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Random Aquarium Topics
| Coral Reefs An Endangered Ecosystem Marine Topics - Conservation Coral reefs are among the world's most fragile and endangered ecosystems. They host an extraordinary variety of marine plants and animals and are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. They are a significant source of food to low-income coastal communities, a source of income and employment through tourism and marine recreation, and offer countless other benefits to humans, including unique chemicals with medicinal properties. Despite this, coral reefs around the world are rapidly being degraded by a number of human activities including over-fishing, coastal development, and the introduction of sewage fertilizer and sediment. Trade in reef species is a strong additional pressure on this already highly threatened ecosystem. |
| Captivating Cardinals Marine Fish - Cardinals  Whilst the coloration and behaviour of this family of fishes could never be regarded as wildly over-the-top in the same as, say, clownfish, they nevertheless have a subdued charm that appeals to the marine fishkeeper. In addition, these are some of the easiest fish to maintain and the newcomer would do well to put the mane of cardinalfish down for consideration if a community of smallish fish is to be the objective. |
| Bristleworms Class: Polychaeta Marine Topics - Marine Pests  Anyone whose hand has ever come into contact with a bristleworm will tell you that they leave fine, barbed hairs embedded in the skin, causing a rash and an irritation somewhat like a nettle. Whilst this may prove a relatively minor inconvenience to the aquarist, bristleworms are not only scavengers but predators which can damage valuable livestock. Particularly prone are those fish that 'lock' themselves into a safe crevice at night e.g. Firefish, as well as a variety of invertebrates such as clams. |
| The Micro Shrimp Tank Marine Invertebrates - Shrimps  Most of my regular readers will already be aware that, on the whole, I do not condone small marine tanks; that is, tanks with a nett volume of less than 20 gallons (91 litres). They are usually very unstable as far as water parameters are concerned and subsequently exert considerable stress on fish and/or invertebrates. They are also extremely restricting for livestock and consequently prone to overstocking, especially where fish are involved. Having said that, there is a way that the marine enthusiast can set-up a 'micro' marine aquarium housing only shrimps! Over recent years, I have been experimenting with 3-5 gallon marine aquaria containing various species of tropical and temperate shrimp and crabs. I am pleased to report that all tanks were successful and no livestock was lost. |
Big Fish for The Marine Aquarium!
One type of marine aquarium never fails to create a stir, the fish-only tank containing BIG fish! The sight of large slices of brightly coloured piscine flesh cruising around an equally spacious aquarium is enough to make anyone's heart beat a little quicker.
The Micro Shrimp Tank
Most of my regular readers will already be aware that, on the whole, I do not condone small marine tanks; that is, tanks with a nett volume of less than 20 gallons (91 litres). They are usually very unstable as far as water parameters are concerned and subsequently exert...
