Information on Live Rock Invertebrates
Live rock simply means a piece of rock where helpful microscopic creatures like worms, tiny crabs, algae or bacteria live. Invertebrates simply mean that the creatures do not have backbones. Live rock is often used in saltwater aquariums.
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Function
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The invertebrates that live on live rock circulate around the entire tank to help with filtering out any rotting food or vegetation the fish may have missed. This rotting material could cause a dangerous rise in ammonia, which could kill the fish.
Identification
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According to FishLore.com, the best type of rock for invertebrates and algae to living in is porous rock (with very small holes). While technically not a rock, coral is great material for invertebrates.
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Types
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The exact species of invertebrates on live rock depends upon where the rock was harvested or farmed. For example, Live Rock N Reef harvest live rock in Florida, and the invertebrates that live in Florida waters include juvenile tube worms, juvenile crabs and coral spores.
Food
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"The Everything Aquarium Book" notes that not only do invertebrates on live rock act to keep the water chemistry balanced but they also serve an extra food supply for the fish.
Warning
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People should not remove any rock or coral from the environment. Those invertebrates are needed to help keep the water in optimal condition for the sea life in that area.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit jawfish image by cherie from Fotolia.com
