When it comes to saltwater aquaria, I think invertebrates would definitely have to be the highlight for me. I love the sea urchins, sea stars, and the always curious crustaceans.
With sea urchins, it might take some patience, but they do move around quite a bit. The spines slowly move, they glide to different places, and with some of the urchins, you can easily see the tube feet. The tuxedo urchins seem to be much more colorful and intricate, but these pencil urchins have larger spines.
Chocolate Chip Sea Star
Everyone has to love the sea star. They are actually very similar to the sea urchins, and many will have similar care when bought for aquariums. If you look on the bottom of one, you can see similar feet to the urchins.
Spotted Hermit Crab
I haven't seen one of these specific hermit crabs before, so seeing this one was a treat. It was incredibly large compared to the standard tiny ones that many people have for their tanks. This one being carnivorous, I can see why it is probably not kept in community tanks.
Chocolate Chip Sea Star and Unknown Sea Star
Another chocolate chip. The other star looks familiar, but I cannot put a name on it right now.
Horseshoe Crab
Horseshoe crabs have always been one of those unique animals. They have been shown on TV for having blue blood even. One time at a pet store I saw a little baby one running around. It was one of the most adorable things I have seen.
Slipper Lobster
This was also an animal that I haven't ever seen before. A predatory and clawless crustacean/lobster that eats mollusks and related animals. These are related more to the spiny lobsters than a standard lobster.
Spiny Lobster
Lacking large claws, these are closely related to the slipper lobster above.
Hope you enjoyed the images :)
All images taken with a Nikon D3200 at the Sea Life Aquarium
