Idaho Aquarium

Idaho Aquarium

Idaho Aquarium

Idaho Aquarium

This is a photo of one of the "pools" inside the aquarium, but seriously, this is so Van Goghish :) [B]

Idaho Aquarium

The "windows" need a good cleaning but that doesn't really detract from the pretty fish :)

Idaho Aquarium

Green Iguana

Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) - Distinguishing features of this species include a pendulous dewlap under the throat, a dorsal crest made up of dermal spines that run from the mid neck to the tail base, and a long tapering tail. The dewlap is more developed in adult males than females. Extensions of the hyoid bones stiffen and support the leading edge of this structure, which is used in territorial defense or when the animal is frightened. This fleshy structure also serves in heat absorption and dissipation when it is extended. Despite their name, Green Iguanas can come in different colors. Most color variation seen in this species is exhibited by males and may be attributed in part to sex steroids. Six to eight weeks prior to and during courtship, males may acquire a bright orange or gold hue, although coloration is still related to dominance status. Mature females, for the most part, retain their green coloring.

Idaho Aquarium

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish, with their amazing array of colors and patterns, are among the most common sites on reefs throughout the world. Although some species are dull-colored, most wear intricate patterns with striking backgrounds of blue, red, orange, or yellow. Many have dark bands across their eyes and round, eye-like dots on their flanks to confuse predators as to which end to strike and in which direction they're likely to flee. There are about 114 species of butterflyfish.

Clown Triggerfish

The Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) [background with large white spots] is without a doubt the most beautiful member of the trigger family. The bright yellow mouth is believed to deter potential predators. As with most other triggers, the clown is an aggressive feeder, feeding mainly on crustaceans and mollusks. They use their strong jaws to crack open the shells of mollusks and crabs.

Idaho Aquarium

Percula Clownfish

The Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) is one of the most beautiful of the clownfish species. The contrasting orange, white, and black colors make it a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. The Percula is found in the waters of the Indo-Pacific, where it feeds on plankton and small crustaceans. Like all clownfishes, it will make its home in the tentacles of several anemone species.

Anemone

The ornately colored sea Anemone (uh-NEM-uh-nee) is named after the equally flashy terrestrial anemone flower. A close relative of coral and jellyfish, anemones are stinging polyps that spend most of their time attached to rocks on the sea bottom or on coral reefs waiting for fish to pass close enough to get ensnared in their venom-filled tentacles. There are more than 1,000 sea anemone species found throughout the world’s oceans at various depths, although the largest and most varied occur in coastal tropical waters. They run the full spectrum of colors and can be as small as half an inch (1.25 centimeters) or as large as 6 feet (1.8 meters) across. Some anemones, like their coral cousins, establish symbiotic relationships with green algae. In exchange for providing the algae safe harbor and exposure to sunlight, the anemone receives oxygen and sugar, the bi-products of the algae's photosynthesis. They form another, more famous symbiotic alliance with clownfish (as seen in the next two photos), which are protected by a mucus layer that makes them immune to the anemone's sting. Clownfish live within the anemone’s tentacles, getting protection from predators, and the anemone snacks on the scraps from the clownfish’s meals. The above information, plus more, can be found at the National Geographic website.

Anemone, Percula Clownfish, Black Ocellaris

Anemone, Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula), Black Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris)

Anemone, Percula Clownfish, Black Ocellaris

Anemone, Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula), Black Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris) [B]

Coral Reef

A Coral Reef is an underwater structure made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps are like tiny sea anemones, to which they are closely related. Unlike sea anemones, coral polyps secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect their bodies. Reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters. Often called “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world's ocean surface, about half the area of France, yet they provide a home for 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and other cnidarians. Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish even though they are surrounded by ocean waters that provide few nutrients. They are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters, but deep water and cold water corals also exist on smaller scales in other areas.

Chambered Nautilus

The Chambered Nautilus (Nautilus pompilius) or Emperor Nautilus reaches about 20 external cm (7.87 inches) in length. The spiral shell of this chambered nautilus is thin and smooth with a brown and white pattern. Up to 30 chambers are created in the shell as the animal increases in size and moves to occupy the outermost chamber. The chambered nautilus maintains buoyancy through a gas passed through a tube in the shell tube called a siphuncle external. This also helps the animal stay upright in the water. The chambered nautilus has about 90 small suckerless tentacles found on the body close to where it is attached to the shell. This mollusk has eyes but they do not have a cornea external or lens. The Chambered Nautilus is found in the western Pacific Ocean. They are often found near the ocean bottom or near coral reefs in waters up to 500 external meters (1,640 feet) deep, but they travel to shallower waters at night.The Chambered Nautilus first appeared around 550 million years ago during the early Paleozoic era external. According to fossil records, some had shells between 6-9 external meters (19.5 - 29.5 feet) long when uncoiled. Having survived relatively unchanged for millions of years, nautiluses represent the only living members of the subclass Nautiloidea, and are often considered "living fossils."

Brazilian Yellow Seahorse

Brazilian Yellow Seahorse (Hippocampus reidi) [yellow creature in the left of the photo with head facing downward] - Brazilian Seahorses are an Atlantic species with a wide range. They occur from as far north as the Carolinas and Bermuda and south to Brazil. They are known in the hobby as Brazilian Seahorses because, in the past, many colorful wild specimens were imported form Brazil. The Brazilian variety of H. reidi is one of the largest seahorse species known, growing to over 8 inches in length. The Yellow Seahorse uses camoflage to avoid predators. They can change from black to brown to all shades of orange depending on their surroundings.

Seahorse

The Seahorse (Hippocampus) is the title given to forty-seven species of marine fish in the genus Hippocampus. "Hippocampus" comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning "horse" and kampos meaning "sea monster." Seahorses are mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world and prefer to live in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, estuaries, coral reefs, or mangroves.

Seahorse

The Seahorse (Hippocampus) is the title given to forty-seven species of marine fish in the genus Hippocampus. "Hippocampus" comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning "horse" and kampos meaning "sea monster." Seahorses are mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world and prefer to live in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, estuaries, coral reefs, or mangroves. [B]

Seahorse, Brazilian Yellow Seahorse

Seahorse (Hippocampus) is the title given to forty-seven species of marine fish in the genus Hippocampus. "Hippocampus" comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning "horse" and kampos meaning "sea monster." Seahorses are mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world and prefer to live in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, estuaries, coral reefs, or mangroves.The Brazilian Yellow Seahorse (Hippocampus reidi) is to the far left of the photo. Brazilian Yellow Seahorse . Brazilian Seahorses are an Atlantic species with a wide range. They occur from as far north as the Carolinas and Bermuda and south to Brazil. They are known in the hobby as Brazilian Seahorses because, in the past, many colorful wild specimens were imported form Brazil. The Brazilian variety of H. reidi is one of the largest seahorse species known, growing to over 8 inches in length. The Yellow Seahorse uses camoflage to avoid predators. They can change from black to brown to all shades of orange depending on their surroundings. Seahorse (Hippocampus) is the title given to forty-seven species of marine fish in the genus Hippocampus. "Hippocampus" comes from the Ancient Greek hippos meaning "horse" and kampos meaning "sea monster." Seahorses are mainly found in shallow tropical and temperate waters throughout the world and prefer to live in sheltered areas such as seagrass beds, estuaries, coral reefs, or mangroves. [B]

Spotted Garden Eel

Like a slim straw, the Spotted Garden Eel (Taenioconger hassi) can be up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, although you may never see more than a quarter of their body. They get their name from all the tiny odd-shaped spots covering the body, including three large solid black spots of which only two are generally seen. Large yellow eyes make it easy for the Spotted Garden Eel to spot its tiny food floating in the current. Spotted Garden Eels live in colonies on the sand flats and slopes that border coral reefs at depths of 23 to 150 feet (7 to 45 m). They will also be found in areas densely populated with seagrass. Living among the seagrass blades makes it easy for these eels to blend in.

Spotted Garden Eel

Like a slim straw, the Spotted Garden Eel (Taenioconger hassi) can be up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, although you may never see more than a quarter of their body. They get their name from all the tiny odd-shaped spots covering the body, including three large solid black spots of which only two are generally seen. Large yellow eyes make it easy for the Spotted Garden Eel to spot its tiny food floating in the current. Spotted Garden Eels live in colonies on the sand flats and slopes that border coral reefs at depths of 23 to 150 feet (7 to 45 m). They will also be found in areas densely populated with seagrass. Living among the seagrass blades makes it easy for these eels to blend in.

Spotted Garden Eel

Like a slim straw, the Spotted Garden Eel (Taenioconger hassi) can be up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, although you may never see more than a quarter of their body. They get their name from all the tiny odd-shaped spots covering the body, including three large solid black spots of which only two are generally seen. Large yellow eyes make it easy for the Spotted Garden Eel to spot its tiny food floating in the current. Spotted Garden Eels live in colonies on the sand flats and slopes that border coral reefs at depths of 23 to 150 feet (7 to 45 m). They will also be found in areas densely populated with seagrass. Living among the seagrass blades makes it easy for these eels to blend in.

Sea Star (Starfish)

Starfish (Sea Star) can be a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, although all resemble a star. While some appear smooth, they all have spines covering their upper surface and a soft underside. If you gently turn over a live sea star, you'll see its tube feet wiggling back at you. The five-arm varieties are the most common, hence their name, but species with 10, 20, and even 40 arms exist. Although Sea Stars live underwater and are commonly called "starfish," they are not fish. They do not have gills, scales, or fins like fish do and they move quite differently from fish. While fish propel themselves with their tails, sea stars have tiny tube feet to help them move along. They are related to sand dollars and sea urchins. There are about 2,000 species of Sea Stars. Some live in the intertidal zone, some in deep water, some in tropical areas, some in cold water.