The fourth 2026 issue of CORAL Magazine, themed Voracious Planktivores, opens with Editor Marc Levenson’s memories from the Reef Retreat 2026 educational camp. Providing an excellent introduction to the Voracious Planktivores concept and general feeding cycles central to this issue, the editor humorously notes how researchers abbreviate Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) as “Skittle-D.” He shares that Acropora skeletons reflect light to support photosynthesis from beneath, while also examining the clusters of Yasha Gobies in the wet labs.
Following this, the Reef Notebook section features striking research. This includes Helena Dietz’s piece on androgen hormones driving male pregnancy in seahorses, alongside Dr. Antonia Rötger’s X-ray study showing that baby coral skeletal structures develop simultaneously rather than sequentially, and how ocean acidification weakens this structural stability.
Continuing in the Reef Notebook, Kevin Kohen reports on an industry milestone: the QM Labs team successfully captive-breeding the rare Black Longnose Tang (Zebrasoma rostratum) for the first time, highlighting larval feeding and broodstock challenges. The section concludes with Graham Short and David Harasti introducing “Snuffy,” a shaggy new 36-vertebrae ghost pipefish species from the Southwest Pacific whose eggs are brooded by the female. In Reef Visions, Matt Pedersen showcases breathtaking livestock variations newly entering the trade. This issue highlights the rainbow-colored Jason Fox Mastermind Goniastrea, the shallow-water Raging Storm Micromussa, and the dual-toned Two-Face Frogspawn. Serving as an editorial source of inspiration for many fellow reef enthusiasts through its high-quality photographs, this section never fails to excite me.
Voracious Planktivores / Feature Articles
Planktivores: Fishes and The Plankton They Eat
The first feature article in this issue of CORAL Magazine begins with a comprehensive study by Daniel Knop and the magazine staff, examining the world of Voracious Planktivores that form the foundation of the marine food chain. It explains how plankton—derived from the Greek word for “drifter”—nourish a massive spectrum of life, ranging from reef fishes like Anthias in our aquariums to the 18-meter Whale Shark.
Highlighting that frozen foods are essentially substitutes for these live packages, the article notes the importance of culturing highly nutritious live plankton for finicky eaters. Additionally, Alex Rose shares the phenomenon of Diel Vertical Migration (DVM)—the planet’s largest vertical migration—where billions of zooplankton ascend to the surface at night and descend by daybreak, actively driving the global carbon cycle.
The article moves onward to highlight a major environmental crisis facing modern oceans: the threat of microplastics. In the wild, the natural relatives of the Voracious Planktivores in our aquariums mistake tiny plastic particles for living food, with microplastics outnumbering natural plankton by up to six times in certain regions. The authors emphasize that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) absorbed by these plastics—such as DDT, PCBs, and dioxins—along with industrial chemicals like BPA, accumulate up the food web to apex predators. Ultimately, the article reveals how plankton feeding, a highly successful survival strategy for millions of years, has tragically turned into a severe hormonal and survival stress test for marine life.
Planktivores In The Reef Aquarium
In his second article, Daniel Knop reveals the hidden diversity of Voracious Planktivores within our aquariums. Dividing plankton feeders—which make up about 30 percent of reef fish assemblages—into obligate and facultative categories, the author explains how active hunters like Pseudanthias employ male strategy to draw predator attention away from their harems. The article covers how the Midas Blenny infiltrates Anthias shoals for camouflage, how clownfish hunt from the safety of host anemones, and notes the strict live prey requirements for sensitive reef fish larvae. Additionally, the article shares practical aquarium tricks regarding one of the topics we are all most curious about: how to acclimate dry-food-rejecting Moorish Idols and seahorses to motionless frozen foods.
The article highlights that plankton feeding is not limited to fishes, reminding us that reef-building corals are also dedicated Voracious Planktivores. Knop notes that scraping bacterial biofilms during glass cleaning effectively feeds corals, while examining the filtration mechanisms of sponges, clams, and porcelain anemone crabs. From vermetid snails catching plankton with mucus nets to the elegant crowns of feather duster worms, this broad overview emphasizes the importance of a mature aquarium ecosystem producing its own live plankton. Ultimately, the article illustrates how pelagic fish spawning events naturally transform into a vital source of live food for the rest of the reef.
Zooplankton: A Feast For Your Reef
In the third article, Matt Pedersen creates a detailed guide by examining the frozen, freeze-dried, and liquid zooplankton forms available in the aquarium market. Presenting the differences between the large Antarctic-native Euphausia superba and the smaller Euphausia pacifica (Pacific Krill) collected from the Northern Pacific, Matt explains new generation products enriched with fatty acids as an alternative to traditional Artemia, which has a weak omega-3 profile. The article details the culture of key copepod (pod) species, such as the 50-micron Parvocalanus crassirostris that unlocked the developmental secrets of sensitive fish larvae, along with the roles of rotifers like Brachionus plicatilis in coral feeding.
Continuing the review, it explains how nutrient-dense Capelin and oyster eggs entice even the most finicky Voracious Planktivores members to feed. Ready-made zooplankton blends designed to simplify complex feeding routines, as well as 1 mm soft pellet alternatives developed for species like Anthias that require frequent daily feedings, are also highlighted. Pedersen emphasizes that many plankton feeders and non-photosynthetic corals, once considered impossible to maintain, can now be kept alive for years in home aquariums thanks to today’s rich and advanced zooplankton sector. Reflecting on past issues, can we say that we are now reading much more content related to aquaculture and captive breeding?
Feeding Strategies For Planktivores
Dr. Dieter Brockmann outlines species-specific feeding strategies for maintaining the health and longevity of Voracious Planktivores in our aquariums. Distinguishing between holoplankton, which drift with currents their entire lives, and meroplankton, which roam the open water only during their larval stage, the author issues a critical warning regarding frozen food preparation: thawed foods must be thoroughly rinsed under cold running water to eliminate the nitrate and phosphate that would otherwise leach into the water! He also notes that leaving thawed food at room temperature or on a warm aquarium cover quickly spoils the meal, which can lead to catastrophic fish losses.
The author categorizes plankton feeders into obligate and facultative groups, proposing distinct feeding schedules for each. For obligate Voracious Planktivores that hunt relentlessly throughout the day, he recommends mimicking natural reef cycles by offering frozen food in the morning and evening, supplemented by hourly dry food via an automated feeder during the day. For facultative species that graze on algae, Brockmann mentions that dried nori sheets attached to a magnetic glass cleaner serve as an excellent alternative, while reminding aquarists that heavy feeding can trigger explosive outbreaks of pests like Aiptasia. To combat this issue, he suggests deploying early biological solutions such as peppermint shrimps, Berghia nudibranchs, or captive-bred filefish.
Phytoplankton In The Salt Water Aquarium
Another article in the magazine focuses on phytoplankton, an indispensable component of modern reefkeeping and marine ornamental aquaculture, answering whether the culturing effort is actually worth it. Serving as the fundamental foundation of the marine food web, these plant-based microorganisms ranging from 0.2 to 200 microns do more than just nourish filter feeders; they also play a critical role in suppressing undesirable cyanobacteria outbreaks. Noting that constant consumption makes it impossible for phytoplankton populations to naturally sustain themselves in a reef aquarium, the author emphasizes the necessity of external cultivation for popular species like Nannochloropsis oculata, which serve both reef nutrition and zooplankton production.
The author provides a simple four-component setup for a topic we are all curious about—culturing phytoplankton at home using a daylight-spectrum LED, a small air pump, quality marine salt mixed with RO/DI water, and Guillard’s f/2 fertilizer. Warning that continuous, partial harvesting from a single vessel inevitably leads to bacterial contamination and culture crashes, the article recommends completely harvesting the phytoplankton from clear 5-liter containers at once to store it in the refrigerator before starting a fresh culture.
Sharing key tips on monitoring fertilizer by keeping nitrate levels between 100–250 ppm and intervening early at signs of collapse like yellowing, this guide demonstrates that despite requiring patience and trial and error, this natural “green juice” successfully stabilizes the entire aquarium system.
Rotifers, Tisbe, And Artemia:
Torsten Schmidt breaks the stigma that culturing live food is mysterious and complicated, sharing effortless and practical home-and-garden methods for minimalists. Stating that live food can be cultivated in limited spaces, even in simple pickle jars on a windowsill, the author explains how he constantly maintains Brachionus plicatilis, Tisbe biminiensis, and Artemia species. Warning that the large copepod species Tigriopus californicus is an excellent prey item for adult livestock like dragonets and pipefishes, but can attack sensitive fish larvae due to its predatory nature, Torsten emphasizes that he keeps this species away from larval rearing aquariums.
Providing tips on growing bottom-dwelling copepods in shallow containers and free-swimming species in deeper vessels, the author mentions how simple mortar buckets placed in the garden during summer months transform into massive live food stations with zero effort. The article also features practical hacks for hatching decapsulated Artemia cysts directly inside the aquarium or sump room to provide a day-long, natural food flow. Reminding that continuous feeding with this method can increase the risk of Aiptasia, Schmidt notes that a group of peppermint shrimps introduced early in the process will solve this issue before it grows.
Big Eyes, Bigger Personality
Griffin Bentley introduces the Priacanthidae (Bigeye) and Holocentridae (Soldierfish/Squirrelfish) families, which feature massive eyes and huge personalities yet remain extremely uncommon in the aquarium hobby and trade. Examining the deep-water adapted eye structures of these exclusively wild-caught, red-colored, nocturnal, and cave-dwelling creatures, the author shares his experiences with the Cardinal Soldierfish (Plectrypops retrospinis) and the Short Bigeye (Pristigenys alta). Noting that larger specimens are highly resistant to frozen foods, he advises hobbyists to select smaller individuals under 8 cm and suggests using tongs to move krill or cut-up fish chunks to trigger their hunting instincts.
The article highlights the healing power of food supplements containing HUFAs (highly unsaturated fatty acids) like Selcon over powerful antibiotics when treating corneal scratches and cloudy eye, which are common in these large-eyed species. Warning that their wide mouths can turn smaller aquarium mates like Midas Blennies and cleaner shrimps into luxury dinners, Bentley notes that they leave hard-shelled invertebrates like snails and urchins alone. Demonstrating “bulletproof” hardiness even during a 483-kilometer move, the contrast between the Soldierfish’s mysterious, shy cave-dwelling persona and the Bigeye’s bold, affectionate personality—greeting its owner at the glass upon entering the room—makes them the most rewarding members of the aquarium.
Aquarium Portrait: Sarah Kijewski Aquarium from Germany
In the aquarium profile featured in CORAL Magazine’s Voracious Planktivores issue, Sarah Kijewski shares her success story that started with freshwater shrimp breeding and extended to a marine aquarium, culminating in a massive 1,100 L (290 gallons) reef aquarium today. Placed in the prime spot of her living room alongside a rare plant collection, this setup utilizes an advanced sump system equipped with an automatic fleece roller filter, dual 48W UV sterilizers, and an ozone-assisted Deltec protein skimmer.
Housing special morph Indo Torch corals (Euphyllia) like ‘Hellfire’, ’24k’, and ‘Holy Grail’ swaying under strong current, the aquarium exhibits such intense fluorescence under modern blue-heavy LED lighting that the plating Montipora corals reflect their vibrant colors onto the fishes swimming above.
The article details the intense battle against a Euphyllia-eating flatworm infestation using Nyos Coral Dip baths and manual egg scraping. Transitioning the system into a mixed reef following this crisis, Sarah focuses primarily on captive-bred Regal and Majestic angelfishes, a Whitecheek surgeonfish, and the algae-eating mascot, the Starry Blenny.
Maintained via the Fauna Marin Balling Light method, the aquarium is accompanied by the author’s social projects as a mathematics and German teacher, where she organizes nano aquarium setup workshops for students backed by industry sponsorships, serving as a wonderful inspiration for encouraging the next generation in the hobby. In my opinion, this project alone is a story in itself. Perhaps we can cover this story separately from Sarah’s own perspective under a dedicated heading.
Species Spotlight: Carpet Anemones, Stichodactyla spp.
In this comprehensive guide, Dieter Brockmann focuses on the Stichodactyla genus, commonly known as “carpet anemones” in the aquarium world. Examining five valid species ranging from the Mini Carpet Anemone (S. tapetum), the smallest member with an oral disc diameter of 4 cm (1.6 inches), to the massive S. mertensii which can exceed 100 cm (39 inches) in diameter, the author notes that the hobbyist favorite, Haddon’s Carpet Anemone (S. haddoni), can reach sizes of 30–50 cm (12–20 inches).
Due to the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) they harbor, these animals require high-intensity lighting and strong, alternating water movement, and must be kept in nutrient-poor water with nitrate levels under 10 ppm and phosphate levels below 0.1 ppm; otherwise, they are warned to begin dangerous wandering throughout the aquarium if they find their location unsuitable.
The article explains that the extremely powerful stinging cells (nematocysts) of carpet anemones can easily kill small-polyp stony (SPS) and large-polyp stony (LPS) corals, making keeping them in stony coral aquariums a major risk. Stating that a wandering anemone can cause painful stings, redness, and swelling lasting for days upon human skin contact, Brockmann recommends feeding them once a week with smaller portions of frozen foods like Mysis shrimp or finely chopped krill placed directly on the oral disc, while strictly avoiding pellet and dry foods that cause digestive problems.
Expressing that it can sometimes take months for captive-bred clownfishes to accept these anemones, the author reminds that the best strategy is to introduce the anemone first to let it settle, and then add corals and other livestock at a safe distance. Additionally, while these gluttonous creatures pose a predatory risk to aquarium inhabitants, unlike many fish species that are voracious planktivores in nature, they can easily swallow disoriented or panicked fish in an aquarium environment.
Advanced Aquatics: First Captive-Breeding Of The Warty Frogfish
Jenny Richards and Kayla Melton Rogala from the Shedd Aquarium team, in this technical article published in CORAL Magazine’s Voracious Planktivores issue, share the comprehensive details of the world’s first captive-breeding process of the warty frogfish (Antennarius maculatus).
Famous for its unique walking fins and shrimp-like lure (esca) used to deceive its prey, this creature’s journey began as a true story of perseverance with a 37 cm (14.6 inches) long gelatinous egg raft unexpectedly collected from a young 6 cm (2.5 inches) pair housed in a 246 L (65 gallons) single-species aquarium. Incubated at 25.5–26°C (78–79°F) in 75 L (20 gallons) circular tubs that mimic natural reef dynamics, tens of thousands of eggs hatched into larvae measuring just 1.6 mm long.
The article describes how the larvae refused to feed during the first two weeks, causing mass mortalities that left only 30 survivors by day 7, which prompted the team to lower the light intensity after realizing the full-spectrum daylight LEDs were too bright for effective hunting. Despite a Vorticella parasite outbreak covering the larval skin, heater failures, and a hydromedusae invasion, the single remaining survivor successfully settled between day 90 and 95 by dramatically shifting to a pale-yellow color and transforming its large fan-shaped pectoral fins into adult walking feet.
Reaching a length of 2 cm (0.8 inches) at six months old, this first prototype’s success led the team to share their formula for improving future survival rates: disinfecting the egg raft for five minutes using 20 mL of 3% hydrogen peroxide per liter of system water against hitchhiking parasites from the main aquarium.
CORAL Magazine is one of the world’s leading print publications for the Saltwater Aquarium industry. If you’d like to subscribe and read all the content, you can start your Subscription Here. You can find the previous issue, Collecting The Unthinkable / CORAL Magazine Review. We’re eagerly awaiting the next issue!
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Cover Photo Credit: Reef Network
References:
CORAL Magazine: Voracious Planktivores / Last Access Date: 10.07.2026