Care terms explained
Every marine fish on the site carries a small care panel — care level, reef compatibility, temperament, diet and more. Here's what each of those terms means, in plain English, so you can shop with your eyes open. As always, it's honest guidance from our own care data — not a cast-iron guarantee. Not sure? Come ask us.
About this fish — what each line means
This is the panel at the top of every fish page. The fixed values (like care level or temperament) are explained below each heading.
The group of fish this species belongs to — e.g. Tang / Surgeonfish, Wrasse, Clownfish. A quick guide to its general behaviour, diet and adult size.
The length a healthy adult typically reaches, in centimetres. Fish keep growing — always stock for the adult size, not the little one in the tank today.
The smallest volume we'd recommend for this fish long-term, shown in litres and US gallons. It's about swimming room and stable water, not just fitting the fish in.
How demanding the fish is to keep well — how forgiving it is of a young tank and how fussy about food and tankmates.
Whether the fish can be trusted around corals and invertebrates. Individuals vary, so treat it as guidance, not a guarantee.
What the fish eats, which tells you how to feed it well.
How the fish behaves towards its tankmates — the single biggest factor in whether a stocking list works.
The part of the world the species comes from — e.g. Indian Ocean, Coral Sea. Handy context for its natural conditions and behaviour.
Marine aquarium parameters — what we test for
Every fish page shows the same target water ranges — the numbers we aim for across our marine systems. Here's what each one is and why it matters. Pop in any time for an in-store water analysis and we'll read your results with you.
Water temperature. Steady is what counts — swings stress fish more than a slightly-off-but-stable number.
How much salt is dissolved in the water (measured as specific gravity). Keep it consistent; top up evaporation with fresh RO water, not saltwater.
How acidic or alkaline the water is. Marine tanks sit on the alkaline side and are happiest kept stable.
A toxic waste product from fish and leftover food. In a properly cycled tank it should read zero — any reading is a red flag.
The toxic middle step of the nitrogen cycle. Should also read zero in an established tank.
The end product of the cycle. Low is good — kept in check with regular water changes and sensible feeding.
Ready to shop?
Now the panels make sense, browse the tanks with confidence. Livestock is collection-only — buy online and pick up at 280 North Road, Eastwood.