Aquatic Concepts

The Coral Banded Shrimp is a highly effective scavenger, which helps to keep the aquarium clean of uneaten debris. It is also reported that these shrimp will clean parasites from fish and eat bristleworms; both of these traits make this animal very desirable for the reef aquarium. Shrimp require Live Rock or similar aquarium decoration to use for hiding, especially when molting. This species must molt in order to grow. Molting generally occurs at night, the shrimp will lay on its back and exit its exoskeleton. A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours. The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed. The shed exoskeleton will often look complete and may fool you into thinking you gained a new shrimp.

Cleaner Shrimp is also known as the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, this shrimp is a highly effective scavenger. Cleaner Shrimp help to keep the aquarium clean of uneaten debris. It is also well documented that these shrimp are able to clean parasites from fish and eat aiptasia anemones. These cleaning duties make these shrimps very desirable as members for the reef community. They are generally tolerant of others of their species in the same aquarium. All shrimp require Live Rock or similar aquarium decoration to use for hiding, especially when molting. This species must molt in order to grow.

Peppermint Shrimp is a highly effective scavenger, which helps to keep the aquarium clean of uneaten debris. It is also well documented that these shrimp are able to clean parasites from fish and eat aiptasia anemones. These cleaning duties make these shrimps very desirable as members for the reef community. They are generally tolerant of others of their species in the same aquarium.

Red Leg Reef Hermit crab is also known as a Dwarf Red and Equal-Handed Hermit Crab. Their diet is limited to algae and uneaten foods. Hermit Crabs will spend their time climbing across Live Rock and the substrate in search of their next meal. This species must molt in order to grow. Generally at night, it will leave its shell home, lay on its back, and exit its exoskeleton. A new exoskeleton is excreted and will harden over a period of several hours. The animal is vulnerable at this time and should not be disturbed. It is suggested that plenty of empty shells be available in the aquarium the crabs are to be housed in so they can trade up to new shells as needed.

Emerald Crabs is also known as a Mithrax, Clinging, or Green Crab. They are excellent scavengers of uneaten food, preferring to search primarily at night. The emerald crab will also consume Valonia and Ventricaria species of bubble algae. Emerald crabs make an excellent addition to the reef aquarium.

Purple Condylactis will tolerate (although not thrive in) less-than perfect water, it is a common starter anemone for the reef aquarist looking for a first anemone aquarium addition. The term "starter" should not be construed as "easy to care for." Anemones require a strong lighting setup and will wither and fail with anything less. Low dissolved organic matter will help its overall health, so the use of a protein skimmer is recommended. High Nitrate levels will likely lead to its demise. The Condylactis can be a good reef inhabitant if it finds a spot it prefers where it is out of reach of corals that it will sting and injure. Some specimens may choose to roam and may cause damage.