramma averages slightly over 8 cm (3 inches) and has been tank bred. Their natural range covers the Bahamas, Venezuela, and the Lesser Antilles. They are carnivorous and eat most meat-based diets. [edit] In the aquarium Due to their relatively peaceful nature, diet and small size, the royal gramma is considered an ideal inhabitant for most reef aquariums containing coral and other invertebrates. Notwithstanding this general statement, royal grammas can become aggressive towards tank-mates when kept in smaller nano reef tanks

also known as the Turban Snail, or Top Shell, is found in holes and crevices of the reef. It is shaped like a top, or turban, and has a thick shell with an irridescent interior. Turbo Snails from the Gulf of California require cooler temperatures. (Snails of the Turbo genus are also called Turban Snails.) It will do well in an aquarium if provided with ample places to hide and large amounts of room in which to graze, preferably with live rock. The Turbo Snail also grazes algae on the glass and is useful in keeping the algae under control in aquariums. Since the Turbo Snail uses calcium to build its shell, adequate calcium levels must be maintained in the home aquarium. It is very sensitive to high levels of copper-based medications and prefers a low nitrate level. If insufficient algae is present, the diet should be supplemented with dried seaweed. Contributed by Dr's Foster and Smiths

Polyp Corals are found in two orders: Stolonifera, which includes star polyps, and Zoanthidae, which includes colonial anemones commonly referred to as sea mats and button polyps. Members of both orders are often referred to as "zoanthids," and most are colonial corals, living in groups. Most of them are extremely hardy, making them ideal candidates for the beginner reef aquarist. Polyp Corals are found throughout the world in tropical and temperate waters, and are common in lagoons, rocky areas, and on coral reefs. Provide Polyp Corals with a medium current, good water conditions, and strong lighting. Polyp Corals benefit from the addition of iodine and trace elements to promote growth and maintain the health of the specimens in an aquarium. Polyp Corals reproduce asexually resulting in miniature replicas of the parent. These mini polyps grow rapidly, increasing the size of the colony. In the reef aquarium, Polyp Corals will grow quickly, spreading onto pieces of live rock and other hard surfaces. Most Polyp Corals will require feedings of meaty food such as brine shrimp or plankton in an aquarium. They receive the remainder of their nutritional needs through the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae which use photosynthesis. Contributed by Dr's Foster and Smiths