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Spirorbid worms | Aquarium Friend or Foe?

If you’ve been following the FantaSEA blog for a while, you’ll know that there are plenty of critters out there that can show up in your aquarium uninvited. That’s why we’ve got the Aquarium Friend or Foe section! Today’s creature feature: spirorbid worms. Are they useful guests or unwanted pests? Keep reading for everything you … Read more

Stomatella Snail | Aquarium Friend or Foe?

If you’re an avid marine fishkeeper, you’ll know that live rock can contain a wide range of critters that might show their face over time. Some of these hitchhikers are considered unwanted visitors, while others are seen as neutral or even beneficial to your aquatic ecosystem. We get calls all the time asking about uninvited … Read more

Peanut Worms | Aquarium Friend or Foe?

Peanut worm in the sand

Anyone who’s been keeping reef aquariums for a while can tell you that plenty of things pop up in saltwater aquariums that they never intentionally put in there. It’s usually just part of the fun, although sometimes it can be a headache (unwanted hitchhikers, anyone?). The peanut worm is among the stranger visitors that one … Read more

Gorilla Crab | Aquarium Friend or Foe?

Round crab (Xantho pilipes) underwater in the Mediterranean Sea

If you’re first setting up your reef tank, you’re likely going to be using live rock, which has visual benefits and helps keep your aquarium healthy. Live rock can also harbor a variety of visitors: some good and some bad. They’re called hitchhikers. One common hitchhiker is the gorilla crab. Keep reading to find all … Read more

7 Unwelcome Aquarium Hitchhikers

Bearded fireworm underwater photo

If you’re interested in setting up a reef aquarium, you probably have all kinds of amazing fish and invertebrates in mind that you would like to keep. But did you know that it’s pretty much inevitable to also end up with critters that you didn’t invite?  The stowaways that come with live rock are referred … Read more