FRESHWATER INVERTEBRATES GASTROPODS These are often unintentionally introduced into aquariums, usually via plants containing eggs or small juveniles which are difficult to spot. Gastropods lay their eggs in a small, transparent, gelatinous mass. Ampullaria Some species of the apple snail can grow to 20 cm in the wild, but those found in an aquarium (belonging […]
INVERTEBRATES These days, more and more aquarists seem to be taking an interest in these animals. Ecologically speaking, invertebrates represent a natural complement to fish and plants; in visual terms, you can put on a spectacle of luminous beauty, particularly in sea water, using anemones and corals, to which can be added small fish, either […]
COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN INVERTEBRATES AND FRESHWATER FISH Invertebrates cannot cohabit with just any fish, for a number of reasons. The first is that they are liable to become prey for carnivorous fish. Coelenterates are completely incompatible with angelfish (Pomacanthids), for example. Secondly, some lively and active fish, of over 10-15 cm in length, can jostle and […]
“LIVE ROCKS” These are pieces of rock or fragments of dead coral (madreporites), that are bound together by calcareous rocks or various pieces of debris from invertebrates. They are sometimes removed from their natural setting and sold commercially. “Live rocks” harbor various organisms: bacteria, algae, sponges, small Coelenterates, and sometimes even small crustaceans, hidden […]
The small abdomen is tucked under the lower part of the body. Their pincers are particularly well developed. The larger specimens, which can be aggressive, must not be put into marine aquariums, as they can attack other invertebrates, and sometimes even fish. Pagurids These are better known as hermit crabs. Some tropical species can be […]
MOLLUSKS Few mollusks are found in aquariums, and they are not often available commercially. Among the gastropods, the cowries, well known to collectors of shells, can be kept in captivity. Some fish may nibble the “mantle”, the part of the animal’s body used outside the shell. Of course, in the event of any danger the […]
Coelenterates Urticant (stinging) Coelenterates must be kept apart from the more delicate species: a safety margin of 10-15 cm is often recommended. The madreporites and anemones are among the most urticant, and they must not be put alongside a leather coral from the Sarcophyton genus, for example. Other alternatives for a Coelenterates tank are algae […]
INVERTEBRATES The leather corals of the Sarcophyton genus will not tolerate being dose to Coelenterates highly prone to stinging. In their natural habitat, Coelenterates feed on animal plankton, but these are difficult to supply in an aquarium. example, is carrying out research in this field, using a 40 m3 tank containing […]
HOW TO SUPPLY CALCIUM TO A CORAL AQUARIUM Method 1 From the start, i.e. when you put the first water in, use commercial salts enriched in calcium. Then, add the same salts over the course of regular partial water changes, at the rate of 10% per week. Some commercial salts are specially designed for marine […]
The accumulation of calcareous coral skeletons gradually forms reefs, of which the most famous is the Great Barrier Reef, stretching north-eastward from south Australia for almost 2,000 km. It is the biggest structure of animal origin in the world! This ecosystem, one of the richest and most diverse in existence, is also fragile and constantly […]