Invertebrates
Coralscience.org is building a mesophotic reef system
Tim Wijgerde et al. are starting a very interesting project at Coralscience.org: they are building a low light reef tank (modelling “mesophotic” reef system) using equipment and foods available to all aquarists. I’m sure we “hobbyists” can learn and benefit from this work by marine scientists. Read all about it here. »
Special Diseases of Aquatic Organisms journal issue: The Role of Environment and Microorganisms in Diseases of Corals
A special issue of Diseases of Aquatic Organisms titled “The Role of Environment and Microorganisms in Diseases of Corals” has been published online. And the best part is that all articles are Open Access! From the title page: “This DAO Special contains papers based on presentations made at the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium (2008,... »
Latest additions
Last week I received an animal shipment from Mrutzek Meeresaquaristik. Once again, Mrutzek Meeresaquaristik provided excellent service, something that is unfortunately not common in EU online shops. All animals were in good condition although the Colopometra sp. crinoid was understandably damaged during the shipment. I’m happy to report that it is already recovering fast, I can... »
Spongeguide.org
Sponges are one of the more beneficial invertebrates for reef aquariums due to their great ability to filter DOM and bacteria out of the water. Plus they are colorful, have interesting shapes and many have modest husbandry requirements if properly fed. A new guide for Caribbean sponges is available at spongeguide.org. They have more... »
Fantastic example how complicated our aquariums can be
I just found this paper while searching for something completely different but what a gem it was! Selden et al. Waterborne cues from crabs induce thicker skeletons, smaller gonads and size-specific changes in growth rate in sea urchins. Marine biology (2009) vol. 156 (5) pp. 1057-1071 Indirect predator-induced effects on growth, morphology and reproduction... »
Lysmata sp. and complete color change
I have never seen anything like this. I bought the shrimp pictured as a common Lysmata sp. with a dull red stripes. Two shrimp were purchased to take care of the growing Aiptasia population. As it so often happens with these type of Lysmata shrimp, I never saw the shrimps after introducing them into... »