Reef Builders -The Reef Aquarium Blog » New Species

ORA is ever closer to producing all white clownfish

Jake Adams — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:30:00 +0000

We have usually been strong critics of the deformity-ladden ’snowflake’ clownfish produced by ORA but this new batch of nearly all white ocellaris clownfish are another matter. Contrary to what you might believe, this beautiful batch of white clownfish actually descend from ‘picasso’ clownfish which we have admired for having much better shape and far fewer deformities than their highly inbred black, naked and snowflake ocellaris brethren. As you can see from these still tiny 1″ specimens, these fish have a good shape of the head, well formed jaws, full sized gills and fins and an even-ness of color which is simply stunning. Don’t expect to see these beauties at your LFS anytime soon as the first release of these yet to be named ‘Picasso’ clownfish descendents will surely go to some of ORA’s best customers for stratospheric prices.

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ORA is ever closer to producing all white clownfish

ORA is ever closer to producing all white clownfish

New Species of Tridacna clam discovered from the Red Sea

Jake Adams — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:44:51 +0000

Tridacna costata on the left and Tridacna maxima on the right. Photo by M. Naumann.

A new species of Tridacna giant clam has been discovered in the Red Sea. Formerly believed to be a variant of Tridacna maxima, the newly described T. costata is now considered to be under serious threat of extinction. The new Tridacnid was found to make up less than one percent of the giant clam population in the Red Sea and although it was once widespread, overharvesting by humans is thought to be one of the main causes of its decline. T. costata is distinguished from T. maxima by more numerous and distinct rib-like folds of the shell as well as a subdued brownish mantle which exhibits numerous, wart-like protrusions. Although the clam has only been identified from the Red Sea, it is quite possible that this species occurs outside of this range and that it has been mistaken for a brown T. maxima all this time. Keep your eyes peeled at the LFS and let us know if you find one.

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New Species of Tridacna clam discovered from the Red Sea

New Species of Tridacna clam discovered from the Red Sea

Marine scientists find millions of tiny starfish inhabiting undersea volcano

Ryan Gripp — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:37:12 +0000

Marine scientists surveying a large undersea mountain chain were amazed to find millions of tiny starfish swirling their arms to capture food in the undersea current. About 19 scientists studied the biology and geology of eight Macquarie Ridge sea mounts. These sea mounts are part of a string of underwater volcanoes that stretch 875 miles from New Zealand toward Antarctica. Marine biologist Ashely Rowden said: “It was unique in that it hasn’t been found on the tops of sea mounts before … (and) it was over a relatively large area” of about 60 square miles. The starfish are about 0.4 inch across, with arms about 2 inches long. Fewer than 200 of the world’s estimated 100,000 sea mounts that rise more than a half a mile above the sea floor have been studied in any detail.

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Marine scientists find millions of tiny starfish inhabiting undersea volcano

Marine scientists find millions of tiny starfish inhabiting undersea volcano

New anglerfish discovered, flat and crawls

Ryan Gripp — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:27:33 +0000

This new anglerfish was discovered in Indonesia in January this species actually crawls rather then swims. The fish itself is very flat. These and other traits suggest the fist-size animal may represent a new family of fishes, however the article states that “DNA tests are needed to confirm”. The forward facing eyes seem to be a first for any fish. “Seeking out these fish is probably going to be like the holy grail of divers for a while,” Ambon Island-based dive operator Randolph Shorten said in a statement.

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New anglerfish discovered, flat and crawls

New anglerfish discovered, flat and crawls

Reef Builders -The Reef Aquarium Blog » New Species

ORA is ever closer to producing all white clownfish

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New Species of Tridacna clam discovered from the Red Sea

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Marine scientists find millions of tiny starfish inhabiting undersea volcano

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New anglerfish discovered, flat and crawls

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