| Usually the owners of saltwater aquariums do not | | | | 3. Siderastrea Coral |
| use reefs. This is because the coral had a very short | | | | This is a soft variety and can withstand changes in |
| life span when you put one in an aquarium. However, | | | | the temperature, light and also the water quality. |
| people who have been persistent in their efforts | | | | Usually it is gray or white in color. It is sometimes |
| have found an answer to that one. Whatever the | | | | shaped like a round dome but more commonly, it |
| skill level that you have, there is a reef or another | | | | comes in the shape of a flat plate that could be |
| that would suit you and your aquarium. Whether you | | | | anywhere between four and twelve inches in |
| are an absolute beginner or a seasoned professional, | | | | diameter. This variety of coral is more commonly |
| you will find a reef that will be interesting to work | | | | known as the Starlet, Pink Starlet or the Lesser |
| with and within your reach. | | | | Starlet coral. |
| 1. Zoanthus | | | | If you have successfully housed some of these |
| This is the common choice of those who are just | | | | hardier varieties of coral in your aquarium, you could |
| beginning to add reef to their aquariums. This is a | | | | then move on to other delicate varieties. Coral and |
| hardy variety that survives in almost any saltwater | | | | fish somehow do go together, and some kinds |
| aquarium. It does not find a meat diet very appealing | | | | match better with each other. If you are looking to |
| and you need to give it only finely chopped food. | | | | buy some new fish, keep your existing coral |
| You can get this in many different colors, and many | | | | category in mind when doing so. Also look out for |
| of the owners of aquariums like using it as a filter | | | | any unhealthy fish when buying a bunch of new ones. |
| reef for the temperamental kinds of reef. It is | | | | You can tell by looking at their scales, eyes, |
| commonly known as the Bottom Polyps and also the | | | | abdomen, mouth and fins. The fish's eyes should be |
| Sea Mat. | | | | bright and clear. If there is a hazy layer on the eyes |
| 2. Cladiella | | | | this could mean the fish is suffering from a bacterial |
| This is yet another great variety to start off with. It | | | | infection. Patches on the scales definitely warn you |
| is popularly called the Finger Leather or the Colt Coral. | | | | of an internal disease that the fish is dealing with. One |
| It is also widely known for its adaptable nature. If | | | | with a damaged mouth can lose appetite and |
| you have one of these coming in, we strongly | | | | become sickly. Look for clean and crisp fins and a |
| suggest you make sure that it is securely anchored, | | | | firm and rounded abdomen in your fish. Look out for |
| or it just will not grow. | | | | sagging fins as well. |