Gracing TFH’s cover this month are a shrimp goby Stonogobiops nematodes and its pistol shrimp partner Alpheus randalli, a pair that lives in mutual symbiosis: The shrimp digs a tunnel in the substrate, which the shrimp and goby both share. When they leave the tunnel, the pistol shrimp (which has poor eyesight) keeps one of its antennae in constant contact with the ever-alert goby, and at the first sign of danger the pair quickly retreats into the tunnel. As author and photographer James Fatherree explains in his article “A Look at Invertebrates for the Non-Reef Aquarium” (p. 96), these animals make a wonderful addition to a marine/FOWLR system, and their activities and interactions provide countless hours of entertainment.
Feature Articles
Silurana Clawed Frogs
Author: Colin Dunlop
Aquatic frogs can entertain and fascinate their keepers with underwater antics and interesting breeding behaviors. An experienced amphibian enthusiast relates his story of maintaining and breeding a clawed frog that is relatively new to the aquarium hobby.
A Look at Invertebrates for the Non-Reef Aquarium
Author: James W. Fatherree, MSc
Despite the distinct separation created between fish-only and reef aquariums, there is a whole range of inverts that do not require bright lighting and do well with fish in a marine tank. Our saltwater expert reviews the various invertebrates that can liven up any tank without additional equipment, some of which even perform vital services.
Aquarium Science: Xiphophorus Interspecies Hybrids: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell
Author: Roy Levine
With amazing fins, spectacular shapes, and dazzling colors, hybrid Xiphophorus are extremely impressive fish. One researcher examines how interspecies hybridization is at the root of many of the fantastic qualities seen today, and provides a glimpse of what the future holds for these magnificent livebearers.
Discoveries on the Rio Içana
Author: Heiko Bleher
Cory cats and cardinal tetras are common in today’s hobby, but like many fish in your favorite fish shop, they were first discovered and collected during adventurous and often perilous expeditions. A fearless adventurer travels deep into the Amazon to search for familiar fish and new discoveries alike in the journey of a lifetime.
Hardy and Fashionable: The Harlequin Tuskfish
Author: Bill Rosser
As if its incredible, vibrant coloration and otherworldly blue tusk-like teeth weren’t enough, this unique-looking wrasse is actually hardy and acclimates well to aquarium life. A tuskfish fan describes his experiences with Choerodon fasciatus, which may just be the perfect specimen for the fish-only marine aquarium.
How Wild Collection May Save Our Reefs
Author: Michael Goumas
An avid environmentalist flies in the face of conventional reef-conservation wisdom by arguing that the benefits of harvesting fish and corals might actually outweigh any negative impacts, and wild collection, in concert with responsible handling methods and captive propagation, may be the key to saving our reefs.
Maintaining a Beautiful Foreground in the Nature Aquarium
Author: Takashi Amano
Foreground plants are an essential part of the Nature Aquarium planted layout method, helping to create a sense of depth and a natural-looking transition over the entire layout from front to back. The legendary creator of the Nature Aquarium details the best plants and maintenance methods for creating a healthy and stunning foreground.
Risky Damsels
Author: Bob Goemans
Damselfish may look innocent and cute, especially as juveniles, but the wrong species can turn the dream aquarium into a nightmare. A veteran aquarist offers a sampling of some devilish damsels that should be avoided at all costs by aquarists who wish to keep the peace in their marine communities.
SECORE
Author: Shari Horowitz
Coral fragging has become a popular and eco-friendly part of reefkeeping, but it does nothing to maintain the genetic diversity of captive coral stocks. TFH’s associate editor speaks with SECORE, an organization developing cutting-edge techniques to encourage sexual reproduction of corals for the aquarium hobby, and ultimately to repopulate damaged reefs.
The Well-Fed Reef
Author: Mike Maddox
Maintaining the low-nutrient-level conditions typical of coral reefs in the wild may not be as beneficial for reef aquaria as many have been led to believe. A skilled reefer advises feeding your corals well, despite the prevailing wisdom that dissolved nutrients are to be avoided at all costs in the reef tank.
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4:10 am on May 20th, 2010
Great issue. The Randalls pistol shrimp is one of themost endearing of the genus Alpheus. This is partly due to their immensely small sizes (as small as half an inch) coupled with the fact that these pistol shrimp are very hardy.