Aquarium Maintenance Service and Sales
Fish
Marine Invertebrate
Nov 4th
Cliona vastifica
(HANCOCK 1849)
N/A
Common Names: Boring sponge, red ball sponge
Phylum: Porifera (Sponges)
Class: N/A
Subclass: N/A
Order: Hadromerida
Family: Clionaidae
Range: Mainly found in western Pacific waters, e.g., Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia, yet also found in other areas, e.g., Panama, Egypt, Jordan, France, Norway, and Portugal
Natural Environment: Species in this genus are mostly called “boring sponges” due to their ability to attach themselves to calcium carbonate substrates, such as live rock, shells, and coral skeletons. They use an acidic secretion to dissolve the limestone and, in doing so, cr
Captive Care: This is a filter-feeding animal that requires excellent water movement. As with most sponges, they should be kept in systems that are normally somewhat nutrient rich or those that can be fed heavily without creating growths of unwanted algae. Trace elements and other liquid-based products made specially to enhance the nutrition of filter-feeding animals should also be used per manufacturer instructions. Furthermore, the outer surface of the sponge should either be vacuumed or have its surface cleaned with a turkey baster to blow off any accumulating detritus or sand particles. Without a clean surface, the sponge is unable to draw nutrients into its body—essentially a collection of cells forming a cavity, which the filtered water exits from. Even though it prefers nutrient-rich surroundings, it will not tolerate algae growth, as that blocks the uptake of nutrients. Keep in mind that, although sponges are multicellular creatures like most other animals, they do not possess nervous, digestive, or excretory systems, and most feed by filtering suspended bacteria and fine detritus. Strong water movement is necessary for almost all sponges, not only for carrying food to these sessile creatures but also to carry waste/unused matter away. In fact, a sponge the size of a baseball can filter 50 gallons of water per hour! Sponges have both sexual and asexual components in their lifecycles. For the sexual component, each sponge has both male and female reproductive capabilities. For asexual reproduction in an aquarium setting, cutting a piece from the healthy tissue and simply relocating it to another suitable area can form a new colony. Bear in mind that the new specimen should not be exposed to air during this procedure (nor at any time), as that may kill it. In fact, when purchasing new specimens, they should be bagged under water, not simply lifted out of the water. Nor should any air be in the bag, as it may become trapped in the animal’s tissue while being transported and lead to its early demise. Furthermore, even though they are not too sensitive to temperature changes, sudden changes in salinity may have drastic effects. Should this sponge contain any gray or white tissue, which is no doubt dying or dead, beware, as the entire specimen could deteriorate quite quickly. Nevertheless, if not overly damaged and still desired, it’s possible to cut such dead areas out without harming adjacent tissue (the sponge, again, should be kept underwater during the process). Generally, almost all sponges are difficult to maintain long term, and this beautiful species is no different. It should be kept in systems designed to meet its needs, not simply as a colorful addition to a new reef tank—or even that of a thriving reef system if its nutritional needs cannot be met. Their long-term survival rate in closed systems is highly questionable, and if its requirements cannot be fulfilled, it’s better left in the wild or, at least, the dealer’s system. Sponges are especially poor selections for newly established aquaria, as the necessary organic matter and/or bacterial content are not yet adequate for their long-term survival.
Water Quality Requirements: Calcium 380 to 430 mg/l, alkalinity 2.5 to 3.0 meq/l, pH 8.1 to 8.2, specific gravity 1.024 to 1.026, Mg approx. 1300 mg/l, nitrate >15 mg/l, phosphate < .015 mg/l, and a temperature range of 72° to 83°F.
The Good Goldfish Guide – Moors and Globe-eyes
Oct 30th
Chris Ralph and Arthur Marshall look at the Moor and the Globe-eye in their series on selecting show-quality goldfish.
let’s compare the Globe-eye goldfish with the Broadtail moor:
The Broadtail moor
The Broadtail moor as we know it today was developed by members of the Goldfish Society of Great Britain over many years.
A number of so-called “moors” are available in the trade, including the fantail and butterfly, but none match the standard of the true Broadtail moor which has been considered the height of fancy goldfish perfection for a long time.
Ensuring that your stock maintains its true jet-black coloration has always been the main goal. The true Broadtail Moor also has globe eyes, a feature which has been perfected over many years – achieved by out-crossing two other species of globe eyed fancy goldfish.
The Globe-eye
This particular fish in its present form shows nacreous (calico) coloration. There are also metallic forms of this fish available to the hobbyist. This fancy variety is very rarely seen at the various open shows that are held throughout the country. This fish is the the emblem for the GSGB.
As with a few other varieties the interest seems to have waned in recent years, with the majority of Globe-eyes offered for sale from imported stock (this does not include the Broadtail moor).
Unfortunately unless more fishkeepers are prepared to devote some time to breeding this fish, the numbers will get smaller.
In the USA Globe-eyes are referred to as Telescope-eyes. This particular variety was first seen in the UK in the mid-1920′s.
There are of course some Veiltail forms which exhibit the globe eye feature as well. This latter form was developed over many years by enthusiasts within the GSGB.
As with most other varieties of fancy goldfish both the Broadtail moor and the Globe-eye thrive on a mixed and varied diet that includes good quality flake, pellets, earthworms and other live/frozen foods such as bloodworm and daphnia. Live aquatic plants are also another good source of food.
Both these varieties are ideally suited to a large aquarium, with sufficient space. A standard 24″/60cm aquarium would be suitable for three fish only.
By providing these fish with the correct living conditions they will give many years of pleasure.
Goldfish Standards
Within the Goldfish Society Standards the Broadtail moor and the Globe-eye can be found in “group three” along with the Veiltail, Oranda and Redcap. The standards include descriptions for each of the goldfish varieties and include a “type test” for each one.
The type test for the Broadtail moor is as follows:
> The depth of body should be greater than 2/3 body length.
> The eyes should be projecting from the surface of the head.
> The dorsal fin should be single, all other fins paired with the caudal fin divided.
> The trailing edge of the caudal fin should have no apparent fork or pointed lobes.
> Minimum length of the caudal fin should be 3/4 body length.
> The extremities of the other fins should have a rounded appearance
> Minimum length of body should be 21/4″/55mm.
Any fish that fail the type test would be severely downpointed at a show, while deformities and major defects may result in disqualification of that fish. The fish should be bright and alert with the dorsal fin carried erect.
The eyes should be prominent with good development and be well matched. The body should be short with a smooth outline. The caudal fin should be well divided.
A good quality fish will show jet-black coloration only with no trace of brown or silver.
The type test for the Globe-Eye is as follows:
> The depth of body should be greater than 2/3 body length.
> The eyes should be projecting from the surface of the head.
> The dorsal fin should be single, all other fins paired with the caudal fin divided.
> The trailing edge of the caudal fin should have a fork, 1/4″-3/8″.
> The minimum length of the caudal fin should be 3/4 of the body length.
> The extremities of the fins should have a pointed appearance.
Any fish that fail the type test would be severely downpointed at a show, while deformities and major defects may result in the disqualification of that fish. The fish should be bright and alert with the dorsal fin carried erect.
The body should be short with a smooth outline. The caudal fin should be well divided. The eyes should be prominent with good development and be well matched.
A good quality fish will have high colour intensity extending into the fins.
Nudibranch
Oct 28th
Florida regal goddess nudibranch
Photograph courtesy Gary’s Reef Marine Sanctuary/NOAA
Nudibranch range
Fast Facts
Type: Invertebrate
Diet: Carnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: Up to 1 year
Size: 0.25 to 12 in (6 mm to 31 cm)
Weight: Up to 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Did you know? Some nudibranchs are solar-powered, storing algae in their outer tissues and living off the sugars produced by the algae’s photosynthesis.
The bottom-dwelling, jelly-bodied nudibranch (NEW-dih-bronk) might seem an unlikely canvas for Mother Nature to express her wildest indulgences of color and form. But these shell-less mollusks, part of the sea slug family, bear some of the most fascinating shapes, sumptuous hues, and intricate patterns of any animal on Earth.
There are more than 3,000 known species of nudibranch, and new ones are being identified almost daily. They are found throughout the word’s oceans, but are most abundant in shallow, tropical waters. Their scientific name, Nudibranchia, means naked gills, and describes the feathery gills and horns that most wear on their backs.
Generally oblong in shape, nudibranchs can be thick or flattened, long or short, ornately colored or drab to match their surroundings. They can grow as small as 0.25 inch (6 millimeters) or as large as 12 inches (31 centimeters) long.
They are carnivores that slowly ply their range grazing on algae, sponges, anemones, corals, barnacles, and even other nudibranchs. To identify prey, they have two highly sensitive tentacles, called rhinophores, located on top of their heads. Nudibranchs derive their coloring from the food they eat, which helps in camouflage, and some even retain the foul-tasting poisons of their prey and secrete them as a defense against predators.
Nudibranchs are simultaneous hermaphrodites, and can mate with any other mature member of their species. Their lifespan varies widely, with some living less than a month, and others living up to one year.
A small piece of our world in the 2nd Largest Aquarium
Oct 26th
| Built Area | approx.10,000m² |
|---|---|
| Total Area | approx.19,000m² |
| Building Structure | Reinforced-concrete, 4-stories high |
| Aquarium Size | Total water quantity 10,000m³ |
| The Largest Tank | Kuroshio Sea 7,500m³ |
| Total Number of Tanks | 77 |
| Water System | Seawater is taken from 350m off shore, at a depth of 20m. |
| Maximum Water Intake Rate | 3,000m³/ h |
| Water Intake Method | Intake Pipe |
| Diameter of Intake Pipe | 1.8m |
| Electric Supply | The Aquarium complex generates its own power( 2000kW) and also uses commercially available electricity( 500 kW ). |
| Filtration System | Closed high-pressure filtration system |
| Intake Water Filters | 3.2m in diameter x 8 units |
 Filter Material |
Polyester fiber |
| Circulating Water Filters | 2.8m – 3m in diameter x 65 units |
| Filter Material |
Silicate sand |
Credits
Video: Jon Rawlinson
Music: “Please Don’t Go” by Barcelona
Location: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan
Created by: The Creator
This is what we’ve been given. What are we going to do with it?
Lionfish
Oct 24th
Although the lionfish is considered a delicacy in certain countries, however, it is prized mostly in the aquarium trade, mainly due to their spectacular looks. There are various types of lionfish available in aquarium stores such as the feathery lionfish, radial lionfish, Fu-Manchu lionfish, dwarf fussy lionfish, dwarf lionfish, and the volitan lionfish. Amongst these, the volitan lionfish is the most popular, and are the ones usually kept.
Coral Reef Formation
Oct 9th
Coral reefs form in shallow water that is at a nice warm temperature. Coral forms near land and in the tropics. They are very rich in life. Clown fish and many other organisms can be found here. Coral reefs are very tall and can stretch for miles. The coral is formed by polyps, and when they die they leave behind a stony limestone structure. Only the coral that are hard can form coral. It is very vulnerable to death. If it is kicked, even slightly, it will most likely die. Coral can also die by turning white. There are three types of coral: fringing coral, barrier coral, and coral atolls. Fringing coral forms along continental shelves and coast lines. Barrier coral runs parallel to the shorelines and are separated by lagoon. Coral atolls grow on top of old sunken volcanoes. Coral reefs are a very important ecosystem. They contain a lot of rich resources such as new medicines. They are very delicate and even a slight temperature change can stress them. Chemicals kill them and can block the needed sunlight out. Coral reefs are usually found in bright colors such as: orange, tan, yellow, purple, and green. Coral reefs will be wiped out very shortly so we really need to protect them.
One of my favorite fish Anostomus
Sep 28th
Anostomus anostomus |
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Image gallery: Distribution
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