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List of marine aquarium invertebrate species

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Summary

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This is a list of various species of marine invertebrates, animals without a backbone, that are commonly found in aquariums kept by hobby aquarists. Some species are intentionally collected for their desirable aesthetic characteristics. Others are kept to serve a functional role such as consuming algae in the aquarium. Some species are present only incidentally or are pest species.

[[Annelid]]s

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
last1=Sprungfirst1=Juliantitle=Aquarium Invertebrates: Featherdusters In The Aquariumurl=https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/8/inverts#section-12website=Advanced Aquaristpublisher=Pomacanthus Publications, LLCaccess-date=14 December 2014date=14 August 2002}}[[File:Spirobranchus giganteus (Red and white christmas tree worm).jpg120pxcenter]]Spirobranchus giganteusYesExpertFound living anchored in live coral colonies in nature. Each worm has two crowns, which come in a variety of different colors, and are spiraled in the shape of a Christmas tree.5 cm
Cluster duster[[File:Bispira brunnea (Social Feather Duster Worm).jpg120pxcenter]]Bispira brunneaYesModerateThis species grows in groups of up to 100 individual tube worms, living together in a single clump. The clusters of tubes adhere to a rocky substrate at a central point.2.5 cm
Feather duster worm, Fan worm[[File:Featherduster 300.jpg120pxcenter]]Sabellastarte sp.YesEasy to ModerateA sedentary (but it can scoot around), tube dwelling worm with a fan-shaped crown (radiole) that projects from the end of the tube. This can be white, tan, orange, sometimes with striping. They build their tubes out of sand, mud, and bits of shell.20 cm

[[Arthropod]]s

[[Chelicerata]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Atlantic horseshoe crab[[File:Limulus polyphemus (aq.).jpg120pxcenter]]Limulus polyphemusYes, with cautionEasyA bottom dwelling animal that is actually not a true crab. Found burrowing in mud or sand flats in the wild, they need a deep sand bed in their aquarium.60 cm
Sea spider[[File:Sea spider.jpg120pxcenter]]PycnogonidsNoModerateNot collected for the aquarium trade, but occasionally seen on live rock and corals as a hitchhiker. They can be pests in a reef tank, preying on soft coral, sponges and anemones.0.2-50 cm

[[Crustacean]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelNotesMax size
Anemone crab[[File:Porcelain_crab_Nick_Hobgood.jpg120pxcenter]]Neopetrolisthes maculatusYesEasyIt lives in anemones. Also a filter feeder
Arrow crab[[File:Stenorhynchus_seticornis.jpg120pxcenter]]Stenorhynchus seticorniswith caution
Hermit crabs[[File:Calliactis_and_Dardanus_001.JPG120pxcenter]]Paguroidea sp.Will eat snailsEasy
Emerald crab[[File:Female_Mithraculus_sculptus_Crab.jpg120pxcenter]]Mithraculus sculptusWith caution?EasyMay eat fish
Pom-pom crab[[File:Xanthidae_-_Lybia_tessellata.jpg120pxcenter]]Lybia tessellataWith caution?Easy?
Sally lightfoot crab[[File:Percnon_gibbesi_Linosa_053.jpg120pxcenter]]Percnon gibbesiWith caution?Easy?
Spider decorator crab[[File:Camposcia_retusa_-_National_Museum_of_Nature_and_Science,_Tokyo_-_DSC07557.JPG120pxcenter]]Camposcia retusaWith caution?Easy?Will get some polyps to use for cover.
Spiny lobster[[File:Panulirus_versicolor.jpg120pxcenter]]Panulirus versicolor
Brine shrimp[[File:Artemia_salina_2.jpg120pxcenter]]Artemia salinaYesEasyKept not as livestock, but rather to feed inverts and fish.
Sexy shrimp[[File:Squat_shrimp_Nick_Hobgood.jpg120pxcenter]]Thor amboinensisYesEasy
Snapping shrimp[[File:Alpheus_distinguendus.jpg120pxcenter]]Alpheidae sp.With caution?Will make loud snapping sounds.
Peacock mantis shrimp[[File:Odontodactylus_scyllarus1.jpg120pxcenter]]Odontodactylus scyllaruswith cautionEasyWill eat shelled things and possibly fish. Some people say they will redecorate their tank including moving corals but people have successfully kept them in reef tanks. Not a true shrimp but a stomatapod with the smashing raptorial appendage
Coral banded shrimp[[File:Stenopus hispidus 1.jpg120pxcenter]]Stenopus hispidusYesEasyWill eat small fish, in the wild they set up cleaning stations
Camel shrimp[[File:Rhynchocinetes_durbanensis.JPG120pxcenter]]Rhynchocinetes durbanensisYesEasy?Will nip on soft corals.
Harlequin shrimp[[File:Hymenocera_picta_en_train_de_retourner_Fromia_milleporella.JPG120pxcenter]]Hymenocera sp.Will eat starfishModerate?Will only eat starfish.
Peppermint shrimp[[File:Berried_peppermint_shrimp.png120pxcenter]]Lysmata wurdemanni complexYesEasySome people think they eat corals, but they only eat dying coral (although this gives the appearance of eating healthy corals)
Skunk cleaner shrimp[[File:Lysmata_amboinensis_Shrimp.jpg120pxcenter]]Lysmata amboinensisYesEasyWill clean dead tissue and remove parasites from fish.

[[Coral]]s

Corallimorphs

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyTemperamentCare LevelDescriptionMax size[[File:Corynactis californica 1.jpg120pxcenter]]
Jewel anemone[[File:Corynactis Viridis.jpg120pxcenter]]Corynactis viridissmall polyps with all colours1 cm
last1=Sprungfirst1=Juliantitle=Aquarium Invertebrates: Mushrooms, Elephants Ears, And False Corals: A Review Of The Corallimorphariaurl=https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/10/invertswebsite=Advanced Aquaristpublisher=Pomacanthus Publications, LLCaccess-date=4 December 2014date=14 October 2002}}[[File:Ricordea florida (Florida Corallimorph).jpg120pxcenter]]Ricordea floridaa knobbly coral with vibrant colours7 cm
Knobbly mushroom coral, Yuma mushroom coral[[File:Ricordea_sp_mushroom_coral.jpg120pxcenter]]Ricordea yumaSemi-aggressiveModerate1 meter
Mushroom coral, Mushroom anemone, Disk anemone[[File:Discosoma, Samoa.jpg120pxcenter]]Discosoma sp.Semi-aggressiveEasy50 cm
Strawberry anemoneCorynactis californicasmall red polyps with pink tentacles2.5 cm

Hydrocorals

Common nameImageTaxonomyTemperamentCare LevelDescriptionMax size
last1=Bornemanfirst1=Erictitle=Venomous Corals: The Fire Coralsurl=http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/eb/website=Reefkeeping Magazinepublisher=Reef Central, LLCaccess-date=13 December 2014archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103163834/http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/eb/archive-date=3 November 2014}}[[File:Reef0862 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library.jpg120pxcenter]]Distichopora sp.
Fire coral[[File:Millepora, dactylozoides.jpg120pxcenter]]Millepora sp.

Large-polyp stony

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyTemperamentCare LevelDescriptionMax size
last1=de Vriesfirst1=Joosttitle=Tubastraea micrantha, the Black Sun, is the most majestic Azoox coralurl=https://reefbuilders.com/2012/10/10/tubastrea-micrantha/website=Reef Buildersdate=10 October 2012publisher=Reef Builders, Inc.access-date=10 December 2014}}[[File:Tubastraea.jpg120pxcenter]]Tubastraea micranthaExpert
Bubble coral[[File:BubbleCoral.jpg120pxcenter]]Plerogyra sinuosaAggressiveEasy
Candy cane coral[[File:Yellow Clown Goby.jpg120pxcenter]]Caulastrea furcataPeacefulEasy
Elegance coral[[File:Elegance-coral-catalaphyllia-jardinei.jpg120pxcenter]]Catalaphyllia jardineiAggressiveModerate
Flowerpot coral[[File:Goniopora 3.jpg120pxcenter]]Goniopora sp.AggressiveDifficult
last1=Fatherreefirst1=James W.title=Aquarium Corals: Corals of the Genus Euphylliaurl=https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/10/coralswebsite=Advanced Aquaristpublisher=Pomacanthus Publications, LLCaccess-date=4 December 2014date=3 October 2012}}[[File:Euphyllia divisa.jpg120pxcenter]]Euphyllia divisaAggressiveModerate
Hammer coral, Anchor coral[[File:Reef0836 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library.jpg120pxcenter]]Euphyllia ancoraAggressive
Lobed brain coral[[File:Lobophyllia_hemprichii_1.jpg120pxcenter]]Lobophyllia hemprichiiSemi-Aggressive
Open brain coral[[File:Trachyphyllia geoffroyi.jpg120pxcenter]]Trachyphyllia geoffroyiSemi-aggressive
Pineapple brain coral, Moon coral[[File:Favia 1.jpg120pxcenter]]Favia sp.Aggressive
Sun coral, Orange cup coral[[File:Suncoral1.jpg120pxcenter]]Tubastraea sp., often Tubastrea aureaPeacefulExpert
Torch coral[[File:Euphyllia glabrescens en acuario.JPG120pxcenter]]Euphyllia glabrescensAggressive
Whisker coral, Duncan coral[[File:Duncanopsammia axifuga (whisker coral).jpg120pxcenter]]Duncanopsammia axifugaPeacefulEasy

Small-polyp stony

Common nameImageTaxonomyTemperamentCare levelDescriptionMax size
Pink bird's nest coral[[File:S hystrix.jpg120pxcenter]]Seriatopora hystrix
Cauliflower coral[[File:Pocilloporaverrucosa.jpg120pxcenter]]Pocillopora sp., usually Pocillopora damicornis
Dimpled encrusting Montipora[[File:Montipora verrucosa 2.jpg120pxcenter]]Montipora verrucosa
Finger coral[[File:Montipora digitata.jpg120pxcenter]]Montipora digitata and Montipora samarensis
Millepora coral, "Milli" coral[[File:Acropora millepora Maldives.jpg120pxcenter]]Acropora milleporaPeacefulModerateA popular and readily available species that comes in many color forms. It should not be confused with fire corals of the genus Millepora.
Plating montipora[[File:Leaf plate montipora.gk.jpg120pxcenter]]Montipora capricornisPeacefulModerate
Staghorn coral[[File:Hertshoon.jpg120pxcenter]]Acropora cervicornisPeacefulDifficultA very rare species, it is generally not available to the average hobby aquarist due to its critically endangered status. They would likely make good aquarium specimens, but can only be obtained with a special license.

Soft corals

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyTemperamentCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Cabbage leather coral[[File:Sinularia dura.jpg120pxcenter]]Sinularia brassica and Sinularia duraSemi-aggressiveEasy
last1=Fatherreefirst1=James W.title=The Stoloniferans: Clove Polyps, Star Polyps, and Pipe Organ Coralsurl=http://www.saltcorner.com/Articles/Showarticle.php?articleID=52website=Saltcorneraccess-date=4 December 2014}}[[File:Clavularia.JPG120pxcenter]]Clavularia spPeacefulEasy
Devil's hand leather coral[[File:Lobophytum.jpg120pxcenter]]Lobophytum sp.Peaceful to Semi-aggressiveEasy
Finger leather coral[[File:Finger leather coral, Sinularia polydactyla (6165871011).jpg120pxcenter]]Sinularia sp.Semi-aggressiveEasy
Jasmine polyps, Daisy polyps[[File:Knopia octocontacanalis.JPG120pxcenter]]KnopiaPeacefulEasy
Pulse coral, Pulsing Xenia[[File:Coral pulsante (Xenia umbellata), Ras Katy, Sharm el-Sheij, Egipto, 2022-03-26, DD, DD 96.jpg120pxcenter]]Xenia sp.PeacefulEasyAn easy to care for coral known for its prolific asexual reproduction and polyps that actively move their tentacles in a pulsing motion.
Red chili coral[[File:Nephthyigorgia.JPG120pxcenter]]NephthyigorgiaPeacefulExpert
Spaghetti leather coral[[File:Sinularia flexibilis (Slimy leather coral).jpg120pxcenter]]Sinularia flexibilisSemi-aggressiveEasy
Star polyps[[File:Pachiclavularia viridis.JPG120pxcenter]]Clavularia viridis, Pachiclavularia viridis, or Briareum violaceum (taxonomy uncertain)PeacefulEasy

[[Zoantharia|Zoanthids]]

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyTemperamentCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Stick polyps, Tree polyps[[File:Acrozoanthus australiae.jpg120pxcenter]]Acrozoanthus
Button polyps, Zoanthids, "Zoas"[[File:Zoanthid.jpg120pxcenter]]ZoanthusSemi-aggressiveEasyCommon, but pretty, coral that is a mainstay of the reef hobby. Their diversity of color is almost infinite, ranging from pale to full-on rainbow.
Button polyps, Palythoa, "Palys"[[File:Palythoa grandis (Sun Zoanthids).jpg120pxcenter]]PalythoaSemi-aggressiveEasyPalythoa are nearly as ubiquitous as Zoanthus in the reef hobby. Their colors are usually more muted, but still attractive.
Button polyps, Protopalythoa[[File:Protopalythoa.jpg120pxcenter]]ProtopalythoaSemi-aggressiveEasySimilar to Palythoa, these may actually be in the same genus due to taxonomic uncertainty.

[[Echinoderm]]s

[[Sea cucumber]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Florida sea cucumber[[File:Florida Sea Cucumber Holothuria floridana.jpg120pxcenter]]Holothuria floridana
Pink and black sea cucumber[[File:Edible_Sea_Cucumber_(Holothuria_edulis).jpg120pxcenter]]Holothuria edulisYesEasy
Sea apple[[File:Pseudocolochirus axiologus.jpg120pxcenter]]Pseudocolochirus axiologusMaybeExpert20 cm
Tiger tail sea cucumber[[File:Holothuria hilla.jpg120pxcenter]]Holothuria hilla
Yellow sea cucumber[[File:Sea cucumber yellow komodo.jpg120pxcenter]]Colochirus robustusWith careExpert7 cm

[[Starfish]]

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Blue and pink sea starAstropecten sp.
Brittle star[[File:Haeckel Ophiodea.jpg120pxcenter]]OphiomastixYesEasy60 cm
Bun star[[File:CulcitanovguineaeJI1.jpg120pxcenter]]Culcita novaeguineaeWith care?30 cm
Chocolate chip sea star[[File:Protoreaster nodosus.jpg120pxcenter]]Protoreaster nodosusNoModerate?30 cm
Blue linckia[[File:Linckia.jpg120pxcenter]]Linckia laevigata30 cm
Indian Sea Star[[File:Fromia indica Landaagiraavaru.JPG120pxcenter]]Fromia indicaYesModerate7.5 cm
Mottled linckia[[File:Linckia multifora 1.jpg120pxcenter]]Linckia multifora13 cm
Little red star[[File:Fromia elegans.jpeg120pxcenter]]Fromia elegans
Purple linckiaLinckia teres, or Tamaria striaYesDifficult20 cm
Red Sea Star[[File:Fromia millepora.jpg120pxcenter]]Fromia milleporaYesModerate15 cm
Red-knobbed starfish[[File:Estrella de mar de espinas rojas (Protoreaster linckii), Zanzíbar, Tanzania, 2024-06-01, DD 06.jpg120pxcenter]]Protoreaster linckiiNo30 cm
Sand sifting sea starAstropecten polyacanthusYesEasyNeeds a large sandbed20 cm
Tiled sea star, marbled sea star[[File:Fromia monilis.jpg120pxcenter]]Fromia monilisYesModerate15 cm

[[Crinoid]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Feather star[[File:Barren Island feather star and branching coral.jpg120px]]Himerometra robustipinnaYesExpertOne of the most difficult species to keep alive in a home aquarium37.5 cm

[[Sea urchin|Urchin]]s

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Black longspine urchin[[File:Diademseeigel.jpg120pxcenter]]Diadema setosum
Collector urchin, Priest hat urchin, Sea Egg[[File:T. gratilla collector (2).jpg120pxcenter]]Tripneustes gratilla
Globe urchin, Tuxedo urchin[[File:Mespilia globulus MHNT Bohol.jpg120pxcenter]]Mespilia globulusYesEasyVery common in the aquarium trade7.5 cm
Slate pencil urchin[[File:Gfp-state-pencil-sea-urchin.jpg120pxcenter]]Eucidaris tribuloides
Purple short spine pincushion urchin[[File:Pseudoboletia maculata.jpg120pxcenter]]Pseudoboletia maculata
Red slate pencil urchin[[File:Heterocentrotus mammillatus in situ from Hawaii.JPG120pxcenter]]Heterocentrotus mamillatus
Reef urchin, Rock boring urchin[[File:Echinometra mathaei Landaagiraavaru.JPG120pxcenter]]Echinometra sp.
Variegated urchin[[File:Lytechinus variegatus.jpg120pxcenter]]Lytechinus variegatus

[[Jellyfish]]

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size (bell diameter)
Blue Blubber Jellyfish[[File:Blubber Jellyfish.jpg120pxcenter]]Catostylus mosaicusNoExpertThis jellyfish actually ranges in color from white to dark purple to reddish brown. It has a dome-shaped bell which pulses at a quick, steady pace, making these jellyfish strong, active swimmers.25 cm
Moon jellyfish[[File:Aurelia aurita 001.JPG120pxcenter]]Aurelia auritaNoModerate to DifficultA whitish to clear jellyfish with a large dinner-plate shaped bell. They have a fringe of short tentacles around the edge of the bell, and four longer oral arms extending from around the mouth.50 cm
Sea Nettles[[File:Sea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens) 2.jpgSea nettle (Chrysaora fuscescens) 2120pxcenter]]Chrysaora sp.NoExpertRange in color from white to striped orange and brown to purplish. Long tentacles trail behind the bell, sometimes for several meters.30 cm
Upside Down jellyfish[[File:fkeysmacro.jpg120pxcenter]]Cassiopea sp.NoExpertThis jellyfish has a somewhat green or grayish blue coloration due to symbiotic algae living in its tissues. It resides on the bottom, exposing its tentacles (and the algae inside them) to the light. very similar to coral in behavior30 cm

[[Mollusk]]s

[[Bivalve]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Atlantic Thorny oyster[[File:Spondylus americanus.jpgSpondylus americanus120pxcenter]]Spondylus americanus10 cm
Bear paw clam[[File:Hippopus hippopus.jpg120pxcenter]]Hippopus hippopus
Blue clam, Boring clam[[File:Tridacna crocea.jpg120pxcenter]]Tridacna croceaYes15 cm
China clamHippopus porcellanus
Electric flame scallop[[File:Ctenoides ales by OpenCage.jpg120pxcenter]]Ctenoides alesYes
Flame scallop[[File:Lima scabra.jpg120pxcenter]]Ctenoides scaberYes3 in
Fluted giant clam[[File:Tridacna squamosa (Giant clam) brown and blue.jpg120pxcenter]]Tridacna squamosaYesModerate?40 cm
Flying scallopPromantellum vigens
Gigas aka "Giant" clam[[File:Tridacna gigas by Ewa Barska.jpg120pxcenter]]Tridacna gigasYes120 cm
Maxima clam[[File:2_Tridacna_gigas.jpg120pxcenter]]Tridacna maximaYesModerate20 cm
Southern giant clam[[File:Tridacna derasa.001 - Aquarium Finisterrae.JPG120pxcenter]]Tridacna derasaYes60 cm
Thorny oyster[[File:Spondylus varius Thorny Oyster Fiji by Nick Hobgood.jpg120pxcenter]]Spondylus sp.

[[Gastropod]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Abalone[[File:LivingAbalone.JPGLivingAbalone120pxcenter]]Haliotis sp.YesEasy12 cm
Arabian Cowrie[[File:Arabian Cowry2.jpg120pxcenter]]Cypraea arabica10 cm
Astraea snail[[File:Astraea heliotropium.JPG120pxcenter]]Astraea sp.YesEasy2.5-10 cm
Bumble bee snail[[File:Engina mendicaria unilineata.jpg120pxcenter]]Engina mendicariaYesEasy1.5 cm
Cerith snail[[File:Cerithium echinatum.shell001.jpg120pxcenter]]Cerithium sp.YesEasy3.5 cm
Gold ring cowrie[[File:Cypraeaannulus.jpg120pxcenter]]Cypraea annulus5 cm
Lettuce sea slug[[File:Lettuce Sea Slug 11-03-2006.jpg120pxcenter]]Elysia sp., usually Elysia crispataYesModerateA sacoglossan sea slug with folded parapodia (side appendages), that give it a lettuce-like appearance. They feed on algae, and incorporate algal chloroplasts into their cells. Color ranges from brownish to green, and can include blues, yellows, and pinks.5 cm
Nassarius snail[[File:Nassarius tiarula.jpg120pxcenter]]Nassarius sp.YesEasy2.5 cm
Queen conch[[File:Lobatus gigas 2.jpg120pxcenter]]Eustrombus gigasYes, but may knock over loose rocks and coral.30 cm
Sand conch[[File:Strombus alatus.jpg120pxcenter]]StrombidaeYesEasy
Sea Hare[[File:Sea hare, Aplysia dactylomela, 14 04 2009 4-47pm.jpg120pxcenter]]Aplysiomorpha sp., usually Aplysia sp. or Dolabella sp.YesExpert4-10 cm
Tiger cowrie,[[File:Cypraea tigris 1.jpg120pxcenter]]Cypraea tigris15 cm
Trochus snailTrochus sp.YesEasy3-7 cm
Turbo snail[[File:Turbo petholatus Voavah.JPG120pxcenter]]Turbo sp.YesEasy5-10 cm

[[Cephalopod]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Common tropical octopus[[File:Octopus vulgaris2.jpgOctopus vulgaris2120pxcenter]]Octopus vulgarisNoExpertMantle: 25 cm Arms: 1 m
Dwarf cuttlefish[[File:HPIM1795.JPG120pxcenter]]Sepia bandensisNoExpertMantle: 45 cm
European common cuttlefish[[File:Dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis).JPGDwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis)120pxcenter]]Sepia officinalisNoExpertMantle: 10 cm

[[Sea anemone]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Aptasia[[File:Aiptasia.jpg120pxcenter]]Aiptasia sp.NoA common pest species in marine aquariums which spreads rapidly and harms corals and invertebrates with their sting. Can sting fish, but fatalities are rare. Notoriously difficult to eradicate, but a number of organisms can be used for control, including peppermint shrimp and Berghia verrucicornis.
Bubble-tip anemone[[File:Quadricolor.jpg120pxcenter]]Entacmaea quadricolorWith cautionModerateA relatively easy to keep anemone species, it is very colorful, and has distinctive bubble-like swellings on the tips of its tentacles.30 cm
Condy anemone[[File:Tickle Me Pink (113158351).jpg120pxcenter]]Condylactis giganteaWith cautionModerateCommon anemone species in the aquarium trade. The base color is usually brown to white, often with color on tentacle tips. Many color variations exist, including magenta, purple, yellow, and green.15 cm
Delicate sea anemone[[File:Heteractis malu.JPG120pxcenter]]Heteractis maluWith cautionDifficultAlso known as the malu anemone or white sand anemone. Color tipped tentacles reach 4 cm in length. This anemone should not be placed on a rock, it prefers a sandy substrate to bury its base in.20 cm
Long tentacled anemone[[File:Macrodactyla doreensis at the Botanická zahrada Liberec (11).jpg120pxcenter]]Macrodactyla doreensisWith cautionModerate50 cm
Magnificent anemone[[File:Maldive anemonefish.jpg120pxcenter]]Heteractis magnificaWith cautionExpertOne of the most difficult anemone species to keep healthy in captivity.1 m
Rock flower anemone[[File:Epicystis crucifer (Beaded anemone).jpg120pxcenter]]Phymanthus cruciferWith cautionModerate
Tube anemone[[File:Cerianthus membranacea - Zoo Frankfurt 2.jpg120pxcenter]]Cerianthus sp.YesModerateNot a true anemone (actinarian), but a member of the order Ceriantharia. Can make a very colorful aquarium specimen, colored with pinks, purples and sometimes shades of fluorescent green.

[[Sponge]]s

Common nameImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
Ball spongeCinachyra allocladiaYesExpert
Branching vase sponge[[File:Callyspongia vaginalis (Branching Vase Sponge - pink variation).jpg120pxcenter]]Callyspongia vaginalisYesExpert
Bee sponge[[File:Acanthella acuta Schmidt, 1862.jpg120pxcenter]] Acanthella sp.YesExpert
Orange ball spongeCinachyra kuekenthaliYesExpert
Orange fan spongeAxinella bookhoutiYesExpert
Red ball sponge[[File:Esponja marina (Dragmacidon lunaecharta), parque nacional Ras Muhammad, Egipto, 2022-03-28, DD 101.jpg120pxcenter]]Dragmacidon lunaechartaYesExpert
Red tree sponge[[File:Amphimedon compressa (Erect Rope Sponge- red).jpg120pxcenter]]Amphimedon compressaYesExpert
Pineapple Sponge[[File:Sycon raphanus Schmidt, 1862 et Diplosoma listerianum (Milne-Edwards, 1841).jpg120pxcenter]]SyconYesCommonly regarded as a pest species

[[Tunicates]]

Common name(s)ImageTaxonomyReef safeCare LevelDescriptionMax size
last1=Fatherreefirst1=James W.title=An Introduction to Tunicatesurl=http://www.reefs.com/magazine/145124-introduction-tunicates.htmlwebsite=Reefs.compublisher=Reefs Magazineaccess-date=14 December 2014archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214222130/http://www.reefs.com/magazine/145124-introduction-tunicates.htmlarchive-date=14 December 2014url-status=dead}}[[File:Oxycorynia fascicularis (Tunicates).jpg120pxcenter]]Nephtheis fascicularisYesExpert7.5 cm
last1=Fatherreefirst1=James W.title=An Introduction to Tunicatesurl=http://www.reefs.com/magazine/145124-introduction-tunicates.htmlwebsite=Reefs.compublisher=Reefs Magazineaccess-date=14 December 2014archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214222130/http://www.reefs.com/magazine/145124-introduction-tunicates.htmlarchive-date=14 December 2014url-status=dead}}[[File:Tunicate komodo.jpg120pxcenter]]Polycarpa aurataYesModerate15 cm

References

  • Alderton, David (2005). Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish (Second ed.). DK Publishing, Inc. pp. 286–297. .
  • Lougher, Tristan (2008) [First Published 2007]. What Invertebrates?: A Buyer's Guide for Marine Aquariums. What Pet? Books Series. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. . LCCN 2006933016.

References

  1. (14 August 2002). "Aquarium Invertebrates: Featherdusters In The Aquarium". Pomacanthus Publications, LLC.
  2. "Cluster Duster (Bispira brunnea)".
  3. "Marine Spiders (Sea Spiders)".
  4. (14 October 2002). "Aquarium Invertebrates: Mushrooms, Elephants Ears, And False Corals: A Review Of The Corallimorpharia". Pomacanthus Publications, LLC.
  5. "Venomous Corals: The Fire Corals". Reef Central, LLC.
  6. (10 October 2012). "Tubastraea micrantha, the Black Sun, is the most majestic Azoox coral". Reef Builders, Inc..
  7. "Elegance Coral". I-5 Publishing, LLC..
  8. (3 October 2012). "Aquarium Corals: Corals of the Genus Euphyllia". Pomacanthus Publications, LLC.
  9. (14 December 2011). "Aquarium Corals: A Look at the Sun Corals". Pomacanthus Publications, LLC.
  10. "Why Duncan, Your Whiskers are Tickling my Corallite!". Quality Marine.
  11. "The Perfect Beginner SPS Coral: Seriatopora (Bird's nest)".
  12. Dana Riddle. (15 January 2008). "''Montipora digitata'': A Stony Coral for All Hobbyists". Advanced Aquarist.
  13. "Staghorn Coral". Animal-World.
  14. "The Stoloniferans: Clove Polyps, Star Polyps, and Pipe Organ Corals".
  15. "Bumblebee Snail". Microcosm, Ltd..
  16. "Condy Anemone - Condylactis gigantea". Fish Lore.com.
  17. "Delicate Sea Anemone". Animal-World.
  18. "An Introduction to Tunicates". Reefs Magazine.
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