Amphibians (class Amphibia; from Greek aµf?? "both" and ß??? "life") are a taxon of animals that include all living tetrapods (four-legged vertebrates) that do not have amniotic eggs, and Wholesale Tropical Fish are ectothermic (term for the animals whose body heat is regulated by the external environment; previously known as cold-blooded), and Wholesale Tropical Fish and generally spend part of their time on land. Most amphibians do not have the adaptations to an entirely terrestrial existence found in most other modern tetrapods (amniotes). There are around 6,000 described, and Wholesale Tropical Fish living species of amphibians. The study of amphibians and reptiles is known as herpetology. Amphibians are able to breathe through their skin.

Contents

1 Classification

2 Systems

o 2.1 Reproductive

3 Conservation

4 Evolutionary history

5 References

6 See also

7 External links

Classification

Systems

Reproductive

Caecilian from the San Antonio zoo

For the purpose of reproduction most amphibians are bound to fresh water. A few tolerate brackish water, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but there are no true seawater amphibians. Several hundred frog species in adaptive radiations (e.g., and Wholesale Tropical Fish Eleutherodactylus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Pacific Platymantines, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Australo-Papuan microhylids, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and many other tropical frogs), and Wholesale Tropical Fish however, and Wholesale Tropical Fish do not need any water whatsoever. They reproduce via direct development, and Wholesale Tropical Fish an ecological and evolutionary adaptation that has allowed them to be completely independent from free-standing water. Almost all of these frogs live in wet tropical rainforests and their eggs hatch directly into miniature versions of the adult, and Wholesale Tropical Fish passing through the tadpole stage within the egg. Several species have also adapted to arid and semi-arid environments, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but most of them still need water to lay their eggs. Symbiosis with single celled algae that lives in the jelly-like layer of the eggs has evolved several times. The larvae (tadpoles or polliwogs) breathe with exterior gills. After hatching, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they start to transform gradually into the adult's appearance. This process is called metamorphosis. Typically, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the animals then leave the water and become terrestrial adults, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but there are many interesting exceptions to this general way of reproduction.

The most obvious part of the amphibian metamorphosis is the formation of four legs in order to support the body on land. But there are several other changes:

The gills are replaced by other respiratory organs, and Wholesale Tropical Fish i.e., and Wholesale Tropical Fish lungs.

The skin changes and develops glands to avoid dehydration.

The eyes develop eyelids and adapt to vision outside the water.

An eardrum is developed to lock the middle ear.

In frogs and toads, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the tail disappears.

Conservation

Decline in amphibian populations

The Golden Toad of Monteverde, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Costa Rica was among the first casualties of amphibian declines. Formerly abundant, and Wholesale Tropical Fish it was last seen in 1989.

Dramatic declines in amphibian populations, and Wholesale Tropical Fish including population crashes and mass localized extinction, and Wholesale Tropical Fish have been noted in the past two decades from locations all over the world, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and amphibian declines are thus perceived as one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity. A number of causes are believed to be involved, and Wholesale Tropical Fish including habitat destruction and modification, and Wholesale Tropical Fish over-exploitation, and Wholesale Tropical Fish pollution, and Wholesale Tropical Fish introduced species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish climate change, and Wholesale Tropical Fish destruction of the ozone layer (ultraviolet radiation has shown to be especially damaging to the skin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish eyes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and eggs of amphibians), and Wholesale Tropical Fish and diseases like chytridiomycosis. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish many of the causes of amphibian declines are still poorly understood, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and amphibian declines are currently a topic of much ongoing research.

Evolutionary history

The first major groups of amphibians developed in the Devonian Period from fishes similar to the modern coelocanth where the fins had evolved into legs. These amphibians were around five meters long in length, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which is rare now except for some species of Japanese Salamander. The land was safe as the giant fishes and sharks in the ocean could not come onto land. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish there were two problems with living out their entire lives on land. Primarily, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the food that these amphibians consumed was in the water, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but also at this point the skin on most of these amphibians was not water-tight.

In the Carboniferous Period, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the amphibians moved up in the food chain and began to occupy the ecological position where we now find crocodiles. These amphibians were notable for eating the mega-insects on land and many types of fishes in the water. Towards the end of the Permian Period and the Triassic Period, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the amphibians started having competition with proto-crocodiles which led to their drop in size in the temperate zones or leaving for the poles. (Amphibians were able to hibernate during the winter whereas crocodiles could not, and Wholesale Tropical Fish allowing the amphibians in higher latitudes protection from the reptiles.)

The modern mudskipper provides a rough glimpse into the kind of lifestyle and adaptations that proto-amphibians may have taken.[citation needed] (Mudskippers are not closely related to coelocanths.)

This short section requires expansion.

Chytridiomycosis

Fishapods

Frog zoology

List of amphibians by region

Prehistoric amphibian

Sleep in nonhumans

Tetrapod

Marine mammal

A Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), and Wholesale Tropical Fish a member of Order Cetacea

A Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), and Wholesale Tropical Fish a member of infrafamily Pinnipedia

A West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), and Wholesale Tropical Fish a member of Order Sirenia

A pair of Sea Otters (Enhydra lutris), and Wholesale Tropical Fish a member of family Mustelidae

A Polar bear (Ursus maritimus), and Wholesale Tropical Fish a member of family Ursidae

A marine mammal is a mammal that is primarily ocean-dwelling or depends on the ocean for its food. Mammals originally evolved on land, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but later marine mammals evolved to live back in the ocean.

There are five groups of marine mammals:

1. Order Sirenia: the manatee, and Wholesale Tropical Fish dugong.

2. Order Carnivora, and Wholesale Tropical Fish family Ursidae: the polar bear

3. Order Carnivora, and Wholesale Tropical Fish superfamily Pinnipedia: the seal, and Wholesale Tropical Fish sea lion, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and walrus

4. Order Carnivora, and Wholesale Tropical Fish family Mustelidae: the Sea Otter and Marine Otter

5. Order Cetacea: the whale, and Wholesale Tropical Fish dolphin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and porpoise

Since different groups of marine mammals originate from different ancestors, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this is a case of convergent evolution.

Since mammals originally evolved on land, and Wholesale Tropical Fish their spines are optimized for running, and Wholesale Tropical Fish allowing for up-and-down but only little sideways motion. Therefore, and Wholesale Tropical Fish marine mammals typically swim by moving their spine up and down. By contrast, and Wholesale Tropical Fish fish normally swim by moving their spine sideways. For this reason, and Wholesale Tropical Fish fish mostly have vertical caudal (tail) fins, and Wholesale Tropical Fish while marine mammals have horizontal caudal fins.

Some of the primary differences between marine mammals and other marine life are:

Marine mammals breathe air, and Wholesale Tropical Fish while most other marine animals extract oxygen from water.

Marine mammals have hair. Cetaceans have little or no hair, and Wholesale Tropical Fish usually a very few bristles retained around the head or mouth. All members of the Carnivora have a coat of fur or hair, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but it is far thicker and more important for thermoregulation in Sea Otters and Polar Bears than in seals or sea lions. Thick layers of fur contribute to drag while swimming, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and slow down a swimming mammal, and Wholesale Tropical Fish giving it a disadvantage in speed.

Marine mammals have thick layers of blubber used to insulate their bodies and prevent heat loss. Sea Otters and Polar Bears are exceptions, and Wholesale Tropical Fish relying more on fur and behavior to stave off hypothermia.

Marine mammals give live birth. Most marine mammals only give birth to one calf or pup at a time, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and are never able to birth twins or larger litters.

Marine mammals feed off milk as young. Maternal care is extremely important to the survival of offspring that need to develop a thick insulating layer of blubber. The milk from the mammary glands of marine mammals often exceeds 40-50% fat content to support the development of blubber in the young.

Marine mammals maintain a high internal body temperature. Unlike most other marine life, and Wholesale Tropical Fish marine mammals carefully maintain a core temperature much higher than their environment. Blubber, and Wholesale Tropical Fish thick coats of fur, and Wholesale Tropical Fish bubbles of air between skin and water, and Wholesale Tropical Fish countercurrent exchange, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and behaviors such as hauling out, and Wholesale Tropical Fish are all adaptations that aid marine mammals in retention of body heat.

The polar bear spends a large portion of its time in a marine environment, and Wholesale Tropical Fish albeit a frozen one. When it does swim in the open sea it is extremely proficient and has been shown to cover 74 km in a day. For these reasons, and Wholesale Tropical Fish some scientists regard it as a marine mammal.

Aquarium (disambiguation)

An aquarium is:

A vivarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish usually contained in a clear-sided container (typically constructed of glass or high-strength plastic) in which water-dwelling plants and animals (usually fish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and sometimes invertebrates, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as well as amphibians, and Wholesale Tropical Fish marine mammals, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and reptiles) are kept in captivity, and Wholesale Tropical Fish often for public display (see Public aquarium);

An establishment featuring such displays in which water-dwelling plants and animals (usually fish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and sometimes invertebrates, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as well as amphibians, and Wholesale Tropical Fish marine mammals, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and reptiles) are kept in captivity, and Wholesale Tropical Fish often for public display.

Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish aquariums, and Wholesale Tropical Fish aquaria may also refer to:

Contents

1 Bands

2 Music

3 Games

4 Other

Bands

Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a Russian musical group

The Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish an American indie rock band

Aquaria (band), and Wholesale Tropical Fish a symphonic power metal band from Rio de Janeiro, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Brazil

Music

Aquarium is the seventh movement of the The Carnival of the Animals by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Aquarium has been used in several movies and television shows.

Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish an album by the Danish pop-dance group Aqua

Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish an album by the German electronic music group Naomi

Games

Aquaria, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a PC game under development by Bit Blot.

Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a PC game from the nineties where the player would run an aquarium.

Other

Aquaria, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a planet, and Wholesale Tropical Fish one of the Twelve Colonies of Man, and Wholesale Tropical Fish of Kobol featured in the Battlestar Galactica universe

"Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish " a poetrybook by Heinz Polzer, and Wholesale Tropical Fish better known as Drs. P.

Aquarium is also a desktop theme for Windows XP Media Center Edition, and Wholesale Tropical Fish depicting several starfish on a sandy seafloor. It is one of a number of commercial virtual aquariums.

Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a book by Viktor Suvorov

Aquarium Restaurant is a chain of restaurants and theme parks owned by Landry's Restaurants, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Inc., and Wholesale Tropical Fish featuring large indoor aquariums that patrons can view while dining.

Public aquarium

This article is about public establishments that contain aquaria, and Wholesale Tropical Fish for the water containing vivarium see Aquarium.

A 335,000 U.S. gallon (1.3 million litre) aquarium at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California displaying a simulated kelp forest ecosystem

A public aquarium (plural: public aquaria or public aquariums) is the aquatic counterpart of a zoo, and Wholesale Tropical Fish housing aquatic species for viewing. Most public aquaria feature a number of smaller tanks, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as well as those greater in size than could be kept by most any home aquarist. Since the first public aquriums built in in the mid-1800s they have became very popular and their number have dramatically increased. Most modern aquaria focus on conservation issues and educating the public.[1]

Contents

1 History

2 Current public aquaria

3 Logistics

4 See also

5 References

6 External links

History

Various aquaria at the Detroit Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Michigan c.1900, and Wholesale Tropical Fish USA.

The first public aquarium was opened in London Zoo in May 1853; the "Fish House", and Wholesale Tropical Fish as it came to be known, and Wholesale Tropical Fish was constructed much like a greenhouse.[2] P.T. Barnum quickly followed in 1856 with the first American aquarium as part of his established Barnum's American Museum, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which was located on Broadway in New York before it burned down.[2] In 1859, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Aquarial Gardens were founded in Boston.[2] A number of aquaria then sprung out over Europe, and Wholesale Tropical Fish such as the Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris and the Viennese Aquarium Salon (both founded 1860), and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Marine Aquarium Temple as part of the Zoological Garden in Hamburg, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as well as aquariums in Berlin (1869) and Brighton (1872).[2] The oldest American "national aquarium" is the National Aquarium in Washington, and Wholesale Tropical Fish D.C., and Wholesale Tropical Fish founded in 1873. For many years, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago was the largest aquarium in the world, and Wholesale Tropical Fish until the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta opened.

In 2005 the non-profit Georgia Aquarium with more than 8 million US gallons (30,000 m³; 30,000,000 liters) of marine and fresh water, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and more than 100,000 animals of 500 different species opened in Atlanta, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Georgia. The aquarium's notable specimens include whale sharks and beluga whales.

Current public aquaria

Picture of a male Whale Shark at Georgia Aquarium

Modern day aquarium tanks can hold millions of U.S. gallons of water and can house large species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish including dolphins, and Wholesale Tropical Fish sharks or beluga whales. This is accomplished though thick, and Wholesale Tropical Fish clear acrylic glass windows. Aquatic and semiaquatic mammals, and Wholesale Tropical Fish including otters, and Wholesale Tropical Fish [3] and seals [4] are often cared for at aquaria. Some establishments, and Wholesale Tropical Fish such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish have aquatic aviaries.[5][6]

Most aquaria will have special exhibits to entice repeat visitors, and Wholesale Tropical Fish in addition to its permanent collection. A few have their own version of a "petting zoo"; for instance, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Monterey Bay Aquarium has a shallow tank filled with common types of rays, and Wholesale Tropical Fish [7] and one can reach in to feel their smooth skins as they pass by.

Also as with zoos, and Wholesale Tropical Fish aquaria usually have specialized research staff who study the habits and biology of their specimens.

Logistics

Feeding time at the Melbourne Aquarium draws a large crowd

Most public aquaria are located close to the ocean, and Wholesale Tropical Fish for a steady supply of natural seawater. An inland pioneer was Chicago's Shedd Aquarium[8] that received seawater shipped by rail in special tank cars. The early (1911) Philadelphia Aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish built in the city's disused water works, and Wholesale Tropical Fish ironically had to switch to treated city water when the nearby river became too contaminated. [8]Similarly, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the recently opened Georgia Aquarium filled its tanks with fresh water from the city water system and salinated its salt water exhibits using the same commercial salt and mineral additives available to home aquarists.

In January 1985 Kelly Tarlton began construction of the first aquarium to include a large transparent acrylic tunnel in Auckland, and Wholesale Tropical Fish New Zealand, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a task that took 10 months and cost NZ$3 million. The 110-meter tunnel was built from one-tonne slabs of German sheet plastic that were shaped locally in an oven. A moving walkway now transports visitors through, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and groups of school children occasionally hold sleepovers there beneath the swimming sharks and rays.

Top public aquaria are often affiliated with important oceanographic research institutions or conduct their own research programs, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and usually (though not always) specialize in species and ecosystems that can be found in local waters. For example, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver, and Wholesale Tropical Fish BC is a major center for marine research, and Wholesale Tropical Fish conservation, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and marine animal rehabilitation, and Wholesale Tropical Fish particularly for the rich ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest.[9]

List of marine aquarium fish species

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The following is a list of marine aquarium fish species commonly available in the aquarium trade. It is not a completely comprehensive list; certain rare specimens may sometimes be available commercially yet not be listed here. A brief section on each, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with additional links is provided.

Contents

1 Angelfish (Large)

2 Angelfish (Dwarf)

3 Anthias

4 Bass & Groupers

5 Basslets & Assessors

6 Batfish

7 Blennies

8 Boxfish & Pufferfish

9 Butterflyfish

10 Cardinalfish

11 Chromis

12 Clownfish

13 Damsels

14 Dragonets

15 Eels

16 Filefish

17 Foxface

18 Gobies

19 Hawkfish

20 Hogfish

21 Jawfish

22 Lionfish

23 Pipefish

24 Pseudochromis

25 Rabbitfish

26 Rays

27 Seahorse

28 Squirrelfish

29 Tangs

30 Tilefish

31 Triggerfish

32 Wrasse

33 See also

34 References

Angelfish (Large)

These big beauties are luridly coloured and very interesting to watch, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but not for the faint hearted aquarist. They need large aquariums and should not be kept in groups. Two angels might be kept in the same aquarium provided it is a large aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they are properly acclimated as juveniles, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and they are have very different colouring and body shape. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish because all Angelfish have essentially the same diet, and Wholesale Tropical Fish mixing them is a feat that should be left to only advanced keepers. None are reef safe, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and a potential owner should be aware that they need to have plenty of vegetable matter in their diet. They undergo major changes in colouration while maturing, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and unless specified given descriptions are for adult specimens.

H. ciliaris

P. semicirculatus

P. imperator

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description Max Size

Bellus Angelfish Genicanthus bellus Yes Moderate Light blue all over. Exhibits strong sexual dimorphism- females have wide black bands, and Wholesale Tropical Fish males' bands are orange. 18cm (7")

Blue Angelfish Holacanthus bermudensis No Moderate Blue Angelfish has an overall aqua hue with a yellow shimmer and yellow edges on the fins and scales. The Blue Angelfish does not have the striking blue crown or other blue highlights of the Queen Angelfish. 45cm (18")

Cortez Angelfish Pomacanthus zonipectus No Moderate Darkly hued with yellow stripes. 46cm (18")

Emperor Angelfish Pomacanthus imperator No Moderate Juveniles are black with blue-white spiraling; Adults are blue with yellow stripes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish accented with white and black and a blue mask. 40cm (16")

French Angelfish Pomacanthus paru No Difficult Juveniles are black with 3 yellow vertically running stripes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish may also display blue on pelvic fins. Adults lard black with white vertical stripes. 41cm (16")

Gray Angelfish Pomacanthus arcuatus No Easy to Moderate Light grey with dark spots and bluish/grey mask over face. Closely related to French Angelfish. 60cm (26")

Half-Moon Angelfish Pomacanthus maculosus No Easy Blue with yellow splotch-like marking on side. 50cm (20")

Koran Angelfish Pomacanthus semicirculatus No Moderate Grey towards the face, and Wholesale Tropical Fish becoming a navy blue towards the caudal fin with striking irridescent blue accents throughout. 40cm (15")

Majestic Angelfish Pomacanthus navarchus No Difficult Yellow sides and back, and Wholesale Tropical Fish transitioning to blue towards the base of the caudal fin and face, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with a bright blue streak across the chin. 28cm (11")

Passer (King) Angelfish Holacanthus passer No Moderate Very dark blue with yellow caudal fin and distinctive white stripe. 36cm (14")

Queen Angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris No Moderate Tan coloured with bright orange caudal fin and neon blue outlined fins. 45cm (17")

Royal Angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus No Expert Orange and blue striped with dark blue dorsal fin and lemon yellow caudal fin. 25cm (10")

Japanese Swallow Angelfish Genicanthus semifasciatus Yes Moderate Black and tan striped back with yellow blaze beginning at the mouth and tapering off towards the centre of the side, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with light blueish grey underside. Has distinctively shaped tail resembling that of a swallow. 21cm (8")

Angelfish (Dwarf)

Although Dwarf Angelfish are smaller and generally more manageable than their larger counterparts, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they still have some specific care requirements. They are omnivores, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but plenty of vegetable matter, and Wholesale Tropical Fish preferably in the form of macroalgae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish should be provided for their grazing pleasure. Their suitability for reef tanks is hotly debated, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so add at your own risk. The only possible exception to this is the Flame Angelfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which is generally considered safe. However, and Wholesale Tropical Fish for obvious reasons it should not be put into tanks with expensive decorative macroalgae.

Flame Angelfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a popular aquarium species.

Coral Beauty Angelfish

Lemonpeel Angelfish.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Coral beauty Angelfish Centropyge bispinosus With Caution Easy to Moderate Reddish body with blue back and orange fins. Max size 10 cm (4")

Eibli Angelfish Centropyge eibli With Caution Easy to Moderate Tan coloured body with vertical brown stripes and large distinctive black splotch covering the back of the fish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish including the caudal fin. Max size 15 cm (6")

Flame Angelfish Centropyge loricula Yes Easy to Moderate Vivid orange-red with vertical black stripes and blue patches toward the end of the dorsal and anal fins. Max size 15 cm (6").

Orange-back Angelfish Centropyge acanthops With Caution Moderate Dark blue with golden yellow blaze running from the face down the dorsal fin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with a colourless caudal fin. Max size 8 cm (3").

Half-black Angelfish Centropyge vroliki With Caution Difficult Anterior is gray to pearly white with orange accent around eye, and Wholesale Tropical Fish posterior is deep black. Max size 12 cm (4")

Herald's Angelfish Centropyge heraldi With Caution Moderate Completely lemon yellow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with a brown marking around the eye. Max size 10 cm (4")

Lemonpeel Angelfish Centropyge flavissima With Caution Difficult Bright yellow with distinctive dark semicircle by operculum. Max size 14 cm (5")

Barred Angelfish Centropyge multifasciata With Caution Difficult White fish with vertical black stripes. (Or is it a black fish with vertical white stripes?) Max size 12 cm (4").

Potter's Angelfish Centropyge potteri With Caution Easy to Moderate Similarly coloured to the Coral Beauty, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with a blue body and reddish fins. Max size 10 cm (4")

Pygmy (Cherub) Angelfish Centropyge argi With Caution Moderate Blue colored body with an orange yellow head. Max size 8 cm (3").

Rusty Angelfish Centropyge ferrugata With Caution Difficult Tan coloured body with dark spots and a reddish tint around the anal fin. Max size 10 cm (4").

Anthias

Although Anthias resemble damsels in shape and size, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the two should never be confused. Where damsels are the goats of the Saltwater world, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Anthias (also called "Fairy Basslets") are finicky and many starve to death in captivity. In the wild, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they eat zooplankton, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and will not accept anything but in the aquarium. They also need to be fed nearly constantly, and Wholesale Tropical Fish three times a day at least. The best way to ensure the health and longevity of an Anthias is to attach a refugium where you can grow copepods to "drip" into the display tank. Unlike many other saltwater aquarium inhabitants, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they can be kept in groups.

Lyretail Anthias

Squareback Anthias

Male Yellowstripe Anthias

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Bartlett's anthias Pseudanthias bartlettorum Yes Difficult Back and face light yellow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish underside pink with a swallowtail-shaped caudal fin. Max size 9 cm (3").

Bicolor Anthias Pseudanthias bicolor Yes Difficult Similarly shaped and coloured to Bartlett's Anthias, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with a slightly more rounded back. Max size 13 cm (5").

Cooper's Anthias Pseudanthias cooperi Yes Difficult Orange back and finnage with white patch below the mouth running down toward the anal fin with pink sides. Max size 14 cm (5").

Diadem Anthias Pseudanthias parvirostris Yes Difficult Pink fish with yellow streak on top of head running along the lateral line. Caudal fin is red with yellow tips. Max size 7 cm (2").

Orangehead Anthias Pseudanthias heemstrai Yes Difficult Pink underside with orange back and mask, and Wholesale Tropical Fish dark red splotch on caudal fin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish along with iridescent blue anal and pelvic fins. Max size 13 cm (5").

Redbar Anthias Pseudanthias rubrizonatus Yes Difficult Tannish-pink with a single vertical red stripe and a dorsal fin with the skin between the rays pulled back like on a lionfish. Max size 12 cm (4").

Lyretail Anthias Pseudanthias squamipinnis Yes Difficult Also known as Sea Goldie. Orange with lyre-shaped caudal fin. Max size 15 cm (6").

Squareback anthias Pseudanthias pleurotaenia Yes Difficult Red back and pink underside with distinctive blue square shaped marking and blue fins. Max size 20 cm (7").

Stocky Anthias Pseudanthias hypselosoma Yes Difficult Orange back with cream colored underside. As its name suggests, and Wholesale Tropical Fish slightly stockier than other Anthias. Max size 19 cm (7").

Threadfin Anthias Pseudanthias huchtii Yes Difficult Olive green with black caudal fin and red stripe running from the eye to the pectoral fin. Max size 12 cm (4").

Bass & Groupers

In this exceedingly large group of fish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish few are considered proper aquarium inhabitants, and Wholesale Tropical Fish for various reasons including diet and size. Be aware that Basses vary greatly from species to species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and do appropriate research before purchasing a specimen. Many unsuspecting hobbyists bring home cute little specimens of popular aquarium fish such as the Lyretail Grouper, and Wholesale Tropical Fish only to realize several months later that they don't have the resources to care for a meter-long that may cost hundreds of dollars a month to feed.

Painted Comber

Blue Dot Grouper

Lyretail Grouper

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Blue Dot Grouper Cephalopholis argus No Moderate Deep black to tan fish with blue spots throughout. Max size 50 cm (20").

Blue Line Grouper Cephalopholis formosa No Moderate Dark tan with horizontal blue stripes that aren't particularly straight. The caudal fin has more of these stripes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and they radiate from the base of the fin out to the tips. Max size 34 cm (13")

Chalk Bass Serranus tortugarum Yes Easy to Moderate Blue iridescent body with distinctive black topside that is interrupted by small vertical blue stripes. Max size 8 cm (3").

Golden Stripe Soapfish Grammistes sexlineatus No Moderate Chocolate brown with light yellow horizontal stripes. Similar in patterning to C. argus (with exception to the coloration). Max size 30 cm (11")

Harlequin Bass Serranus tigrinus Yes Easy to Moderate Very striking black and white checkerboard pattern all over, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with very long tapering nose. Max size 29 cm (11")

Leaflip Grouper Pogonoperca punctata No Moderate Sports a large, and Wholesale Tropical Fish hinged mouth and is tan with little spots. Has brown triangle shaped markings down the spine. Max size 35 cm (13").

Miniatus Grouper Cephalopholis miniatus No Moderate Orange to red with large blue spots throughout. Max size 45 cm (18").

Panther Grouper Cromileptes altivelis No Difficult Gorgeous pure white fish with black spots and a distinctive "hump" on the head, and Wholesale Tropical Fish leading to a popular common name, and Wholesale Tropical Fish "Humpback Grouper". Max size 75 cm (30").

Painted Comber Serranus scriba No Easy to Moderate Large fish with classic Bass body, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Silvery in colour with vertical tan stripes and a blue underside. Max size 36 cm (14").

Red Flag Grouper Cephalopholis urodeta No Moderate Very similar to C. miniatus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but the caudal fin is dark. Max size 28 cm (11").

Lyretail Grouper Variola louti No Moderate Silver back changing to red around the underside, and Wholesale Tropical Fish darkening toward the caudal fin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which is lyre-shaped with neon green edging. Max size 80 cm (31").

Spotted Grouper Epinephelus summana No Moderate Dark black fish with many light green spots all over body, and Wholesale Tropical Fish increasing in number toward the posterior. Max size 52 cm (20").

Basslets & Assessors

Basslets and Assessors are small, and Wholesale Tropical Fish long bodied fish strongly resembling Anthias. Their care requirements, and Wholesale Tropical Fish however, and Wholesale Tropical Fish are closer to those of damsels. They should be kept individually, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and generally not with other fish of similar shape and colour. Feeding is easy: they will generally eat any meaty foods offered. Good water quality should be maintained at all times.

Royal Gramma

Black Cap Gramma

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Black Cap Gramma Gramma melacara Yes Moderate Purple with a black mask beginning at the mouth and ending at the base of the dorsal fin. Max size 6 cm (2").

Blue Assesor Assessor macneilli Yes Easy to Moderate Entirely navy blue with white edging of the dorsal fin. Max size 7 cm (3").

Royal Gramma Gramma loreto Yes Easy to Moderate Purple head and anterior, and Wholesale Tropical Fish abruptly changing to yellow about halfway down the body. Has black marking through eye and another on the dorsal fin. Do not confuse with the Brazilian Gramma or the Bicolor Dottyback. Max size 5 cm (2").

Brazilian Gramma Gramma brasiliensis Yes Easy to Moderate Very similar to the royal gramma, and Wholesale Tropical Fish however the change from purple to yellow occurs farther down the body and the black markings are absent. Max size 6 cm (2").

Yellow Assessor Assessor flavissimus Yes Easy to Moderate Bright lemon yellow with peach fringing of the dorsal fin and around the eye. Max size 7 cm (3").

Batfish

Batfish are gorgeous and striking fish that are not common in aquaria for one major reason: they get huge. A two or three hundred gallon tank is needed for one, and Wholesale Tropical Fish minimum, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and larger is better. They start out as tiny, and Wholesale Tropical Fish manageable-looking cuties, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which often fools aquarists into purchasing them for their small aquariums. However they quickly grow to gargantuan proportions, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and require large amounts of food as well as space, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so beware. They are not reef safe and should be fed plenty of large meaty foods. Batfish change greatly as they grow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish however the potential aquarist is most likely to see them in their juvenile form, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so that is the description of the colouration here. They all have generally the same body shape: disk-like with tall dorsal and anal fins, and Wholesale Tropical Fish similar to a Freshwater Angelfish.

Young Dusky Batfish

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Orbiculate Batfish Platax orbicularis No Difficult Brown with generally random black markings resembling a rotting leaf. Max size 50 cm (20").

Dusky Batfish Platax pinnatus No Difficult Dark black body completely edged by distinctive yellow. 45 cm (17").

Teira Batfish Platax teira No Difficult Silver with black fins and a black stripe across the face. Max size 70 cm (27").

Blennies

Blennies are popular aquarium fish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and for good reason. They are peaceful, and Wholesale Tropical Fish colorful, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and many are downright helpful. For example, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the aptly named Lawnmower Blenny will keep your green algae well trimmed and presentable. With the exception of Fang Blennies, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Blennies are totally reef safe- in fact a reef environment is really best for them because they can be shy and the intricate rockwork of a reef provides ample hiding spaces. They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of frozen or live foods and plant matter. Blennies don't have teeth or functional jaw, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so food must be big enough for them to swallow whole.

Blennies are often confused with Gobies, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but there is an easy way to tell the difference. Blennies have a single dorsal fin that runs down the length of their bodies- gobies only have one.

Lawnmower Blenny

Pictus Blenny

Tube Worm Blenny

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Spinyhead Blenny Acanthemblemaria spinosa Yes Moderate Brown checkered body with distinctive yellow frills on head. Max size 2 cm.

Bicolor Blenny Ecsenius bicolor Yes Easy to Moderate Characterized by the striking contrast of a blue head and upper torso followed by a yellow orange lower torso. Max size 11 cm.

Blackline Fang Blenny Meiacanthus nigrolineatus No Easy to Moderate Yellow bodied with bright blue mask and dark black line running from the eye to the caudal fin. Max size 9 cm.

Bundoon Blenny Meiacanthus bundoon No Easy to Moderate Black with lighter patch over caudal fin. Very distinctive swallowtail caudal fin. Max size 8 cm.

Canary Fang Blenny Meiacanthus oualanensis No Easy to Moderate Similarly shaped to M. bundoon, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but canary yellow. Max size 5 cm.

Lawnmower Blenny Salarias fasciatus Yes Easy to Moderate Tan and brown striped and spotted with iridescence. Max size 14 cm.

Midas Blenny Ecsenius midas Yes Easy to Moderate Although often seen yellow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this fish has the ability to change its color to match the surroundings. It has a very distinctive swallowtail shaped caudal fin. Max size 13 cm.

Red Lip Blenny Ophioblennius atlanticus Yes Easy to Moderate Black to grayish yellow with red patch over mouth. Max size 19 cm.

Red Sea Mimic Blenny Ecsenius gravieri Moderate Sky blue anterior fading to yellow towards the tail, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with a black stripe running the eye to the base of the caudal fin. Max size 8 cm.

Sailfin Blenny Emblemaria pandionis Yes Moderate Very similar to S. fasciatus but slightly darker and with a much larger dorsal fin. Max size 5 cm.

Tail Spot Blenny Ecsenius stigmatura Yes Moderate Drab tan all over with dark spot at the base of the caudal fin and a light yellow line through eye. Max size 6 cm.

Two-Spot Blenny Ecsenius bimaculatus Yes Moderate The top half of this fish is black towards the front and fades to white closer to the tail. The bottom half is white with two distinctive black spots right under the pectoral fins. Max size 4.5 cm.

Diamond Blenny Malacoctenus boehlkei Yes Moderate Gray with black splotches, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and a yellow mask. Shaped more like hawkfish than a blenny. Max size 6.5 cm.

Convict Blenny Pholidichthys leucotaenia Yes Moderate Black eel-shaped body with a distinctive white stripe running down the body. Adults are yellow and black striped. Max size 34 cm.

Boxfish & Pufferfish

Members of the family Tetraodontidae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Boxfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Puffers and their cousins Cowfishes and Porcupinefishes can be very personable and quirky pets, and Wholesale Tropical Fish for the prepared.

They are not thought of as an ordinary aquarium tank mate, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but are quickly gaining popularity. They do pose a hazard in the community tank however. They are capable of releasing a very powerful toxin which can kill other fish and in some cases, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the boxfish itself. They generally only use it when threatened or dying, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but can become disturbed easily with aggressive tank mates or overcrowded aquarium. Generally they are reef safe, and Wholesale Tropical Fish though they will pick at invertebrates if not fed well enough.

Many people think puffed up Pufferfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish like in the picture, and Wholesale Tropical Fish are cute, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but an owner should never subject their pet to this as they are often unable to expel the air should they be out of the water. To prevent this, and Wholesale Tropical Fish never remove a puffer from the water.

Smooth Trunkfish

Puffed up D. holocanthus.

O. cubicus

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Helmet Cowfish Tetrasomus gibbosus Caution Expert Tan with dark speckles and brown spots at the base of the caudal fin. Max size 30 cm.

Longhorn Cowfish Lactoria cornuta Caution Expert Grayish tan with very distinctive "horns" near the eyes and under the caudal fin. Max size 46 cm.

Yellow Boxfish Ostracion cubicus Caution Expert Usually seen as a juvenile, and Wholesale Tropical Fish bright yellow with little black spots. When it reaches maturity it is gray with yellow lines and pink lips. Max size 45 cm.

Scribbled Boxfish Ostracion solorensis Caution Moderate Dark navy blue with iridescent "scribbling" and spots. Max size 12 cm.

Dogface Pufferfish Arothron nigropunctatus Caution Moderate Tan with a brown mask over eyes and other over mouth. Also has yellow markings on the pectoral and dorsal fins. Max size 33 cm.

Porcupine Pufferfish Diodon holocanthus No Moderate Tan with slightly darker spots throughout and very conspicuous spines that lay flat against the body. When puffed up, and Wholesale Tropical Fish the spikes stand up and make the fish completely inedible. Max 50 cm.

Spotfin Porcupinefish Diodon hystrix No Moderate White and covered in small black spots. Max size 91 cm.

Sharpnose Pufferfish Canthigaster rostrata Caution Difficult Cream, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with reddish purple topside and underside, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and yellow on the caudal fin. Max size 12 cm.

Valentine Pufferfish Canthigaster valentini Caution Moderate Tan with giraffe-like spots and dark brown markings that resemble saddles over the back. Has distinctive bright green eyes. Max size 11 cm.

Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish when properly cared for, and Wholesale Tropical Fish can make beautiful and distinctive additions to fish only marine aquariums. Often large and usually not suited for those with smaller aquariums, and Wholesale Tropical Fish nor those of the faint of heart. Nevertheless, and Wholesale Tropical Fish when fed a varied diet and kept in pristine conditions, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Butterflyfish will usually thrive. That is, and Wholesale Tropical Fish if you choose the right species. With Butterflyfish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish usually a fish is going to survive, and Wholesale Tropical Fish or it's not. Many species simply cannot be kept in captivity, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and potential keepers must take care to only purchase those species that have a fighting chance. Also, and Wholesale Tropical Fish be very picky about which specimen you choose- any sign of mishandling should be taken as a red flag.

The following species are relatively hardy and an experienced aquarist should have no trouble with them, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so long as they are diligent.

C. lunula

C. rostratus

C. auriga

C. tinkeri

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Copperbanded Butterflyfish Chelmon rostratus Caution Difficult Silver with black edged gold stripes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a long nose, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and a black eyespot on the dorsal fin. Max size 20 cm.

Bannerfish Heniochus diphreutes No Moderate Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Moorish Idol" because of the resemblance. White and black striped with yellow caudal fin and a dorsal fin that forms a long, and Wholesale Tropical Fish thin banner. Max size 21 cm.

Longnose Butterflyfish Forcipiger flavissimus No Moderate From the pectoral fins forward, and Wholesale Tropical Fish black above the eye and silver below, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with an exceptionally mouth. Past the pectoral fins, and Wholesale Tropical Fish bright yellow with an eyespot on the anal fin. Max size 22 cm.

Raccoon Butterflyfish Chaetodon lunula No Moderate Very distinctive and complexly colored. Is mostly yellow with a darker saddle and a black and white mask. Max size 20 cm.

Redback Butterflyfish Chaetodon paucifasciatus No Moderate White with black stripes that form chevrons on the side and a bright red patch on the posterior. Max size 14 cm.

Merten's Butterflyfish Chaetodon mertensii No Moderate White with fuzzy black stripes and a yellow posterior. Also has a black line through the eye. Max size 12.5 cm.

Teardrop Butterflyfish Chaetodon unimaculatus No Moderate Completely yellow with the exception of black stripes at the base of the caudal fin and through the eye, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and an eyespot directly below the dorsal fin. Max size 20 cm.

Latticed Butterflyfish Chaetodon rafflesii No Moderate Very similar to C. unimaculatus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with scales that are brighter than the body, and Wholesale Tropical Fish forming a lattice-like pattern, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and lacking the eyespot. Max size 18 cm.

Pacific Double Saddle Butterflyfish Chaetodon ulietensis No Moderate Silver with two dark saddles over the body (plus a dark mask) and yellow dorsal and caudal fins. Max size 15 cm.

Sickle Butterflyfish Chaetodon falcula No Moderate Often confused with C. ulietensis, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but easily distinguished. The saddles are wedge shaped rather than stripes and don't reach the underside. Overall more yellow coloring. Max size 20 cm.

Threadfin Butterflyfish Chaetodon auriga No Moderate White anterior with thin black stripes at 45 and 120 degree angles from the head. Posterior is yellow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with a black wedge shape where the stripes meet the yellow coloring. Max size 23 cm.

Tinker's Butterflyfish Chaetodon tinkeri No Moderate White with small black spots, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a yellow mask, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and a black dorsal fin. Max size 15 cm.

Masked Butterflyfish Chaetodon semilarvatus No Moderate Bright lemon yellow with subtle vertical orange stripes and a black splotch behind the eye. Max size 23 cm.

Cardinalfish

One of the few groups of shoaling fish commonly available to marine aquarists, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Cardinalfish are nocturnal and tend to be quite shy. They require meaty foods and will often not take prepared foods such as flakes and tablets. For the best chance of success, and Wholesale Tropical Fish keep a wide variety of frozen foods on hand. In the event of a hunger strike, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they will almost always take adult brine shrimp. As far as other care requirements they are similar to damsels: not picky. So long as they are properly acclimated, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they tolerate a wide range of parameters. Watch the ammonia/nitrite, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as they are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.

A shoal of P. Kauderni

A. aureus

Common name Taxonomy Reef Care Level Description

Banggai Cardinal Pterapogon kauderni Yes Moderate Black and silver striped with very tall fins and many white spots. Max size 8 cm.

Flamefish Apogon maculatus Yes Moderate Bright red with black spots at the base of the caudal fin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish under the second dorsal fin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and on the operculum. Max size 11 cm.

Orange-Striped Cardinalfish Apogon cyanosoma Yes Moderate Light yellow with iridescent yellow horizontal stripes. Max size 8 cm.

Pajama Cardinalfish Sphaeramia nematoptera Yes Moderate This fish displays three distinct color bands: the first, and Wholesale Tropical Fish stretching from the nose to base of the first dorsal fin, and Wholesale Tropical Fish is a tannish peach. The second, and Wholesale Tropical Fish a thin band which runs down the center of the fish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish is chocolate brown, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and the posterior of the fish is white with brown spots. Max size 8.5 cm.

Ringtailed Cardinalfish Apogon aureus Yes Moderate Yellow body with a black stripe (ring) at the base of the caudal fin and iridescent blue streaks across the eye. Max size 14.5 cm.

Blackstripe Cardinalfish Apogon nigrofasciatus Yes Moderate Body completely covered in horizontal yellow and black stripes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with red fins. Max size 10 cm.

Ochre-Striped Cardinalfish Apogon compressus Yes Moderate Almost identical to A. nigrofasticus, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with blue eyes. Max size 12 cm.

Chromis

Chromis are perhaps the ultimate reef fish. Generally peaceful, and Wholesale Tropical Fish most species are easy to take care of and quite colorful. Like anthias, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they will school, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but in many cases this tendency disappears as they age. They are, and Wholesale Tropical Fish nevertheless, and Wholesale Tropical Fish at least ambivalent with their own species, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as well as completely reef safe. Like Damsels and Anemonefish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish their close cousins, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Chromis are omnivores and will accept most foods offered. A flake staple is usually sufficient, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but for best color and health supplement with frozen and live foods when possible.

A pair of C. chromis

School of C. viridis

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Black and Gold Chromis Neoglyphidodon nigroris Yes Difficult Mostly silver, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but with a large patch of yellow around the caudal fin and a distinct black line on the operculum. Max size 13 cm.

Half and Half Chromis Chromis iomelas Yes Moderate Completely black from the middle of the dorsal fin to the nose, and Wholesale Tropical Fish completely white from the middle of the dorsal fin to the end of the caudal fin. Max size 8 cm.

Black bar Chromis Chromis retrofasciata Yes Moderate Yellowish with bright blue iridescent pelvic fins and a distinct black bar at the base of the caudal fin. Max size 4 cm.

Blue Chromis Chromis cyaneus Yes Moderate Bright blue all over, and Wholesale Tropical Fish although lighter toward the front. Max size 15 cm.

Green Chromis Chromis viridis Yes Easy Generally bluish green, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but some specimens may be spring green. Max size 8 cm.

Limbaughi Chromis Chromis limbaughi Yes Easy Dark navy blue with bright yellow spot that covers the dorsal fin and much of the posterior. Max size 10 cm.

Spiny Chromis Acanthochromis polyacanthus Yes Easy Dark chocolate brown, and Wholesale Tropical Fish slightly lighter around the pectoral fins. Max size 14 cm.

Sunshine Chromis Chromis insolatus Yes Easy Rather drab tannish-orange throughout. Max size 16 cm.

Damselfish Chromis chromis Yes Easy Completely black. Despite the name, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this is actually a chromis, and Wholesale Tropical Fish in fact, and Wholesale Tropical Fish it is the chromis. Max size 25 cm.

Clownfish

Clownfish are a marine aquarium species noted for their ability to host in anemones. They have been recently popularized by the movie, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Finding Nemo.

Clownfish are actually members of the Damselfish family. Like Damsels, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they change gender as they grow larger and older. Small clownfish are ungendered. Eventually, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they become males if no males prevent them from doing so. 1 or sometimes 2 males live with a female and guard over the eggs. Females are the largest fish and dominant over the males and juveniles. They will not allow other females into an area they have claimed as their territory without a fight. They may not allow new males or juveniles, and Wholesale Tropical Fish either. Aggressions increases with each change.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Cinnamon or Coral Sea clown Amphiprion melanopus Yes Easy to moderate ?

Clark's anemonefish Amphiprion clarkii Yes Easy to moderate large yellow colored clown; thick black outlines possible some black shading in pattern 4-5"

False percula clown Amphiprion ocellaris Yes Easy Commonly available. Also sold in a black color variation.

Maroon clown Premnas biaculeatus Does not harm invertebrates, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but may attack small fish Easy to moderate Can grow quite large and become aggressive towards smaller tankmates

Percula clown Amphiprion percula Yes Easy to moderate Almost indistinguishable from A. ocellaris. Most Percula clowns sold are actually A. ocellaris.

Pink skunk clown Amphiprion perideraion Yes Moderate The pink skunk clown requires an anemone, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and will not grow much larger than an inch.

Tomato clown Amphiprion frenatus Yes Easy commonly available, and Wholesale Tropical Fish is distinguished by the one while stripe running vertically behind its head. This fish is somewhat aggressive towards other clowns.

Saddleback clown Amphiprion polymnus Yes Moderate Similar to the ocellaris & percula, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but the white stripes are at an angle. More timid than many other clowns.

Damsels

All Damselfish can be considered reef-safe, and Wholesale Tropical Fish sometimes excluding larger, and Wholesale Tropical Fish more aggressive Dascyllus varieties. Some Damselfish will host in anemones like clownfish. Most Damselfish are aggressive and difficult to catch once you put them in an aquarium.

Damselfish change gender as they grow larger and older. Small damselfish are ungendered. Eventually, and Wholesale Tropical Fish they become males if no males prevent them from doing so. 1 or sometimes 2 males live with a female and guard over the eggs. Females are the largest fish and dominant over the males and juveniles. They will not allow other females into an area they have claimed as their territory without a fight. They may not allow new males or juveniles, and Wholesale Tropical Fish either. Aggression increases with each change.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Azure Damsel Chrysiptera hemicyanea Yes Easy A beautiful fish with neon blue on its body and a gold underside and caudal fin. Easy to care for and does best on a good diet.

Fairly aggressive so choose tankmates carefully.

Blue damsel Chrysiptera cyanea Yes Easy An orange tail indicates breeding success. The males have orange on their tails while the females do not. This fish is hardy and aggressive.

Blue and gold damsel Pomacentrus coelestis Yes

Blue velvet damsel Paraglyphidodon oxyodon Yes

Bluefin damsel Neoglyphidodon melas Yes Easy

Domino damsel Dascyllus trimaculatus Yes Easy also known as the three spot damsel, and Wholesale Tropical Fish this fish is easy to care for, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but is also very aggressive. The fish is black except for three distinct white spots that fade as the fish ages.

Fiji blue devil damsel Chrysiptera taupou Yes Easy This striking blue damsel is one of the most popular beginner fish. Like other damsels, and Wholesale Tropical Fish it is very hardy, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and very aggressive when mature.

Four stripe damsel Dascyllus melanurus Yes Easy The four stripe damsel is a perfect beginner marine fish as it is very hardy. This fish is highly territorial and is best suited for a semi-aggressive to aggressive tank.

Garibaldi damsel Hypsypops rubicunda Yes Easy to Moderate These are temperate fish and require cooler water. They are much larger than most other damsels.

Honey head damsel Dischistodus prosopotaenia Yes

Jewel damsel Microspathodon chrysurus Yes Easy

Lemon / yellow damsel Pomacentrus moluccensis Yes Easy

Marginated damsel Dascyllus marginatus Yes Easy The marginated damsel is noted for blue fins as well as the yellow head and white body. This fish is hardy like most damsels and is also highly aggressive when mature.

Neon damsel Pomacentrus alleni Yes

Orangetail damsel Chrysipetra cyanea Yes Easy

Pink smith damsel Pomacentrus smithi Yes Easy

Sergeant major damsel Abudefduf saxatilis Yes Easy

Springer's damsel Chrysiptera springeri Yes Easy

Stark's damsel Chrysiptera starcki Yes Easy

Talbots damsel Chrysiptera talboti Yes Moderate This damselfish is somewhat a little more delicate than other. It does best in small groups in large tanks with good water quality and an SG of 1.026. Feed on a good diet for best results. Fairly peaceful.

Three stripe damsel Dascyllus aruanus Yes Easy Highly aggressive and territorial. Will harass fish many times its size. Best kept in an aggressive/semi-aggressive tank.

Tuxedo damsel Chrysiptera tricincta Yes

Two Stripe Damsel Dascyllus reticulatus Yes Easy the two stripe damsel is a very hardy fish. This fish is perfect for the beginner marine aquarist, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as it can tolerate substandard water quality. This fish is highly aggressive, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and requires many hiding places.

Yellow damsel Amblyglyphidodon aureus Yes

Yellowtail dascyllus Dascyllus flavicauda Yes

Yellowtail damsel Chrysiptera parasema Yes Easy The yellowtail damsel possess an all blue body with a striking yellow tail. This damsel is a good beginner fish as it is very hardy and can tolerate substandard water quality. This damsel is also less aggressive that some other damsel species.

Dragonets

Dragonets are often mis-categorized as gobies or blennies by fish sellers. They are bottom-dwelling fish that constantly hunt tiny invertebrates for food. Most starve to death in a marine aquarium unless you provide a refugium or place for the invertebrates to reproduce safely without any fish being able to reach them.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Mandarinfish Synchiropus splendidus Yes Difficult; attach a refugium to the tank A brightly colored member of the dragonet family. Eats only copepods and will die in captivity without an adequate supply, and Wholesale Tropical Fish which can only be had in very large, and Wholesale Tropical Fish well established reef tanks

Red scooter blenny Synchiropus stellatus Yes Moderate; attach a refugium to the tank Not a true blenny. Often only eats live copepods and amphipods.

Scooter blenny Synchiropus ocellatus Yes Moderate; attach a refugium to the tank Not a true blenny. Often only eats live copepods and amphipods.

Eels

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Golden moray eel Gymnothorax miliaris May eat fish and shrimp Easy to moderate

These fish should only be kept in fish-only tanks as any small invertebrates will be looked on as food. Keep with fish large enough not to be eaten. Feed on a diet of whitefish, and Wholesale Tropical Fish cockles, and Wholesale Tropical Fish cod roe, and Wholesale Tropical Fish haddock and frozen foods.

Snowflake eel Echidna nebulosa May eat shrimp if underfed Easy A pebble-tooth moray that generally eats crustaceans and similar. Safer in reef aquariums than other species but be prepared to remove it in case it starts to eat desired invetebrates.

Filefish

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Fantail orange filefish Pervagor spilosoma No Easy

Colored filefish Pervagor melanocephalus Caution Easy

Tassle filefish Chaetoderma pencilligera Caution Easy

Clown filefish Cantherhines dumerili Caution Easy

Foxface

See Rabbitfish

Gobies

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Diamond goby Yes Easy "sleeper gobies"; borrow and sift sand constantly; very good algea eaters; 6-8"

Black clown goby Gobiodon acicularis Mostly; can destroy unhealthy acropora by laying it's eggs in the coral's tissue Moderate Similar to Yellow clown goby, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but black

Citron clown goby Gobiodon citrinus Mostly; can destroy unhealthy acropora by laying it's eggs in the coral's tissue Moderate Can grow to up tp 3 inches in length

Engineer goby Pholidichthys leucotaenia Yes Easy to Moderate small burrowing goby/ but they can get large.

Green banded goby Gobiosoma multifasciatum Yes Moderate small burrowing goby with green vertical stripes

Red headed goby Gobiosoma puncticulatus Yes Moderate A small goby that can clean like the neon goby but is easily frightened. Often said to 'disappear' in a larger tank, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as it never swims out into view.

Neon goby Gobiosoma oceanops Yes Easy A Caribbean cleaner species that sometimes eats larger parasites from other fish.

Yellow Watchman goby Cryptocentrus cinctus Yes Moderate A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that can form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp

Yashia goby Stonogobiops yasha Yes ? A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that will form a symbiotic relationship with the red and white banded pistol shrimp, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Alpheus randalli.

Yellow clown goby Gobiodon okinawae Yes Moderate small yellow fish that likes branching corals

Hawkfish

Hawkfish lack a swim bladder which attributes to their perching behavior on areas such as coral tips. They are occasionally aggressive and may consume small crustaceans, and Wholesale Tropical Fish molluscs; but corals are never attacked.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Arc eye hawkfish Paracirrhites arcatus when large, and Wholesale Tropical Fish may consume small fishes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish snails, and Wholesale Tropical Fish shrimps, and Wholesale Tropical Fish crabs Easy

Flame hawkfish Neocirrhites armatus Almost always Easy Striking red body with black on fin tips.

Longnose hawkfish Oxycirrhites typus Almost always Moderate

Spotted hawkfish Cirrhitichthys aprinus when large, and Wholesale Tropical Fish may consume small fishes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish snails, and Wholesale Tropical Fish shrimps, and Wholesale Tropical Fish crabs Easy

Hogfish

Jawfish

Jawfish are burrowers and require a sandy substrate of sufficient depth.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Black cap jawfish Opistognathus lonchurus Almost always Moderate Requires a 30 gallon tank and 3 inch substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. May eat small shrimp.

Dusky jawfish Opistognathus whitehurstii Yes Moderate Requires a 30 gallon tank and 3 inch sand substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded.

Yellowhead jawfish Opistognathus aurifrons Yes Moderate Requires a 30 gallon tank and 5 to 7 inch soft substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded.

Lionfish

Lionfish have venomous spines and should be treated with caution.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Colored volitan lionfish Pterois russelli Easy to Moderate

Fuzzy dwarf lion Dendrochirus brachypterus Monitor closely and feed regularly Moderate Carnivore; 8" max. Males 6< stripes on pectoral fin femals >6

Volitan lionfish Pterois volitans Caution Easy to Moderate Semi-aggressive; carnivore; Can grow up to 38 cm in length in captivity

Pipefish

(can be killed by stinging corals and anemones)

Pseudochromis

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Australian multicolor pseudochromis Ogilbyina novaehollandiae May eat shrimps Moderate

Blue flavivertex pseudochromis Pseudochromis flavivertex May eat shrimps Moderate

Neon pseudochromis, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Arabian dottyback or neon dottyback Pseudochromis aldabraensis May eat shrimps Moderate

Bicolor pseudochromis Pseudochromis paccagnallae May eat shrimps Easy to Moderate resembles royal gramma in coloration. The bicolor pseudochromis is semi-aggressive and will defend its territory against fish several times its size. This fish is fairly hardy, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and is a good beginner fish.

Purple stripe pseudochromis or diadema basslet Pseudochromis diadema May eat shrimps Easy to Moderate

Indigo dottyback Pseudochromis sankeyi May eat shrimps Moderate

Fridmani pseudochromis or Orchid dottyback Pseudochromis fridmani May eat shrimps Easy to Moderate community fish does well in most aquariums. is not nearly as aggressive as other dottybacks.

Sailfin pseudochromis Pseudochromis veliferus May eat shrimps Moderate

Splendid pseudochromis Pseudochromis splendens May eat shrimps Moderate

Springeri pseudochromis Pseudochromis springeri May eat shrimps Moderate

Strawberry pseudochromis or purple psuedochromis Pseudochromis porphyreu May eat shrimps Easy to Moderate

Rabbitfish

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Foxface Siganus vulpinus Easy to Moderate

Magnificent foxface Siganus magnificus Easy to Moderate

Rabbitfish Siganus spp. Easy to Moderate

Rays

All rays have a poisonous spine near the base of the tail. Care must be taken to avoid this animal when performing tank maintenance and during capture.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Fiddler stingray Trygonorhina fasciata No Expert Requires a minimum 360 gallon aquarium with a 1 meter width and a fine grained substrate. Coarse substrates may damage the underside of this animal, and Wholesale Tropical Fish causing infection.

Round stingray Urobatis halleri No Expert Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium and a fine grained substrate. Coarse substrates may damage the underside of this animal, and Wholesale Tropical Fish causing infection.

Spotted Caribbean stingray Urolophus spp. No Expert Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium and a fine grained substrate. Coarse substrates may damage the underside of this animal, and Wholesale Tropical Fish causing infection.

Thornback stingray Platyrhinoidis triseriata No Expert Requires a minimum 360 gallon aquarium with a 1 meter width

Seahorse

It takes a special aquarist to maintain these delicate beauties. A potential keeper must be dedicated and willing to throw artistic creativity to the winds- as what seahorses need isn't always beautiful. They require taller tanks, and Wholesale Tropical Fish live/frozen food, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and many hitching posts, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as well as very peaceful tankmates. In fact, and Wholesale Tropical Fish beginners would be well-advised not to mix seahorses with any other species until they have more experience.

Seahorses found in stores are generally Captive Bred, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but occasionally one might find a Wild Caught specimen. WC Seahorses should only be purchased by Seahorse experts who are going to breed them, and Wholesale Tropical Fish as they tend to be finicky and most are endangered in the wild. CB Seahorses.

One of the main upshots of Seahorses is that many species stay small and can (in fact, and Wholesale Tropical Fish some should) be kept in smaller tanks, and Wholesale Tropical Fish making them idea for aquarists who are pressed for space or money.

Seahorses are among the few popular marine aquarium species that can be temperate. Species vary in their temperature requirement, and Wholesale Tropical Fish so here an extra category has been added.

TR=Tropical ST=Sub-Tropical TM=Temperate

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Temp. Care Level Description

Brazilian Seahorse H. reidi Caution ST Difficult Usually bright yellow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with a particularly long snout. Max size 17 cm.

Spotted Seahorse H. kuda Caution TR Difficult Generally yellow, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but can also range from tan to dark black. Max size 30 cm.

Great Seahorse H.kelloggi Caution ST Difficult Light tan, and Wholesale Tropical Fish with some darker specimens. Max size 28 cm.

Pot-Bellied Seahorse H.abdominalis Caution TM Difficult Light colored with dark spots and a large abdomen. Max size 35 cm.

Pygmy Seahorse H. bargibanti Caution TR Difficult White with pink (occasionally yellow) knobby protrusions. Max size 2.4 cm.

Short-Snouted Seahorse H. breviceps Caution TM Difficult Grayish to tan with short snout and a spiny head. Max size 15 cm.

Tiger Tail Seahorse H. comes Caution TR Difficult Varying colors with dark striped tail. Max size 18 cm.

Lined Seahorse H. erectus Caution ST Difficult Dark colored with ligher belly and white ridges. Max size 19 cm.

White's Seahorse H. whitei Caution TM Difficult Fuller bodied with a comparatively larger head. Max size 13 cm.

Dwarf Seahorse H. zosterae Caution ST Difficult Similar to H. reidi but much smaller. Max size 5 cm.

Thorny Seahorse H. histrix Caution TR Difficult Varying colors with distinctive spines all over body. Max size 17 cm.

Squirrelfish

Tangs

Tangs generally feed on algae, and Wholesale Tropical Fish though there are a few carnivorous species. Most tangs will not tolerate other fish the same color and/or shape as them. They have a spine on their tails that can cut open other fish and unprotected hands. All tangs should be given plenty of swimming room; try to have at least a 4' tank. Contrary to popular belief they will tolerate smaller (4' to 5') tanks just fine but tend to live better in larger tanks, and Wholesale Tropical Fish over 5'.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Achilles tang Acanthurus achilles Yes Difficult

Atlantic blue tang Acanthurus coeruleus Yes Moderate

Blonde naso tang Naso lituratus Yes Easy to Moderate

Bristletooth tang Ctenochaetus striatus Yes Easy to Moderate

Chocolate tang Acanthurus pyroferus Yes Easy to Moderate

Desjardini tang Zebrasoma desjardinii Yes Moderate

Eibli mimic tang Acanthurus tristis Yes Moderate

Hippo tang Paracanthurus hepatus Yes Moderate Very prone to Cryptocaryon irritans. More tolerant of other tangs than most other species.

Kole tang Ctenochaetus strigosus Yes Easy to Moderate

Mimic tang Acanthurus pyroferus Yes Easy to Moderate

Naso tang Naso lituratus Yes Easy to Moderate

Powder blue tang Acanthurus leucosternon Yes Moderate

Purple tang Zebrasoma xanthurus Yes Easy to Moderate

Sailfin tang Zebrasoma veliferum Yes Easy to Moderate

Scopas tang Zebrasoma scopas Yes Easy to Moderate Similar to the yellow tang in shape and feeding.

Yellow tang Zebrasoma flavescens Yes Easy to Moderate The yellow tang requires ample swimming room and plenty of algae to graze on. The tang will not tolerate another of its kind unless there is ample space for each tang to have their own terriotry. The tang requires high oxygen levels. Can be kept in shoals when a tank of at least 5' is provided.

Tilefish

Though often categorized as Gobies, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Tilefish are a separate species.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Blue-headed tilefish Hoplolatilus starki Easy to Moderate

Purple tilefish Hoplolatilus purpureus Easy to Moderate

Skunk tilefish Hoplolatilus marcosi Easy to Moderate

Triggerfish

While they are generally considered monsters that will chomp invertebrates, and Wholesale Tropical Fish many will actually make great reef fish.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Blue jaw trigger / Blue throat trigger Xanthichthys auromarginatus Yes; feeds on plankton Moderate

Blue line trigger Pseudobalistes fuscus With Corals, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Yes; but may eat other inverts Moderate

Clown trigger Balistoides conspicillum Generally, and Wholesale Tropical Fish no, and Wholesale Tropical Fish since it feeds on Hard Corals, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Crabs, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and Echinoderms Easy

Crosshatch trigger Xanthicthys mento Yes; very gentle and feeds on plankton Easy A shy reserved fish when first added to the aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish comes into its own when it associates itself with the aquarist. Infrequently available

Goldenback trigger Xanthicthys caeruleolineatus Yes; very gentle and feeds on plankton Easy Rarely available

Hawaiian black trigger Melichthys niger Yes; feeds on plankton Moderate

Indian black trigger Melichthys indicus Yes; feeds on plankton Moderate

Niger trigger Odonus niger Yes; feeds on plankton Easy

Picasso trigger Rhinecanthus aculeatus Generally, and Wholesale Tropical Fish no, and Wholesale Tropical Fish since it feeds on Hard Corals, and Wholesale Tropical Fish Crabs, and Wholesale Tropical Fish and Echinoderms Easy to Moderate

Pinktail trigger Melichthys vidua Yes; very gentle and feeds on plankton Moderate

Sargassum trigger Xanthicthys ringens Yes; very gentle and feeds on plankton Easy A shy reserved fish when first added to the aquarium, and Wholesale Tropical Fish comes into its own when it associates itself with the aquarist. Infrequently available

Wrasse

Some wrasse species are aggressive towards small fish and invertebrates.

Common name Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description

Carpenter's fairy wrasse Paracheilinus carpenteri Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Moderate

Eight line wrasse Pseudocheilinus octotaenia Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Easy to Moderate

Exquisite fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus exquisitus Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Difficult

Fine-spotted fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus punctatus Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Difficult

Four line wrasse Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Easy to Moderate

Greenback fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus scottorum Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Difficult

Harlequin tusk Choerodon fasciata Generally, and Wholesale Tropical Fish yes, and Wholesale Tropical Fish but may eat shrimps Moderate

Multicolor velvet wrasse Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Moderate

Potter's wrasse Macropharyngodon geoffroyi Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Difficult

Red-head fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus solorensis Yes; feeds on tiny organisms Difficult

Six line wrasse Pseudocheilinus hexataenia Yes Easy to Moderate small purple fish with six dark horizontal lines

Rhomboid Fairy Wrasse Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis Yes Moderate Medium sized (~5" max) Golden body with purple horizontal stripes on head

Marine aquarium fishes

List of fish common names

List of freshwater aquarium fish species

List of brackish aquarium fish species