![]() ![]() These fish are found throughout the Caribbean-ranging from South Florida to the Bahamas to the Netherland Antilles. Reef Compatibility: Add with caution if keeping a reef aquarium All of them could potentially be housed in either a fish-only or reef Caribbean biotope aquarium. Some of these animals grow somewhat large and present specialized needs in captivity. There are, however, some fish that originate in the Caribbean Sea but are less common in our aquariums. The ever-popular royal gramma Gramma loreto is a Caribbean fish and one that adds color and personality to many aquariums worldwide. In reality, the blue angelfish Holacanthus bermudensis and French angelfish Pomacanthus paru are also extremely attractive animals. The queen angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris, a Caribbean endemic, is often referred to as the most beautiful of all fish. Several of the species that are often found in local fish outlets originate from the Caribbean. Many people don’t realize the fact that they may be keeping a Caribbean native in their aquarium already. So just what species from the Caribbean make suitable aquarium residents? How is creating a Caribbean biotope different from mixing and matching a community reef tank? Does the Caribbean climate and ecology present any real difficulties when trying to replicate it in captivity? Elkhorn and staghorn corals and Ricordea mushrooms are all hallmark creatures helping to create the Caribbean reefs. On the flip side, the tiny yellow-headed or pearly jawfish Opistognathus aurifrons grows only several inches long but packs a ton of personality. The goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara, common to South Florida and the Keys, can grow up to 8 feet long and weigh hundreds of pounds. While it isn’t rare to find the occasional Caribbean species mixed in with South Pacific or Red Sea endemic fish, it is uncommon to find an aquarium solely dedicated to creating a slice of this incredible sea.Ĭonsidering that the Caribbean represents 9 percent of coral reefs worldwide, it clearly serves as host to plenty of species. Even though this large tropical sea is much closer to the United States than many South Pacific regions, Caribbean biotope reef aquariums are far less common in the aquarium world. Many of the Caribbean’s inhabitants have been popular aquarium specimens for decades. While species diversity in the Caribbean is not nearly as abundant as in South Pacific regions, this unique sea is home to a host of interesting creatures. The Caribbean, situated in the tropics of the Western Hemisphere between South America and the Gulf of Mexico, is actually one of the largest saltwater seas, covering 1,063,000 square miles. Crystal-clear turquoise water, abundant coral reefs, and a unique culture have made the islands of this tropical sea a tourist destination and paradise for ages. The Caribbean Sea is often referred to as the jewel of the Atlantic. ![]() A seasoned scuba diver and aquarist suggests various species for an aquarium that mirrors the beauty of the Caribbean. While many aquariums mix a variety of species coming from different oceans and ecosystems, a biotope aquarium is designed to replicate a specific slice of nature. ![]()
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