Saltwater Aquarium Guide -- Fast Facts

Fast Facts (page 14)

The Neon Goby Cleaner Fish Behavior: Neon Gobies are known as "cleaner fish," since in the wild these small fish establish cleaning stations where larger fish come to be groomed. Neon Gobies, which grow to only 2.5 inches, swim around the mouth, gills, and fins of the larger fish, picking away dead tissue and harmful parasites.

This symbiotic behavior may also be seen in aquariums, where the goby will service tank mates and help control disease. This behavior makes Neon Gobies the perfect compliment for many aquariums, since they even have the tendency to pick the ich cysts off tank mates. And it is not uncommon for these beautiful fish to try to "clean" the aquarium owner's arm when servicing the aquarium.

Shy and Inactive Fish: Some species of fish will be shy in an aquarium, especially if there are only a few larger specimens in the tank. Keep your decorative rock, since it provides your fish with structure and hiding places to relieve stress. Try placing a school of up to six chromis, wrasse, or other highly active fish in the tank. Adding a mix of active fish to your tank helps encourage the shyer species to venture out into the open more often. This way you can enjoy viewing all the fish.

Why do Clams Move Around: The reason for clams to move about the aquarium, is to try to find a suitable location to seat themselves. It is a good practice to place any clam in the substrate until it becomes accustomed to its new environment. Bury a small rock that is about the same length as the clam just below the surface of the sand. Place the clam directly on this rock, giving it a place to anchor itself. This rock will also protect the clam's delicate byssus opening from possible predators.

Within a few days to a week's time, the clam should fasten itself to its new location using its byssal filaments. At this time, the clam should be acclimated to the new lighting, and move it to the desired location, along with the rock on which it has anchored itself to.

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