Blog Posts
New 3-dimensional camera developed for deep sea exploration
The new system, developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts (WHOI), allows researchers to view underwater locations in unprescedented 3D clarity.
Giesemann's new (and very sexy) MATRIXX-II T5 light
Giesemann has introduced a new pure T5 light, and it may be the highest build quality fluorescent lighting system we've ever seen. It's not cheap by any stretch of the imagination, but boy is it sexy. The new MATRIXX-II product line is offered exclusively through Reef-Eden (UK) and is now available in Europe (see retail prices after the jump). We have no news yet on USA and Asia availability.
Abundance and distribution of Hawaiian coral species predicted by model
Researchers from the University of Hawaii – Manoa (UHM) School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) developed species distribution models of the six dominant Hawaiian coral species around the main Hawaiian Islands including two species currently under consideration as threatened or endangered.
Meet Gavin, the photobombing parrotfish
I'll wager a lot of you have a fish or two that are attention seekers who seemingly find their way into all your aquarium photos whether you want them there or not. Gavin is a wild blue parrotfish that possesses this diva gene.
$4000 breeding fish stolen from Exeter, South Australia
In all, more than $15,000 in fish and equipment was stolen from the Exeter business.
Coral Reef Fishes Prove Invaluable in the Study of Evolutionary Ecology
Damsels, gobies, and hawkfish aren't just great fish for marine aquariums. A recent research paper also finds that reef fish provide valuable insight into social evolution. In other words, reef fish can help us understand why animals behave the way they do.
Microbes capture, store, and release nitrogen to feed reef-building coral
Microscopic algae that live within reef-forming corals scoop up available nitrogen, store the excess in crystal form, and slowly feed it to the coral as needed, according to a study published in mBio®, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology.
Dynamite fishing in Asia [video]
Why do poor fishermen in Asia use dynamite fishing practices even while they know it is unsustainable? This video tries to lend some insight into why fishermen would choose this practice over less damaging methods.
Using earthquake sensors to track endangered whales
The fin whale is the second-largest animal ever to live on Earth. It is also, paradoxically, one of the least understood. The animal’s huge size and global range make its movements and behavior hard to study.
Even ugly fish need love
The Mangarahara cichlid is one ugly tropical fish. But there are only three known specimens left on Earth, and all are captive males. The London Zoo is now searching for any private aquarist who may have a female in their possession in order to try and breed and save this almost extinct species.
Deep Sea ID - a new iPhone and iPad app
Developed by the Natural History Museum, the Deep Sea ID app brings the world's deep sea marine life into your home through your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch device.
Innovative Marine upsizes their MiniMax reactors for the rest of us
IM's MiniMax media reactors get the big boy treatment. The MiniMax product line will soon come to market in a much larger version, appropriately named the MiniMax FullSize. We love the MiniMax design, and we love that IM has upsized these media reactors for broader aquarist appeal. Advanced Aquarist shares the first detailed information and accompanying video.
DC's National Aquarium set to close
All good things must come to an end. The United States' oldest continuously operated public aquarium is set to close its doors on September 30, 2013. Washington DC's National Aquarium is located in the US Commerce Department building, which is undergoing major renovation that will force the aquarium out of its premises ... and out of business (for now).
More Red Sea Coral Reef Awesomeness
The Red Sea is, simply put, awesome. We can't get enough of this place. Since the Red Sea is an enclosed inlet, its waters are unusually serene compared to the open waters of the Indo-Pacific; The surreal calmness creates a magical "suspended in time and space" aquascape brimming with color. Watch this wonderful 10 minute video to see what we mean.
Life on a Coral Reef: Insult Is (Sometimes) Added to Injury
When is insult added to injury for a Caribbean coral reef? When overfishing removes predatory fish that feed on sponges, according to results reported this week in the journal PLOS ONE.
