Reefkeepers FAQ's

Part 2

The source of the Reefkeepers FAQ's is available here.

5.0 Stock

5.1 Common to Scientific Name Cross Reference

The following cross reference was originally provided by Steve Rader:

Common Name	Scientific Name
Bubble coral	Plerogyra sinuosa
Button Polyp	Palythoa (now Protopalythoa sp.)
Closed Brain coral	Favia sp, sometimes Diploria sp., Oulophyllia, Platygyra, Leptoria, or Goniastrea
Clubbed Finger coral	Porites porites
Colony anemonies	Telia sp
Colt coral	Cladiella sp.
Common Star coral	Montastrea annularis
Cup coral	Turbinaria peltata
Dead brain coral	Favia sp
Elegance coral	Catalaphyllia jardinei (was plicata)
Elephant Ear coral	Rhodactis sp, sometimes Amplexidiscus sp.
Elkhorn coral	Acropora palmata
Fire coral	Millepora alcicornis
Fire coral (soft)	Sinularia sp
Flower Pot coral	Goniopora sp or Alveopora sp.
Flower coral	Eusmilia fastigiata
Frog's Spawn coral	Euphyllia cristata, E. glabrescens, Euphyllia divisa (Veron)
Giant Mushroom polyps	Rhodactis sp
Gorgonians	Gorgonacea sp, Erythropodium sp, Psuedopterogorgia sp. and Pterogorgia sp.
Grape coral	Physogyra lichensteini
Hammer coral	Euphyllia ancora, E. fimbriata
Knobbed Brain coral	Diploria clivosa, D. strigosa
Labyrinthine Brain coral	Diploria labyrinthiformis
Large Flower coral	Mussa angulosa
Large Star coral	Montastrea cavernosa
Leather coral	Sarcophyton sp
Lettuce coral	Agaricia agaricites, Turbinaria sp
Mat anemonies	Zoanthus pulchellus, other Z. sp
Moon coral	Galaxea fascicalaris
Mushroom anemonies	Actinodiscus sp and Discosoma sp.
Mushroom coral	Fungia actinoformis
Mushroom polyps	Actinodiscus sp, Rhodactis sp, Sarcophyton sp
Octopus coral	Tubastrea sp (diaphana?)
Open Brain coral	Trachyphyllia geofroyi
Orange cup coral	Balanophyllia elegans, Turbinaria sp
Pillar coral	Dendrogyra cylindrus
Plate coral	Oxypora sp, Mycedium sp.
Porous coral	Porites astreoides
Rose coral	Manicina areolata
Sea Mat anemonies	Ricordia sp
Small Bubble coral	Physogyra lichensteini
Staghorn coral	Acropora cervicornis, A. formosa, A. nobilis, A. microphthalma
Star polyps	Clavularia sp (now Pachyclavularia)
Strawberry anemonies	Telia sp
Tongue coral	Herpolitha sp, Polyphyllia sp.
Tooth coral	Catalaphyllia jardinei (was plicata), sometimes Cynaria lacrymalis
Torch coral	Euphyllia ancora, E. glabrescens (Veron)
Tree coral	Sinularia sp, also Nephthea sp, Lemnalia sp,and Litophyton sp.
Waving Hand coral	Anthelia sp and Cespitularia sp.
Xenia coral	Xenia sp

And going the other way...

Scientific Name	Common Name
Acropora cervicornis	Staghorn coral
Acropora palmata	Elkhorn coral
Actinodiscus sp	Mushroom anemonies
Actinodiscus sp	Mushroom polyps
Agaricia agaricites	Lettuce coral
Anthelia sp	Waving Hand coral
Balanophyllia elegans	Orange cup coral
Catalaphyllia jardinei	Elegance coral, Tooth coral
Clavularia sp	Star polyps
Dendrogyra cylindrus	Pilar coral
Diploria clivosa	Knobbed Brain coral
Diploria labyrinthiformis	Labyrinthine Brain coral
Diploria strigosa	Knobbed Brain coral
Euphyllia ancora	Hammer coral, Torch coral
Euphyllia cristata	Frog's Spawn coral
Euphyllia divisa	Frog's Spawn coral (Veron)
Euphyllia fimbriata	Hammer coral
Euphyllia glabrescens	Torch coral (Veron), Frog's Spawn coral
Eusmilia fastigiata	Flower coral
Favia sp	Closed Brain coral, Dead brain coral
Fungia actinoformis	Mushroom coral
Galaxea fascicalaris	Moon coral
Goniopora sp	Flower Pot coral
Gorgonacea sp	Gorgonians
Manicina areolata	Rose coral
Millepora alcicornis	Fire coral
Montastrea annularis	Common Star coral
Montastrea cavernosa	Large Star coral
Mussa angulosa	Large Flower coral
Physogyra lichensteini	Grape coral, Small Bubble coral
Plerogyra sinuosa	Bubble coral
Porites astreoides	Porous coral
Porites porites	Clubbed Finger coral
Rhodactis sp	Elephant Ear coral, Giant Mushroom polyps
Ricordia sp	Sea Mat anemonies
Sarcophyton sp	Leather coral, Mushroom polyps
Sinularia sp	Fire coral, Tree coral
Tubastrea sp	Orange Cup coral
Turbinaria peltata	Cup coral
Telia sp	Colony anemonies, Strawberry anemonies
Trachyphyllia geofroyi	Open Brain coral
Xenia sp	Xenia coral
Zoanthus pulchellus	Mat anemonies
Zoanthus sp	Mat anemonies

5.2 Coral Agression chart

Also provided by Steve Rader.

I've typed in a useful table from SeaScope (winter, '92) in which Michael Paletta discusses coral aggression in reef aquaria. It describes the two major aggressive mechanisms of corals: the release of terpenoid compounds and the use of sweeper tentacles or mesenteric filaments. I found it useful because it includes a majority of imported live corals.

The entries marked with a tilde are my additions--Telia anemonies are placed above open brain coral because I've observed them burn my red open brain coral. Both types of colonial zooanthid anemonies listed seem to release terpenoids that keep mushroom polyps at bay somewhat. Also, I've included other common names I know of in quotes.

Relative Aggressiveness of Commonly Kept Reef Invertebrates

MOST AGGRESSIVE...

Elegance Coral (Catalaphyllia jardinei, "Tooth coral")
Hammer Coral (Euphyllia ancora, E. fimbriata, "Torch coral")
Other Euphyllia (E. glabrescens, E. cristata., "Frog's spawn coral")
Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)
Grape Coral (Physosyra lichensteini, "Small bubble coral")
Mushroom Coral (Fungia actinoformis)
Flower Pot Coral (Goniopora sp.)
Telia Anemonies (Telia sp, "Strawberry anemonies; Colony anemonies")
Open Brain Coral (Trachyphyllia geofroyi)
Cup Coral (Tubinaria peltata)
Moon Coral (Galaxea fascicalaris, )
Closed Brain Coral (Favia sp, "Dead brain coral")
Star Polyps (Pachclavalaria sp.)
Leather Coral (Sarcophyton sp.)
Tree Coral (Sinularia sp., "Fire coral")
Gorgoniana (Gorgonacea sp. et. al.)
Waving Hand (Anthelia sp.)
Xenia (Xenia sp.)
Giant Mushrooms (Rhodactis sp., "Elephant ear coral")
Sea Mat Anemonies (Zooanthus sp., "Sea mat rock")
Ricordia Anemonies (Ricordia sp. "Sea mat rock")
Mushroom Anemonies (Actinodiscus sp., "Mushroom polyps")

...LEAST AGGRESSIVE

5.3 Key to Stock detail

sp.	generic species description
cdf	captive difficulty 0-9 : 0=beginner, 5=experienced, 9=advanced
fll	florescent lighting (50% tri-color white and 50% actinic) 0-9 : 0=1.5 watts/gal, 5=4.5 watts/gal, 9=7.5 watts/gal Multiply [fll] values with applicable inefficient factors: non-48" tubes ((watts/gal) * 1.3) HO tubes ((watts/gal) * 1.3) VHO tubes ((watts/gal) * 1.7) non-tricolor tubes ((watts/gal) * 1.3)
dff	distance from florescent 0-36 inches
mhl	metal halide lighting 0-9 : 0=1 watt/gal, 5=3 watts/gal, 9=5 watts/gal
dfm	distance from metal halide 0-36 inches
wcu	water current level 0-9 : 0=stagnant, 5=medium, 9=turbulent
hac	hair algae comptatability. 0-9 : 0=none, 5=some algae, 9=heavy algae
fod	food source sym - symbiotic algae nutrients mpl - microplankton zpl - zooplankton (baby artemia) lfd - liquid coral foods chf - chunk frozen foods
add	additives required str - strontium iod - iodine cal - calcium irn - iron vit - vitamins mlb - molybendium ptm - potassium

note - This is not a listing of all known corals. Just those for which some data is known concerning captive requirements.

Cnidaria [Anthozoa]
	SubClass Zoantharia [Hexacorillia]
		Order Scleractinia [Madreporaria] (true stony corals) ~2,000 species.
			Family Poritidae
				Porites (pore)
					generic species description (xmas rocks)
						Encrusting growths. Extremelly small polyp. Most are brown but can be green, blue, pink and purple. Massive, branched or encrusting. Sensitive to chemotoxins from other corals. cdf=6, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >10, wcu=1-6, hac=0, fod=sym, add=cal/str
				Goniopora (flowerpot or daisy) Goniopora are similar to Alveopora, except that Goniopora have 24 tentacles on each polyp, and Alveopora have 12.
					lobata - (flowerpot)
						Medium-polyp. Skeleton shapes are varied. Flower-like polyps extend out from base. Very difficult and rarely kept more then two years. Something appears to be missing nutrition wise in a captive environment. cdf=9, fll=5-9, dff= <20, mhl=1-7, dfm= <30, wcu=2-6, fod=sym
					stokesi - (flowerpot)
						Medium-polyp. Longer polyps than lobata (10-15cm). Polyps extend out very far. Brown, gray, green or blue. Skeleton is spherical or half spherical in shape. This is the only species of Goniopora that is known to have survived for longer than a year or two in captivity. cdf=9, fll=5-9, dff= <20, mhl=1-7, dfm= <30, wcu=2-6, fod=sym
				Alveopora (flower)
					generic species description
						Medium-polyp. Very similar to goniopora but polyp tentacles are shorter. Brown or bluish. Stung by Euphyllia and Plerogyra. Alveopora has 12 tentacles on each polyp while Gonipora have 24. cdf=7, fll=5-9, dff= <20, mhl=1-7, dfm= <30, wcu=2-6, fod=sym/zpl
			Family Pocilloporidae
				Pocillopora (cauliflower stony)
					generic species description
						Very small polyp. UV pigments green, turquoise or pink. Most are arborescent, ocassionally massive or encrusting. Branched ecomorphs have rounded tips. cdf=9, mhl=5-9, dfm= <15, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str P. damicornis appears easier (cdf=7-8).
				Seriatopora (bush, Bird's Nest)
					generic species description
						Small polyp. Pink, white, brown or green. Long, slender and tapered btanches. Stung by Actinodiscus and ladiella. Can be propagated by fragmentation. cdf=8, mhl=4-9, dfm= <15, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
			Family Acroporidae
				Acropora (finger and branch)
					generic species description
						Small-polyp. Most have branching ecomorphs. Rare massive and encrusting growths occur. Branching forms lude staghorns, clusters, plates and tables. Colors include blue, green, purple, pink, cream, yellow, brown or red. Well over 100 species exist. Can be propagated fragmentation. Stung by Actinodiscus cdf=8, fll = >6, dff=6-10, mhl=4-9, dfm= <15, wcu=4-9, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
					palmata(elkhorn)
						Atlantic. Stout thick branches or encrusting. Flattened horizontally. Can be fragmented. cdf=8, mhl=4-9, dfm= <15, wcu=4-9, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
					cervicornis (staghorn)
						Atlantic. Long thin branches. Very rapid growth rate. cdf=8, mhl=4-9, dfm= <15, wcu=4-9, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
			Family Faviidae
				Favia (moon or star)
					generic species description
						Medium-polyp. Leaf, flat or half-sphere forms. Polyps in large cups. Tentacles unfold at night. Brown, white or yellow. UV pigments green. Can sting other corals with tentacles or secretions. cdf=4, fll=4-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-6, dfm= <24, wcu=3-7, hac=2, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
				Favites (moon or star)
					generic species description
						Medium-polyps. Leaf, flat or half-sphere forms. Polyps in large cups. Tentacles unfold at night. Brown, pink or red. UV pigments green. Can sting other corals with tentacles or secretions. cdf=4, fll=4-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-6, dfm= <24, wcu=3-7, hac=2, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
				Leptoria (closed brain)
					phrygia
						Small polyps. Massive growths. Tentacles retracted during day. Brown or green. Patterned valleys. cdf=5, fll=5-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3 dfm= <36, wcu=2-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
				Diploria (closed brain)
					generic species description
						Massive and rounded. Can be flattened or encrusted. Yellow, brown, greenish or gray-brown. Tentacles expand out at night. cdf=5, fll=5-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=2-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
				Manicina (folded)
					areolata
						Large-polyps. Very similar to Trachyphyllia geofroyi. Tentacles extend at night. cdf=3, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Caulastrea (tooth, Candy Cane)
					generic species description
						Large-polyp. Branching coral. Each branch end has a large rounded polyp. Tentacles extend out a night. Green, brown, gray and blue. Similar to some Euphyllia species. cdf=5, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
			Family Oculinidae
				Galaxea (crystal or scapel)
					fascicularis (crystal or galaxy)
						Medium-polyps. Small rounded heads. UV pigments green. Tentacles extended during the day. cdf=7, mhl=0-6, dfm= <36, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
					This species can produce long sweepers (up to 10") so careful placement with respect to other corals is mandatory.
			Family Agariciidae
				Pachyseris (phonograph-record)
					speciosa
						Large-Polyp. Valleys form grooves. Green or red natural pigment. cdf=6, fll=4-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/mpl, add=cal/str
			Family Caryophylliidae
				Euphyllia (bouquet)
					fimbriata (hammer or anchor or ridge)
						Large-polyp. Straight tentacles with u-shaped or hammer shaped tips. Can extend tentacles out very far and sting other corals. cdf=6, fll=4-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-7, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=1, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
					cristata (bubble-tentacled)
						Large-polyp. Beige or light brown. Some are green. Tentacles branch into 3 or more twigs at end. Rounded tips are white. Can extend tentacles out very far and sting other corals. cdf=5, fll=4-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-7, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=1, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
					glabrescens (torch)
						Large-polyp. Straight tentacles with white tips. Can extend tentacles out very far and sting other corals. cdf=7, fll=4-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-7, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=1, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
					divisa (frogspawn or wall or vase)
						Large-polyp. Green or light brown.Tentacles sub-branch with numerous rounded bumps. These are white or yellow. Can extend tentacles out very far. cdf=5, fll=4-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-6, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=1, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Catalaphyllia (wonder or scalloped)
					jardinei (elegance, meat, wonder)
						Large-polyp. Tentacles always extended. Have white or red tips. UV pigment green. Can sting very strongly. cdf=2, fll=4-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-7, dfm= <36, wcu=2-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Plerogyra (bladder)
					sinuosa (bubble or bladder)
						Large-polyp. Expands to bubble polyps in day and tentacles at night. Natural pigment white. Can be green or pink. Very strong sting. cdf=1, fll=3-9, dff= <24, mhl=0-5, dfm= <36, wcu=2-7, hac=1, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
			Family Mussidae
				Lobophyllia (umbel)
					generic species description
						Large-polyp. Fleshy mantle. Olive to dark green. Sometimes pinkish or red. cdf=3, fll=4-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-2, dfm= <36, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Isophyllia (atlantic folded)
					generic species description
						Large-polyp. Deep red natural pigment for deep specimens. Green, beige or turquoise for shallow water. cdf=3, fll=4-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-2, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Scolymia (caribbean goblet)
					vitiensis
						Large one polyp coral. Fleshy mantle. Tentacles out at night. UV pigments green. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=2-5, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Cynarina [Acanthophyllia] (goblet)
					lacrymalis
						Large one polyp coral. Fleshy mantle. Tentacles out at night. UV pigments green. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=2-5, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
			Family Dendrophylliidae
				Tubastrea (red or yellow cup)
					aurea (red or yellow cup)
						Natural pigment yellow to shiny orange. Medium large polyp. Tentacles partially extended during day and fully at night. cdf=1, fll=0-4, dff= <30, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Turbinaria (dish or crater)
					generic species description
						Large-polyp. Vase shaped, leaf, fans or folds. Brownish, yellow, white or green. Tentacles partially or fully extended during the day. cdf=5, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=2-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
			Family Trachyphylliidae
				Trachyphyllia (large polyp or open brain)
					geofroyi (open-brain or crater or puff)
						Large-polyps. Natural pigment color gray-green, beige-brown, rust brown to deep red. UV pigment green, torquoise or blue. Tentacles extend at night. cdf=3, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-3, dfm= <36, wcu=2-6, hac=3, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
			Family Fungiidae
				Fungia (mushroom stony corals)
					generic species description
						Single large-polyp. Pale-brown, pink, purple, blue and green. Short tentacles are usually retracted during the day. Usually round but can take on different ecomorphs. Elongated forms have grooved mouth. cdf=6, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-5, dfm= <36, wcu=3-8, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
				Heliofungia (plate)
					actiniformis
						Single large polyp. Gray, blue or green long tentacles always extended during the day. Paler tips. Prefers sandy substrate. These have a reputation for doing well for awhile, crashing, similar to Goniopora. cdf=8, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-4, dfm= <36, wcu=2-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Polyphllia (boomerang)
					talpina
						Large-polyp. Extremely elongated. Tentacles extended during the day and has short central groove. Brown or paler in color. cdf=4, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-5, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
				Herpolitha (hedgehog)
					limax
						Large-polyp. Extremely elongated. Tentacles extended during the day and has short central groove. Brown or paler in color. Very similar to Polyphyllia talpina. cdf=4, fll=3-9, dff= <20, mhl=0-5, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl/chf, add=cal/str
		Order Corallimorpharia (mushroom or false corals)
			Family Actinodiscidae
				Actinodiscus (disk anemones or mushroom coral)
					malaccensis (brown or fuzzy)
						Surface covered with small bush like forms. Light or beige brown and gray green. Brown specimens found in deeper water. Gray green will fade if light too low. cdf=1, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-4, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					mutabilis (color changing)
						Light to dusty brown. They are often speckled with green and with irridescent edges. Can change some color. Smooth surface with wide bumps. In nature, below 10 meters. cdf=1, fll=3-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					ferrugatus (red-brown)
						Color is from red-brown to rust-brown. Smooth surface with wide bumps. Do not like direct metal halide. In nature exist at around 10 meters. cdf=1, fll=3-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					ruber (reddish-fluorescent or mettalic red mushrooms)
						Pink to bright fluorescent red due to UV pigments. Do not like direct metal halide light. Radial groves and very small bumps on smooth surface. cdf=1, fll=3-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					nummiferus (burled)
						From light pink through reddish brown to a dusty violet. Darker ones occur in shallow waters. Slightly fluorescent. Small bumps on smooth surface. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					cardinalis (shiny red)
						Deep red. Darker red bumps over smooth surface. Expensive and rare. Like actinic light but not direct metal halide. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					marmoratus (marbled or green marble mushrooms)
						Found in less than 5 meters. Slightly rough surface with numerous bumps of different color. Do not like direct metal halide light. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-3, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					coeruleus (shiny blue or metallic blue mushrooms)
						Smooth blue surface with faint radial lines. Very small bumps can occur. Very deep dwelling > 20 meters. Never tolerates direct metal halide light. Can expand very large. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					striatus (striped)
						Many different color patterns. Beige-green ones have symbiotic algae pigment dominate the uv pigment and assimilation pigment. Can have perfectly smooth disk or contain small bumps. All have radial brightly colored stripes. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					punctatus (dotted)
						Main surface body smooth and brown. Have very large colorful bumps with uv pigment. Direct metal halide light could be fatal. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
				Ricordia (caribbean disk anemones)
					florida (caribbean or flower anemones)
						Colors range from light green to a very beautiful dark green to blue and orange. Surface is covered with short tentacles which can inflate to become bubble-like. Usually found between 10 and 40 feet in the ocean. When tentacles on rim of disk extended will accept small pieces of brine shrimp, etc. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= <36, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/chf, add=iod/vit
				Rhodactis [Discosoma] (elephant ear or hairy mushroom)
					viridis (green elephant ear)
						Luminescent turquoise-green tentacle disk. Like a giant fuzzy mushroom. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-4, dfm= <36, wcu=2-6, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/chf, add=iod/vit
					neglecta (caribbean elephant ear)
						Green with some surface. Radial lines and bumps along with sharp points on edge. Can become ballon shaped greedy eaters. Do not like direct metal halide light. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-5, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/chf, add=iod/vit
					maeandrinea (large or folded elephant ear)
						Very large with a diameter greater than 15 cm. Can grow to 40 cm in captivity. Sandy to dark brown or gray green. Smooth disk with vertical smooth tentacles. Do not like strong current or direct metal halide light. Can catch fish or shrimps in ballon-like trap. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=1-5, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/chf, add=iod/vit
					plumosa (carpet elephant ear or carpet mushrooms)
						Large fuzzy coral with bushy tentacles. Will eat some chunk food. Can form bubble trap. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= <36, wcu=2-5, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/chf, add=iod/vit
		Order Zoanthiniaria [Zoantharia][Zoanthidea] ~300 species (Encrusting anemones)
			Family Epizoanthidae
				Parazoanthus (yellow polyps)
					generic species description
						Small polyps with very long thin tentacles. Bright yellow to dark yellow. Polyps not connected. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= <24, wcu=4-7, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/vit
				Epizoanthus
					generic species description
						Medium sized small colonial polyp disks with medium sized tentacles. Fed mostly on zooplankton. Brown to cinnamon colored. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= <24, wcu=4-7, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/vit
			Family Zoanthidae
				Zoanthus (encrusting anemones)
					generic species description
						Small circular colonial polyps which have a ring of short tentacles around the rim. Shallow water species have UV pigmentation from red, green, turquoise, lemon yellow to orange. The mouth, disk and tentacles can be of different coloration. Polyps connected at base. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= <24, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/vit
					sociatus
						Small circular colonial polyps which have a ring of short tentacles around the rim. Turquoise to yellow-green. UV coloration will remain under metal halide or actinic lighting. Polyps connected at base. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= <24, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/vit
				Palythoa (now Protopalythoa)
					generic species description
						Larger polyp disk than Zoanthus with long pointy tentacles around the rim. Beige-brown, cinnamon to dark "milk coffee" brown, graygreen or shiny green. Might not tolerate direct metal halide. Polyps connected at base. cdf=1, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-4, dfm= <36, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/vit
	SubClass Alcyonria [Octocorallia]
		Order Alcyonacea (leather and soft corals)
			Family Alcyonidae
				Alcyonium
					fulvum (yellow encrusting leather)
						Encrusting beige-yellow to ivory-colored leather coral often many millimetres thick. Finger-like projections develop which have 2 to 5 cm long polyps with 8 flower tentacles. Polyps resemble Sarcophyton species polyps. cdf=2, fll=7-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >10, wcu=3-6, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
					Sarcophyton sp. (mushroom leather)
						Mushroom shaped leather coral. Grow better in fluorescent lighting. Need adaption time to tolerate long photoperiods of metal halide lighting. Can be propagated via cuttings. Long polyp stems with small flower-like tentacles. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >12, wcu=4-7, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
					trocheliophorum (trough leather)
						Very attractive. Folding lobes of leather coral with short polyps. Can double size in one year. May not tolerate extended metal halide photoperiods and need adaption time. Will shed skin regularly. Can be propagated via cutting from edge lobe. Lives primarily in reef pools and can reach a diameter of more than one meter. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >12, wcu=4-7, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
					lobulatum (leather)
						Flat, mushroomed-shaped leather. Medium brown base. Similar to mushroom leather coral with very small polyps and larger overall size. Can be propagated via cuttings of base. Will become lighter under adequate lighting. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >12, wcu=4-7, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
					latum
						Dish-like with thick, lobate projections. Polyps are beige-yellow to shiny green. Shallow water coral. Can be propagated via cuttings. Also similar to trocheliophorum in morphology. Will grow fast under metal halides. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-8, dfm= >12, wcu=5-8, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
					glaucum
						Common mushroom shaped leather coral. Beige to sandy colored or olive to bottle-green. May need to be slowly acclimated to bright metal halides. Can be reproduced by cutting of entire mushroom cap. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >12, wcu=5-8, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
					generic species description
						Mushroom based leather coral with high, upward-arching lobate edges. Long pure-white polyps. Mushroom from light beige to sandy grey or light yellow in color. Need lots of light for polyps to extend. When acclimated to metal halides, polyps will extend to 5 cm and have star shaped tentacles. Can be cultivated with cuttings. cdf=3, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-8, dfm= >12, wcu=3-6, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod
					ehrenbergi
						Similar to glaucum. Mostly pure white, occasionally yellowish or greenish gray secondary polyps. Tentacles of polyps easily distinguished. Skin shed less often. Needs slow acclimation to metal halide lighting. Can be fragmented via cuttings but is more sensitive. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >12, wcu=4-7, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod
				Carotalcyon
					sagamianum
						Carrot-like leather coral. Deep water orange to crimson red. Has a carrot like body appearance with large polyps which extend out from the body. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-5, dfm= >12, wcu=5-8, hac=1, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod
				Sphaerella
					krempfi (christmas tree)
						Resemble evergreen tree and lack symbiotic algae. Brown color. Like strong current and do best on substrate. cdf=3, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= >15, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod
				Lobophytum
					pauciflorum
						Encrusting leather with lobed, finger-shaped and occasionally bushy projections or folds. Can be propagated via cuttings. Grow well under flouorescent lights. Have calcareous needle growths. cdf=2, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-3, dfm= >12, wcu=4-7, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod/cal/str
					crassum
						An encrusting leather coral similar to pauciflorum. Thicker polyps. Very robust coral. Can also be propagated via cuttings. cdf=2, fll=4-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-3, dfm= >12, wcu=4-7, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/mpl, add=iod/cal/str
				Sinularia
					generic species description
						Branching soft coral with a flat body on a thick column 3-4 cm tall. Finger-like appendages extend from body and have polyps. Prefer to grow out horizontally. Color is ivory to light gray but under intense light will become symbiotic brown. Occasionally sheds skin. cdf=3, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= >15, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
					macropodia
						Branching soft coral with thick-fleshed foot and base. Thick branches rise from this base and branch into finger like projections. These are densly covered with polyps. Color is light-beige or grayish white to light brown. Shed skin once a week. Do not like direct halide lite. Can be propagated via cuttings. Contain calcareous needles. cdf=3, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= >15, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
					notanda
						This coral's morphology lies between the above generic species and macropodia. Grows well but introduce to halides slowly. See generic species description for info.
					hirta (dark brown sea hand)
						Similar to generic species with stubby fingers and fat nobbed appendages. From shallow water. Grow rapidly under metal halides. Color is ivory to cream white when retracted, turn milk coffee brown when extended. cdf=3, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >8, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
					prodigiosa
						Similar to macropodia but fingerlobes branch out twice into secondary branches. These are thickly set with polyps. See macropodia for info.
					frondosa
						Flat crusts with nobby extensions. Will produce finger like appendages in low current areas. Under intense light will grow long fingers with large polyps. Like metal halide. cdf=3, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >8, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
					dura
						Solid cushion like bodies with burled to stubby finger projections. See generic species description for info.
					brassica
						Colonies resemble cauliflower heads. Dark brown polyps on short stalks. Branches and base are creamy white to light beige. cdf=2, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >8, wcu=1-4, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
					asterolobata
						Morphology that resembles macropodia. Strong polypless base column splits itself into two or more secondary columns from which long finger like branches protrude. These branches can divide again. Branches are round and thickly covered with delicate polyps. Will shed skin. Base color from ivory, light grey or light olive. Will develop uv protection matter under halides which is yellowish to greenish and slightly luminescent. cdf=2, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >8, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
					polydactyla (many fingered)
						Squat column from 20 to 50 mm tall is polypless. On upper side of column is a flat polyp area with 40-50 mm long fingers which are thickly polyped. Base color is gray-white to creamy-yellow. Polyps are light to dark brown. Under halides polyps will become darker and then symbiotic algae are released which lightens the color. Grows well under fluorescent lighting. cdf=2, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >8, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
				Cladiella
					generic species description
						Squat column from which many branches extend and divide furthur upward. Base column lacks polyps while they become more dense closer to the ends of branches. Polyps are 3 to 4 cm large. Can be propagated via branch "pinching". Can be acclimated to halides. Will grow very fast toward surface of captive reef. Do not shed skin but will release mucus. Not very compatable with hexacorallia. cdf=4, fll=2-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >8, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=sym/lfd/zpl/vit, add=iod/cal/str
				Alcyonium
					generic species description
						Bushy or crusty short tree like soft coral. Color is bright yellow, orange or red. Shady locations. Reach 40 to 50 mm tall. cdf=3, fll=2-7, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= >15, wcu=5-9, hac=1, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
					generic species description
						Encrusting orange colored bushy soft coral. Very small orange polyps on bushy orange base. Can be propagated via cuttings. cdf=3, fll=2-7, dff= >5, mhl=1-2, dfm= >15, wcu=5-9, hac=4, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
			Family Xeniidae
				Xenia (also Cespitularia)
					generic species description
						Large polyps with thin stems connected at the base. Polyps do not fully retract. Very tiny calcareous needles or completely lack skeleton. Polyps can be up to 15 mm long under intense lighting. Tentacles are pinnated. Some will move polyps in rhythmic motion to help exchange gases. Color is beige, cream or light brown. Will develope UV protection matter under halides and color will be red, green, blue or irridescent. Can be acclimated to halides well. Can do well under fluorescent if high levels used. Can overgrow stony corals. Propagated via cuttings. cdf=5, fll=6-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=4, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/cal/str
					umbellata
						Mushroom shaped with separate polyped branches up to 50 mm long. Polyps will open and close in rhythmic fashion. Tentacles are short and wide and form little cups on thin branches. Branches radiate out from base. cdf=5, fll=6-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=4, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/cal/str
					elongata
						Similar to Xenia generic species description. Has a more branched form. See generic species description for info.
				Anthelia
					glauca
						Very similar to Xenia generic species description. Has large polyps. Colonies grow very fast. cdf=5, fll=6-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-7, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=4, fod=sym/lfd, add=iod/cal/str
			Family Nephtheidae
				Litophyton
					arboreum
						Standard bushy and tree shaped soft coral. Must be acclimated to halides slowly. Will do well under fluorescents. Can be propagated via cuttings. Pale colors with symbiotic algae. May not be compatable with hexacorallia. cdf=3, fll=6-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-6, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
				Nephthea
					generic species description
						Tall bushy like soft coral. Smooth thick base with numerous small thickly polyped smaller branches extending from main trunks. May not be compatable with hexacorallia. cdf=6, fll=6-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-6, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
				Lemnalia
					generic species description
						Tall tree-like soft corals. Polyps are not as dense as Nephthea. Long finger branches extend out from main column. Must be slowly acclimated to halides. Might not be too compatable with hexacorallia. cdf=7, fll=6-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-6, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
				Dendronephythya
					generic species description
						Very colorful tree-like corals. Deep water or cave corals which require low lighting and frequent feedings of zooplankton. Will collapse occasionally. Calcareous needles are visible in branches. Thin secondary branches extend from main stem. cdf=9, fll=3-7, dff= >10, mhl=1-2, dfm= >20, wcu=5-9, hac=2, fod=sym/lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
					rubeola
						Ployps are very thick on short secondary branches which protrude from main column. Prefer sand or silt substrates. Need frequent feedings and will open polyps if substrate stirred up. Brightly colored coral from low light areas. cdf=9, fll=3-7, dff= >10, mhl=1-2, dfm= >20, wcu=5-9, hac=2, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
					mirabilis
						Snowy white polyps exist in thick groups protruding from short secondary branches. Form similar to rubeola. No symbiotic algae. Need very low light. cdf=9, fll=3-7, dff= >10, mhl=1-2, dfm= >20, wcu=5-9, hac=2, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
		Order Gorgonacea (gorgonians)
			Family Plexauridae
				Anthoplexaura (also Euplexaura)
					generic species description
						Flexible thin branched tree-like skeleton. Composed of horny or calcareous skeletal elements. Polyps embedded in crusty layer of living material which surronds skeleton. This gorgonian species has few branches and are thickly polyped. Some species from caribbean sea contain symbiotic algae. Will shed skin. Polyps are up to 5 mm long. Only feed zooplankton when polyps are open. Can stir up sediment to entice polyps to open. cdf=6, fll=3-7, dff= >10, mhl=1-2, dfm= >20, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
			Family Gorgonidae
				Eugorgia
					generic species description
						Very similar to Plexauridae. Branches are thicker. cdf=5, fll=3-7, dff= >10, mhl=1-2, dfm= >20, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=lfd/zpl, add=iod/cal/str
		Order Stolonifera (pipe corals)
			Family Tubiporidae (organ pipe corals)
				Tubipora
					musica (red organ pipe)
						Flower polyps in red tube-like calcareous systems. Will do well under metal halides. Colonies should be whole and not broken off (statement questioned by some). cdf=2, fll=7-9, dff= >5, mhl=3-9, dfm= >10, wcu=3-6, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd, add=cal/str
			Family Clavulariidae
				Clavularia (Now Pachyclavularia)
					viridis (green pipe, green star polyps)
						Encrusting colonies of small pipe shaped flower polyps. The tentacles are very bright green and a calcareous webbing connects the polyp stems. Coral is found in fist sized colonies existing in shallow water. Will maintain bright green color under metal halide lighting. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-9, dfm= >10, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd, add=cal/str
			Family Cornulariidae
				Cornularia
					generic species description (brown pipe)
						Encrusting colonies of small pipe shaped flower polyps. The tentacles are brown and lack the calcareous webbing found in Clavularia viridis. A horny protective shell is built around stolon. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-9, dfm= >10, wcu=4-8, hac=0, fod=sym/lfd, add=cal/str
		Order Telestacea (branched pipe corals)
			Family Telestidae
				Coelogorgia
					palmosa (branched pipe)
						Appears like branching gorgonian corals. Branches have short stems from which polyps extend. cdf=2, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-9, dfm= >10, wcu=5-9, hac=0, fod=sym/zpl, add=cal/str
		Order Pennatulacea (sea pens)
			Family Veretillidae
				Cavernularia
					obesa (sea pen)
						Cylinder shaped coral from which large tentacles extend. Color can be orange, yellow, buff or white. These animals are not very compatable to reef tanks due to half-sessile existence. Require thick substrate. cdf=3, fll=3-8, dff= >5, mhl=1-3, dfm= >20, wcu=2-5, hac=0, fod=zpl, add=iod/cal/str
		Order Coenothecalia
			Family Helioporidae (blue coral)
				Heliopora
					coerulea (blue coral)
						Beige to olive colored coral. Smooth surface with small calices. Polyps are hair-thin tubes about 1 mm long. Very small tentacles. Sheds skin. Grows very well under metal halides. Shapes can consist of nobs, columns, fingers or thick lobes. Dead corals are blue colored. cdf=4, fll=5-9, dff= >5, mhl=1-9, dfm= >10, wcu=3-7, hac=0, fod=sym/mpl, add=cal/str

5.4 Shelled things

Clams
	Tridacna Maxima (expensive)
		Purple, blue, green, pink, or combination. cdf=3, fll=5-9, dff <18, mhl=1-7, dfm= >8, wcu=1-5, hac=5, fod=sym, add=cal/str
	Tridacna crocea
		Purple, blue, green, or combination. cdf=5, fll=5-9, dff <6 mhl=1-7, dfm= >5, wcu=1-5, hac=5, fod=sym, add=cal/str
	Tridacna squamosa
		brown, yellow, usually with green rim, black and red??. cdf=3, fll=5-9, dff <18, mhl=1-7, dfm= >5, wcu=1-5, hac=5, fod=sym, add=cal/str
	Tridacna derasa
		brown, sometimes with green strips. cdf=1, fll=5-9, dff <18, mhl=1-7, dfm= >5, wcu=1-5, hac=5, fod=sym, add=cal/str
	Tridacna gigas
		almost always brown with tiny blue dots, very rarely green, blue or combination. cdf=3, fll=5-9, dff <18, mhl=1-7, dfm= >5, wcu=1-5, hac=5, fod=sym, add=cal/str
	Hippopus hippopus
		Very light cream-color mantle with many short tan lines. Shell is lighter in color and much smoother than Tridacna clams. I believe the H.h clams are at least as hardy as the hardy T. clams. They are also supposed to be tank-raised. They are certainly the cheapest costing at most 1/3 to 1/2 that of a similiar-sized Tridacna (excepting derasa which are almost as cheap). The mantle of Hippopus sp clams does not extend beyond the shell as it does in Tridacna sp (Delbeek).
Snails
	Turbo generic species description
		Snail with rounded shell commonly used as a herbivore to control microalgae. May be sensitive to high temperatures (possibly due to the resultant decrease in dissolved oxygen).
	Astraea generic species description
		Snail with rounded turban shaped shell which comes to a distinct point at the origin of the spiral. Commonly used as a herbivore to control microalgae. Considered more hardy than the Turbo generic species description snails.
	Trochus generic species description
		Snail which has recently become more available as a side effect of Tridacna clam culture. Used to control microalgae.

5.5 A LISTING OF THE MORE COMMON coralline ALGAE (Rhodophyta)

GenSpec	Description	Range
FAMILY: Chaetangiaceae
Galaxaura marginata (Lamouroux)	Small, mounded seaweed of loosely compressed blades. Dichotomous branches often show faint cross banding near the tip. Lightly calcified.	Caribbean
Galaxaura oblongata (Lamouroux)	Bushy, creamy red plant having cylindrical smooth dichotomous branches with flexible joints. Well calcified.	Caribbean
Galaxaura subverticillata (Kjellman)	Cylindrical, dark red dichotomous branches ringed by minute hairlike filaments, giving the algae a fuzzy appearance. Moderatly calcified.	Caribbean
FAMILY: Corallinaceae
Jania adherens (Lamouroux)	Fine, cylindrical, pink segments connected by flexible joints. Dichotomous branching. Forms small tangled clumps. Highly calcified.	Caribbean
Jania rubens (Lamouroux)	Rose red somewhat straight segments tightly connected by flexible joints. Branching is dichotomous with narrow angles (branches almost parallel). Highly calcified.	Caribbean
Haliptilon subulatum (Johansen)	Small, compressed plants, feather-like in appearance. Composed of brittle, chalky segments connected by flexible joints. Segments appear ringed. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Amphiroa fragilissima (Lamouroux)	Dense clumps of entangled, fragile, thin jointed branches. Generally yellowish pink in color. The dichotomous branches form very wide angles (broad "Y"'s) at each joint. Highly calcified.	Caribbean
Amphiroa rigida var. antillana	Open, brittle species with thin, narrow cylindrical branches. Light, off white clumps. Branches dichotomous. Highly calcified.	Caribbean
Amphiroa brasiliana (Decaisne)	Pink, jointed, dichotomus, somewhat flattened branches. Highly calcified	Caribbean
Amphiroa tribulus (Lamouroux)	Thin, brittle, flattened, sparse branches, forming pinkish red bushy clumps. Edges of branches are often flattened. Highly calcified.	Caribbean
Amphiroa hancockii (W. Taylor)	Irregular to dichotomous branching. Colour is pinkish purple. Branches composed of thick, flattened segments. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Neogoniolithon spectabile (Setchell and Mason)	Hard, stony pink plant forming knobby hemispherical clumps tightly attached to rocks. Branching is irregular to dichotomous, and segments are thick. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Neogoniolithon strictum (Setchell and Mason)	Hard, brittle pinkish red plant with blunt branching and no joints. Branches thick, and tend to grow upright. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Lithophyllum congestum (Foslie)	Pink to purplish branched, headlike plants that look similar to coral. Branches are crowded, stout, projections, and are wafer-like. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Mesophyllum mesomorphum (Adey)	An encrusting coralline algae. Dark red to pink overlapping shelves or lobes. Fragile. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean, Indo-Pacific
Titanoderma sp. (Chamberlain)	An encrusting coralline algae found growing epiphytically on many species of algae. Forms thin, pinkish crusts. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Fosliella farinosa f. callithamnoides (Chamberlain)	An articulated coralline algae found growing epiphytically on many species of algae. Forms thin, dichotomously branched colonies. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Titanoderma prototypum (Woelkerling)	Cream coloured to red encrusting algae, often with a circular pattern present. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Titanoderma bermudense (Foslie and Howe)	A grayish to pale red encrusting algae consisting of overlapping layers. Often with striations or greyish lines present on the surface. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Porolithon pachydermum (Weber-van Bosse & Foslie)	Pinkish grey encrusting algae often containing holes (caused by a chiton). An important reef builder. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Sporolithon episporum (Dawson)	A reddish brown encrusting algae, often growing in layers that overlap each other. When broken, exposed surface is white. Heavily calcified.	Caribbean
Hydrolithon boergesenii (Foslie)	A purple/lavender knobby encrusting algae. Highly calcified.	Caribbean
FAMILY: Squamariaceae
Peyssonnelia sp.	A dark red to maroon encrusting algae. Edges sometimes raised above substrate.	Caribbean

5.6 Possible Problems

a Mantis Shrimp

b bristle worms

5.7 Hermit Crabs

by Gregory Schiemer

The hermit crabs I'm listing are the ones that I know are safe inhabitants for a reef aquarium. They are all relatively small (less than one inch), eat algae, will not bother other invertebrates or fish (although they occasionally attack each other during molts), are mostly active at night, are generally long-lived, and definitely fun to watch. All have been offered for sale at one time or another, but never regularly. So, here they are:

From the Caribbean and Tropical Atlantic:

Red Hermit Crab (Paguristes cadenati): A bright red body and legs with yellow eye stalks. Very pretty, but active usually after the lights go out. Found onl y on the reef as solitary individuals, never in aggregations. My personal favorite. They gently remove micro-algae from in and around corals and polyps. Usually stays on the rocks, but will sift through the substrate.
Orange-Claw Hermit (Calcinus tibicen): Has a dark red or orange body with one slightly enlarged claw. Found both on coral reefs and rocky substrates, never in large numbers. Very good at eating micro-algae and some macro-algae. Bolder than the Red Hermit, as it will be active during the day. Grows to one inch. Spends almost all of its time on the rocks.
Polkadotted Hermit (Phimochirus operculatus): Has a distinctive polkadot red and white, greatly enlarged claw, and blue eyes. Found on coral reefs. This is probably the most aggressive and active of the small hermits. Also eats algae and sifts through the substrate. Grows to about one inch.
Red-Stripe Hermit (Phimochirus holthuisi): Similar to the Polkadotted Hermit. Found on coral reefs. Active and bold. Will eat algae and anything else it can gets its claws on, but doesn't seem to bother corals. Grows to about one inch.
Red, White and Blue Hermit (Paguristes sp.?): Blue legs with a touch of red, white and black. Found in large aggregations in the sand along the shore line. This is the crab that is being sold in quantity from Florida dealers. They are active all day, but more so at night. They will feed on detritus and micro-algae. Bolder and not as mean as the Polkadotted Hermit. They will occasionally climb on corals, but apparently cause no harm. It's strange that although they are collected in the sand, mine have spent the majority of their time on the rocks in the aquarium. Grows to about three-quarters of an inch.

From the Pacific (including Mexico):

Red-Leg Hermit (Calcinus californiensis): Has orange legs and a greenish black body. Found on rocky inshore substrates in large aggregations. Will eat micro-algae and other bits of food missed by the fish. More active at night, but will forage when the lights are on. Relatively bold and aggressive. Grows to about three-quarters of an inch.
Blue-Eye Hermit (Paguristes sanguinimanus): Orange body with bright blue eyes. Found on sand flats and patch reefs in aggregations. Good micro-algae eater. Grows to about one-half inch.
Blue-Spotted Hermit (Clibanarius digueti): Reddish-brown legs with bluish spots. Found on rocky inshore substrates where it feeds on algae. Grows to only one-half inch.

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