Fresh tank tips from the algaebarn blog
These days, it seems that most marine aquarists are reef aquarists. And reef aquaria almost always house one or more tangs. This should seem reasonable enough, as representatives of this sizeable fish family (Acanthuridae) are found in abundance in pretty much every shallow water coral reef ecosystem on Earth. But their strong presence in the …
Captive Bred Fish
Aquacultured fish are adapted to survive certain rigors of captivity. Cultured animals, for example, can better withstand the instability of newly set up aquaria. Using exclusively aquacultured livestock leads to a lower overall livestock mortality rate as well as a more carefree fishkeeping experience. With a happier hobby and healthier natural reef environments, captive bred fish are a win-win!
A Big Year for Captive Bred Fish!
Hobbyists, vendors, fish breeders and, of course, the fishes are all cheering on this year’s developments in saltwater aquarium fish aquaculture. We really can say that the last five or six have been extraordinary; it’s been a nice, long winning streak where we saw more new families of fish commercially cultured than we used to …
A Classic Improved: Aquacultured Yellow Tangs
There is hardly a more iconic saltwater aquarium fish than yellow tangs (Zebrasoma flavescens). We can just start out by stating the obvious; it is a real stand-out. Nothing “pops” like the bright yellow blaze of this species. Its highly laterally compressed body and pronounced snout give it an undeniably exotic, “marine” appearance. Boldly pigmented …
Mandarin Dragonets for Beginners
By Nathan Peel – 2018 Writers contest award recipient! The Mandarin dragonet (also known as the mandarin goby), is the arguably the most beautiful saltwater fish, which catches the eye of both experienced and beginner hobbyist. If you have done any research on these fish you would find that most people would agree they are …
Is There Really a Difference Between Wild-Caught and Aquacultured Marine Aquarium Livestock?
Is There Really a Difference Between Wild-Caught and Aquacultured Marine Aquarium Livestock? These days, when it comes to aquarium livestock, marine aquarists are inundated with choice. Of course, a good deal of thought typically goes into the kinds of animals we will keep. Choice of animal species is certainly important; this not only determines the …
Enhancing the Diet of Captive Marine Animals with Live Brine Shrimp
The marine aquarium hobby looks little like it did when it first became popularized decades ago. Nowadays, it might seem as though a new fad emerges every month. Yet, a few things seem to never change. One such undying custom is the use of brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) as a food for aquarium fish—freshwater and …
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Feeding the Mandarin Fish with a Mix of Live and Prepared Foods
For so many aquarists, the green mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus) is a must-have species. Its endearing personality, exquisite finnage and intense coloration rarely fail to impress. Given these highly desirable traits, it has for long been among the most popular marine aquarium fishes. Thus, many thousands of specimens of this species are sold in the ornamental …
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Mandarin Goby Fish Care | Using Copepods to keep a Mandarin Dragonet
Mandarin Goby Fish Care 101: Foods and feeding are the foremost concern for any aquarist wishing to keep a green mandarin fish (Synchiropus splendidus). Most critical in the diet of a mandarin is (1) constant availability of feeding opportunities and (2) food sources that are varied but primarily consist of enriched pods. If you get …
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A Look at the Aiptasia-Eating Filefish (Acreichthys tomentosus)
Nuisance algae is such a common irritant to marine aquarists that any mention of the words “aquarium plague” can immediately bring to mind visages of brown films and stringy green stuff. There are, however, some animal pest species that can quickly reach plague proportions in population size and create a crisis in terms of aggression/predation …
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Bizarre and Beautiful: The Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
Marine aquarists have always been fascinated with seahorses. These strange animals do make for interesting aquarium subjects. With their erect posture, rigid body, prehensile tail and their odd but clearly deliberate movement, they are unlike all other fishes. However, not all types of marine aquaria are right for seahorses. And, not all seahorse species have …
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Petite and Pretty: A Look at the Neon Goby (Elacatinus spp.)
If there was ever a group of fishes that was just about perfect for keeping in marine aquaria it is the neon gobies. These creatures are small, colorful, active and carry out some interesting and rather valuable duties. In addition to all that, they are extremely hardy and easy to care for. The common name …
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A Look at the Blue Tang
Even before that well-known cartoon character of the same species was conceived, the blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) was extremely popular in the marine aquarium hobby and, therefore, important in the ornamental fish industry. Whether one keeps true “fish tanks” (such as fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLER) systems) or full-blown reef aquaria, it usually isn’t too long before this …
Mixed Microalgal Feeds for a Balanced Nutrition
Primary producers—those organisms (e.g. plants such as algae) that build new biomass from inorganic sources of energy—form the very base of all food chains. They are of most obvious importance to herbivores. But, of course, without producing the material upon which herbivores feed, nothing else down the chain could exist. And the dependence of carnivores …
Keeping and Feeding the Mandarin Fishes
Mandarins are undoubtedly among the most popular of all marine aquarium fishes. Conspicuous for their small size, they have an endearing habit of demurely hopping over the aquarium bottom. They have rather long, elegant fins. But, arguably, their most striking feature is their gorgeous body coloration and patterns. These attributes make them downright irresistible to …
Aquariums: The New Medicine
You enter the waiting room of your doctor’s office and you know she’s not going to be happy about your blood pressure or weight gain. Your palms start to sweat as you try to think of excuses for your lack of exercise and bad eating habits. As your pulse quickens, you look over to the …
The Lovely Mandarin
Salt water aquariums can house some of the most beautiful fish. It is a hypnotic experience to watch these creatures move through their underwater world with such grace and beauty. Among the many beautiful fish that are popular aquarium dwellers, the Mandarin goby is one of the most dazzling. The Mandarin fish is also known …
The Mighty Copepod
When thinking about crustaceans many creatures come to mind like shrimp or lobster. And while your mind may be wandering toward an all you can eat buffet, there is another type of crustacean that isn’t so tasty to humans, but boy do the fish love them. I speak of the mighty (and tiny) copepod. Copepod …
Sustainable Aquariums
What are Sustainable Aquariums? An aquarium is a cornerstone of many homes and apartments, but how often have you come home to find your fish floating belly up? Whether the kids forgot to feed them or neglected to change the water filter, the bottom line is it’s time to go out and get a few …
Feeding Fish Copepods
Feeding Fish Copepods If you are buying aquarium phytoplankton or copepods, consider why you’re making that choice. Why that over more traditional dried fish food or other options? It turns out that feeding fish copepods helps to boost their immune system and promotes a healthy fish tank. Since the fish immune system isn’t as advanced …
Buy Phytoplankton Fish Food
Buying phytoplankton fish food Phytoplankton are at the base of the food chain. They are small, microscopic plants that live in the ocean. There are a few different kinds, such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria. These single celled photosynthetic organisms can be put into aquariums as fresh fish food. While the stores sell phytoplankton fish …