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Live Food Culturing ARTICLE

Live Food Culturing

Live Food Culturing Overview This is the canonical Reefapedia landing article for Live Food Culturing in the livestock taxonomy. Taxonomy Context Category path: livestock/algae/pods-and-phyto/live-food-culturing....

Reefapedia 1 min read
Live Food Culturing
Ulva (Sea Lettuce) ARTICLE

Ulva (Sea Lettuce)

Ulva (Sea Lettuce) is a fast-growing macroalgae used primarily for nutrient export and food web support. It thrives with moderate–high light, moderate flow, and...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Ulva (Sea Lettuce)
Other Macroalgae ARTICLE

Other Macroalgae

Other Macroalgae Overview This is the canonical Reefapedia landing article for Other Macroalgae in the livestock taxonomy. Taxonomy Context Category path: livestock/algae/macro-algae/other-macroalgae. Breadcrumb: Livestock...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Other Macroalgae
Dragon’s Tongue (Halymenia) ARTICLE

Dragon’s Tongue (Halymenia)

Dragon’s Tongue (Halymenia) is a display-friendly macroalgae that offers light nutrient export without aggressive growth. It does best in stable systems with moderate–high light,...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Dragon’s Tongue (Halymenia)
Chaeto (Chaetomorpha) ARTICLE

Chaeto (Chaetomorpha)

Chaeto (Chaetomorpha) is a utility macroalgae used almost exclusively for nutrient export and pod habitat in refugiums. It needs strong, consistent light, good flow,...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Chaeto (Chaetomorpha)
Caulerpa ARTICLE

Caulerpa

Fast-growing macroalgae with grape-like fronds — popular in refugiums, but runners and fragments can escape and overrun display rockwork if not contained early.

Reefapedia 1 min read
Caulerpa
Coralline Algae ARTICLE

Coralline Algae

Purple-pink crust on rock and glass—nature’s seal of stability and a gorgeous backdrop.

Reefapedia 1 min read
Coralline Algae
Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa) ARTICLE

Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)

Bubble corals are unique LPS corals with inflated “bubble” polyps that thrive in stable tanks with low–moderate light and gentle indirect flow, plus extra...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Bubble Coral (Plerogyra sinuosa)
Acropora Red Bugs (Tegastes acroporanus) ARTICLE

Acropora Red Bugs (Tegastes acroporanus)

Acropora red bugs are tiny parasitic copepods that reduce polyp extension and slow SPS growth, usually spreading through new Acropora frags.

Reefapedia 1 min read
Acropora Red Bugs (Tegastes acroporanus)
Montipora-Eating Nudibranch (Phestilla subodiosus) ARTICLE

Montipora-Eating Nudibranch (Phestilla subodiosus)

Montipora-eating nudibranchs are camouflaged coral predators that chew Montis and lay eggs, causing “nibbled” edges and slow tissue loss.

Reefapedia 1 min read
Montipora-Eating Nudibranch (Phestilla subodiosus)
Acropora-Eating Flatworm (AEFW) (Amakusaplana acroporae) ARTICLE

Acropora-Eating Flatworm (AEFW) (Amakusaplana acroporae)

AEFW are Acropora-specific coral predators that cause bite marks, poor polyp extension, and slow SPS decline, with eggs that make them hard to eliminate.

Reefapedia 1 min read
Acropora-Eating Flatworm (AEFW) (Amakusaplana acroporae)
Coral-Boring Spionid Worms (Spionidae spp.) ARTICLE

Coral-Boring Spionid Worms (Spionidae spp.)

Spionid worms can live in coral skeleton and irritate tissue with paired feeding filaments, sometimes causing localized recession.

Reefapedia 1 min read
Coral-Boring Spionid Worms (Spionidae spp.)
Ball Anemone ARTICLE

Ball Anemone

Ball anemones are hardy corallimorph hitchhikers that hide in shaded crevices and feed like tiny ambush predators. They can sting nearby corals and irritate...

Reefapedia 5 min read
Ball Anemone
Gorilla Crabs ARTICLE

Gorilla Crabs

Gorilla/xanthid crabs are common hitchhikers that can become predators in reef tanks, often causing mystery snail and hermit losses. Because many are nocturnal and...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Gorilla Crabs
Acropora Red Bugs (Tegastes acroporanus) ARTICLE

Acropora Red Bugs (Tegastes acroporanus)

Acropora red bugs are tiny parasitic copepods that irritate Acropora, causing reduced polyp extension, dull color, and slowed growth. They spread easily via new...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Acropora Red Bugs (Tegastes acroporanus)
Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda) ARTICLE

Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda)

Mantis shrimp are predatory hitchhikers that often reveal themselves through clicking sounds and disappearing snails or hermits. They’re fascinating animals, but not reef-safe in...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda)
Montipora-Eating Nudibranch (Phestilla subodiosus) ARTICLE

Montipora-Eating Nudibranch (Phestilla subodiosus)

Montipora-eating nudibranchs are tiny coral predators that chew Montipora tissue, causing “nibbled” edges and scraped white bite patches. They hide on undersides and lay...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Montipora-Eating Nudibranch (Phestilla subodiosus)
Acropora-Eating Flatworm ARTICLE

Acropora-Eating Flatworm

AEFW are Acropora-specific flatworms that eat coral tissue, causing bite marks, poor polyp extension, and slow SPS decline. They spread mainly through unvetted Acropora...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Acropora-Eating Flatworm
Majano Anemone ARTICLE

Majano Anemone

Majano anemones are pest hitchhikers that can sting corals and spread quickly in reef tanks. Remove or control them early—once established, they’re difficult to...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Majano Anemone
Torch Coral ARTICLE

Torch Coral

Torch corals are high-impact LPS corals with long flowing tentacles that thrive in stable tanks with moderate light, gentle indirect flow, and lots of...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Torch Coral
Elegance Coral ARTICLE

Elegance Coral

Elegance corals are large, fleshy LPS showpieces with long flowing tentacles that thrive in stable tanks with moderate light, gentle flow, and careful placement—plus...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Elegance Coral
Mushroom Corals ARTICLE

Mushroom Corals

Mushroom corals are hardy, low-light soft corals that thrive in gentle flow and stable tanks, but they can move, spread, and outcompete neighbors by...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Mushroom Corals
Duncan Coral ARTICLE

Duncan Coral

Duncan corals are hardy, beginner-friendly LPS corals with big flowing polyps and a strong feeding response, thriving in stable tanks with low–moderate light and...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Duncan Coral
Candy Cane Coral ARTICLE

Candy Cane Coral

Candy cane corals are hardy, beginner-friendly LPS corals with puffy round heads that thrive in stable tanks with low–moderate light, gentle flow, and optional...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Candy Cane Coral
Montipora Cap (Montipora capricornis) ARTICLE

Montipora Cap (Montipora capricornis)

Montipora capricornis is a beginner-friendly plating SPS coral that grows into dramatic shelves and scrolls under stable reef chemistry, moderate–high light, and strong turbulent...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Montipora Cap (Montipora capricornis)
Sebae Anemone ARTICLE

Sebae Anemone

Sebae anemones can be great host anemones in stable, mature reefs, but many are sold stressed or bleached. Give them moderate–high light, gentle flow,...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Sebae Anemone
Carpet Anemone (Gigantea) ARTICLE

Carpet Anemone (Gigantea)

Gigantea carpet anemones are stunning but advanced anemones that need a large, mature, oxygen-rich tank with strong broad flow and stable parameters. They’re powerful...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Carpet Anemone (Gigantea)
Carpet Anemone (Haddoni) ARTICLE

Carpet Anemone (Haddoni)

Haddoni carpet anemones are stunning sandbed centerpieces that need a large, mature, stable tank with a deep substrate, strong lighting, and gentle flow. They’re...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Carpet Anemone (Haddoni)
Maxi-Mini Carpet Anemone ARTICLE

Maxi-Mini Carpet Anemone

Maxi-mini carpet anemones are hardy, colorful anemones that like a sandy nook, moderate–high light, gentle flow, and regular meaty feedings. They’re extremely sticky and...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Maxi-Mini Carpet Anemone
Rock Flower Anemone ARTICLE

Rock Flower Anemone

Rock Flower Anemones are colorful, mostly stay-put anemones that do best in stable tanks with gentle flow, low–moderate light, and regular small meaty feedings....

Reefapedia 1 min read
Rock Flower Anemone
Condylactis Anemone ARTICLE

Condylactis Anemone

Condylactis (Condy) anemones are hardy, bold centerpiece anemones that need a stable, mature reef with moderate–high light and gentle flow. They wander and sting,...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Condylactis Anemone
Bubble Tip Anemone ARTICLE

Bubble Tip Anemone

Bubble Tip Anemones are rewarding centerpiece anemones that thrive in mature, stable reef tanks with strong, consistent lighting and moderate indirect flow. They can...

Reefapedia 1 min read
Bubble Tip Anemone
Phytoplankton ARTICLE

Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton isn’t livestock—it’s food web support. Its main value is feeding pods and filter feeders and strengthening the base of the reef ecosystem. When...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Phytoplankton
Amphipods ARTICLE

Amphipods

Amphipods are beneficial micro-crustaceans that support reef stability by recycling waste and serving as natural live food for fish. They thrive in tanks with...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Amphipods
Copepods ARTICLE

Copepods

Copepods are foundational micro-crustaceans that support biodiversity and provide natural live food in reef tanks. They thrive in stable systems with structure, food, and...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Copepods
Gracilaria ARTICLE

Gracilaria

Gracilaria is a reef-friendly macroalgae that provides steady nutrient export, pod habitat, and natural food for herbivores without becoming invasive. It grows best with...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Gracilaria
Asterina Starfish ARTICLE

Asterina Starfish

Asterina starfish are common hitchhikers that usually act as harmless algae and biofilm grazers. In balanced tanks they stay in low numbers and do...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Asterina Starfish
Fromia Starfish ARTICLE

Fromia Starfish

Fromia starfish are beautiful but demanding invertebrates that rely on mature reef surfaces for food. They require large, well-established tanks with abundant biofilm and...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Fromia Starfish
Sand-Sifting Starfish ARTICLE

Sand-Sifting Starfish

Sand-sifting starfish clean sand by consuming the life within it, which makes them one of the most common slow-failure inverts in reef tanks. While...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Sand-Sifting Starfish
Serpent Star ARTICLE

Serpent Star

Serpent stars are hardy, reef-safe scavengers that live in rockwork and clean up leftover food before it becomes a nutrient issue. They’re mostly nocturnal...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Serpent Star
Brittle Star ARTICLE

Brittle Star

Brittle stars are reef-safe scavengers that live in rockwork and help clean up leftover food before it becomes a nutrient problem. They’re mostly hidden...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Brittle Star
Squamosa Clam ARTICLE

Squamosa Clam

Squamosa clams are one of the more forgiving giant clams, but they still require a stable, mature reef with consistent lighting and chemistry. They...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Squamosa Clam
Crocea Clam ARTICLE

Crocea Clam

Crocea clams are high-light, rock-dwelling giant clams that demand stable chemistry and strong, consistent lighting. They’re sensitive to alkalinity swings, poor placement, and system...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Crocea Clam
Maxima Clam ARTICLE

Maxima Clam

Maxima clams are high-light, light-driven clams that do best in mature, stable reef systems. They need strong, consistent lighting, steady alkalinity and calcium, and...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Maxima Clam
Derasa Clam ARTICLE

Derasa Clam

Derasa clams are one of the more forgiving giant clams, but they still require a stable, mature reef with consistent lighting and chemistry. They...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Derasa Clam
Collector Urchin ARTICLE

Collector Urchin

Collector urchins are effective algae grazers with a lot of personality, but they’re mechanically disruptive by nature. They’re reef safe biologically, yet will pick...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Collector Urchin
Pencil Urchin ARTICLE

Pencil Urchin

Pencil urchins are strong, opportunistic algae grazers that work best in rugged, well-secured systems. They’re reef safe with caution, not because they eat corals,...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Pencil Urchin
Longspine Urchin ARTICLE

Longspine Urchin

Longspine urchins are powerful algae grazers best suited for large, well-secured reef tanks. They’re reef safe biologically, but their size, spines, and strength make...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Longspine Urchin
Tuxedo Urchin ARTICLE

Tuxedo Urchin

Tuxedo urchins are small, reef-friendly algae grazers that excel at controlling film algae and biofilm in mixed reefs. They’re generally gentle, but will move...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Tuxedo Urchin
Pincushion Urchin ARTICLE

Pincushion Urchin

Pincushion urchins are small, reef-friendly algae grazers that work well in mixed reefs when given enough food. They’re generally gentle but can knock over...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Pincushion Urchin
Anemone Crab ARTICLE

Anemone Crab

Anemone crabs are specialized, symbiotic crabs that depend on a healthy host anemone to thrive. They do best in stable, established tanks where food...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Anemone Crab
Emerald Crab ARTICLE

Emerald Crab

Emerald crabs are opportunistic algae grazers that can be very effective when algae is present, especially bubble algae. They’re reef safe with conditions, but...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Emerald Crab
Porcelain Crab ARTICLE

Porcelain Crab

Porcelain crabs are peaceful filter feeders that rely on moderate flow and suspended food rather than scavenging. They do best in established reefs with...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Porcelain Crab
Blue-Leg Hermit Crab ARTICLE

Blue-Leg Hermit Crab

Blue-leg hermits are active, hardy scavengers that help with algae and leftover food, but they’re more aggressive than scarlet hermits. Their biggest downside is...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Blue-Leg Hermit Crab
Scarlet Hermit Crab ARTICLE

Scarlet Hermit Crab

Scarlet hermit crabs are one of the most reef-friendly hermits available, known for grazing algae and biofilm without causing much trouble. They do best...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Scarlet Hermit Crab
Astraea Snail ARTICLE

Astraea Snail

Astraea snails are reef-safe algae grazers that clean film algae and biofilm from rock and glass. Their main downside is that many can’t flip...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Astraea Snail
Cerith Snail ARTICLE

Cerith Snail

Cerith snails are versatile, reef-safe grazers that work across rock, glass, and sandbed edges, making them one of the most useful cleanup crew snails...

Reefapedia 3 min read
Cerith Snail
Turbo Snail ARTICLE

Turbo Snail

Turbo snails are powerful algae grazers best used as a targeted response when algae needs to be knocked back quickly. They’re reef safe biologically,...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Turbo Snail
Nassarius Snail ARTICLE

Nassarius Snail

Nassarius snails are sandbed scavengers that specialize in cleaning up leftover meaty food, not algae. They live buried in the sand and rely on...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Nassarius Snail
Trochus Snail ARTICLE

Trochus Snail

Trochus snails are reliable, reef-safe algae grazers that work on both glass and rock without needing constant attention. They’re especially valued for their ability...

Reefapedia 4 min read
Trochus Snail
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