The Reef Team 
Welcome!
The Biology department houses two 125-gallon tropical saltwater aquaria located on the third floor of Phillips Science Hall. The Reef Tank contains a diverse assemblage of tropical soft corals and other invertebrates, including a carpet anemone, brittle stars, and several species of snails. The Reef Tank is also the home to a clown fish named "Nemo" (of course), and a carpet anemone -- see the film clip below.
In 2006 a second Invertebrate Tank was started with the help from the Biology club and private donations. This tank contains mobile Invertebrates that are incompatible with corals, including crustaceans, anemones, urchins, snails as well as a variety of fish. The "reefers" (i.e., students of the Reef Team) maintain the aquaria and anyone interested in learning more about the tanks should contact Todd Wellnitz by clicking on one of the swimming orange fish below.
From left to right the "Reefers" are: Shannon Pechauer, Thomas Carter, and Tera Maldonado.
Shannon is a biology major, chemistry minor, who became involved with the Invertebrate and Reef Tanks last spring. She has two saltwater aquariums at home and has loved the hobby for two years. She will be graduating in May.
Thomas is a biology major, Marine Science minor that began working with the Reef and Invertebrate tanks last spring. Thomas has kept tanks all of his life and hopes to soon start his own salt water tank in the near future.
Tera is a Biology major, Marine Science minor who has been working with the reef aquarium for about 5 years. She has been a home aquarist for all of her life and has a special interest in saltwater aquariums. She will be graduating in December 2007.
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Here's a view of the Biology Department's new invertebrate tank... how many creatures can you identify in this photo?
Pulsating Xenia...
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