Crustaceans

Crustaceans refers to shimp, lobster and crabs.  Crustaceans are invertebrates and are very sensitive to water quality.  They should not form part of a beginner's aquarium.

Shrimp

Some of the more popular shrimps are:

• Banded Coral ( Stenopus hispidus) - red and white banding.  This is the most popular coral shrimp and one of the most expensive.  Be careful as it will eat small fish.

• Cleaner (Lysmata amboinensis) - red and white stripe down the back.  These are fairly easy to keep.

• Blood (Lysmata debelius) - red with white spots.

• Candycane (Periclimenes brevcarpalis)

Make sure that a regular food supply is reaching the bottom of the tank for your shrimp.  Shrimp will eat frozen and freeze dried foods, including brine shrimp and flakes.

Crabs

Some of the more popular crabs are:

• Anemone crab (Neopetrolisthes ohshimia) - so named because they live in anemones.

• Arrow crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) - these are not compatible with Banded Coral Shrimp.

• Hermit crabs (Dardanus megistos)

If you are keeping crabs, you will need to ensure that they have replacement shells when they outgrow their existing ones.  Make sure that a regular food supply is reaching the bottom of the tank for your crabs.  Crabs will generally eat the same foods as your fish.

Water Quality

Copper sulphate is the most common cure for saltwater fish disease, but even trace amounts will kill invertebrates.  Don't use common copper in your reef tank!