Saturday, 26 November 2011

Asterina gibbosa, common cusion star


This is great little starfish that is commonly seen under rocks along the Menai Strait. It is perfect for keeping in native marine aquarium as it is very hardy and eats rotting algae and films of cyanobacteria which can be a real pest in many aquariums.



Aboral side of Asterina gibbosa

Asterina gibbosa showing the tube feet (podia) and mouth with cardiac stomach visible.

Tuesday, 8 November 2011

British Marine Bivalves

These are some of the British marine bivalves that I have collected during my time studying marine biology in North Wales. I decided to put them in a display using sand after seeing a similar display at the NHM London.  I would like to find more of the native cockle species (Cardiidae) if possible. Well I need to go beach combing more, especially after windy weather if I'm going to do that.



Only 3 species of native cockle. I'll keep my eyes peeled for more.