Invertebrates
Cleanup crew and display animals for reef and fish-only aquariums. Most invertebrates are sensitive to copper and to swings in salinity, so acclimate them slowly.
Representative examples, photographed in our own tanks. What is on the floor changes regularly, so call or visit for a specific animal.
Shrimp
Cleaner shrimp pick parasites off fish, and peppermint shrimp are kept to eat nuisance aiptasia anemones. Most shrimp are reef safe and sensitive to copper and salinity swings. Suits any stable reef.
Photographed in our tanks: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp Lysmata amboinensis, Peppermint Shrimp.
Crabs
Hermit and emerald crabs work as cleanup crew, and decorator crabs cover themselves in bits of sponge and algae. Most crabs are opportunists, so match the crab to its tankmates. Hermits and emerald crabs suit a beginner cleanup crew; a decorator crab belongs in a fish-only or species tank.
Snails
Turbo and trochus snails graze algae from rock and glass; nassarius work the sand bed for leftover food. A basic part of any cleanup crew and easy to keep, as long as there is food for them and no copper in the water.
Starfish
Sea stars need a mature tank with stable water and plenty of live rock to graze. Some, like brittle stars, are hardy scavengers; others are delicate or will eat coral, so ask before you add one. Suits a mature system and a patient keeper.
Urchins
Tuxedo, pincushion and other urchins graze algae from rock and glass, and some carry shells and rubble as cover. Reef safe with care, though they can knock over loose corals. Suits a mature tank with enough algae to feed them.
Looking for a particular animal? Call the store, or come in and ask at the counter.