The Coral Reef Project At Stratton Elementary School

[Brandon Rutherford]

Everyone at Reed Mariculture thanks the children for sending us these great art pieces.

You're very welcome Chad! And say hi to Dr. Henry for me.

I have several more nice paintings that we'd love to give away to any interested R2R members.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I would love to be on the list of recipients. Maybe we can use it as an example for a project for our kids.

 

[chickofthesea]

Some of our saddleback clownfish larva now have saddles! Curious how much the coloration differs. I'm feeding nauplii now.

this is so awesome. That's dedication. I bet your busy this spring break.

 

[Reef Nutrition]

Some of our saddleback clownfish larva now have saddles! Curious how much the coloration differs. I'm feeding nauplii now.

These guys are looking good. The pigmentation is nice. Dr. Henry says hi!

 

[Reef Nutrition]

I would love to be on the list of recipients. Maybe we can use it as an example for a project for our kids.

Hi Denise! Chad here. I just got on R2R recently and it's great to see you in the forums. I look forward to seeing you and the group again at Aquatic Experience!

 

[DeniseAndy]

We plan to be there again this year. Welcome. I have been on a while, but just recently started actually participating. Glad to see you on here too. Love what Brandon is doing there in IL. I wish I could get more schools here involved. Hope to fix some of that this spring.

 

[NBcoralreef]

A few days ago I saw my cleaner shrimp shed its outer covering. So when I read more about it, I learned that as the shrimp grows, it undergoes molting. This is when the shrimp has already grown it's new shell and is ready to shed the old covering known as exoskeleton.

 

[DeniseAndy]

My crabs regularly make me panic that they died because they do this too. Only it is even more difficult to tell it is a shed. Just know by seeing it later healthy and happy.

Cool stuff you learn about these creatures. Keep on learning!

 

[Gomery12]

A few days ago I saw my cleaner shrimp shed its outer covering. So when I read more about it, I learned that as the shrimp grows, it undergoes molting. This is when the shrimp has already grown it's new shell and is ready to shed the old covering known as exoskeleton.

That's one of the neatest things that you get to see in our reefs! Freaks you out at first because you think your shrimp is dead when you see the shell floating around but then you see it and it's bigger and colors are probably more vibrant. Like a reptiles cycle where they shed their skin every so often! It's a cool thing to see!

 

[NBcoralreef]

That's one of the neatest things that you get to see in our reefs! Freaks you out at first because you think your shrimp is dead when you see the shell floating around but then you see it and it's bigger and colors are probably more vibrant. Like a reptiles cycle where they shed their skin every so often! It's a cool thing to see!

True! We thought our shrimp died but it was right there.
Can a snail just go into a different shell that is in the tank & leave the old one?

 

[DeniseAndy]

Nope. Snail shells grow with them as turtle shells do.

 

[tj w]

I love this thread. You guys rock! I have continuously shared this thread with other people. All of you have done a fantastic job this far.

 

[revhtree]

Look at this beautiful artwork I received in the mail! Going to cherish them!

 

[Gomery12]

R2R, you have to make a visit to Stratton! Brandon's kids are phenomenal! They know more about fish biology, reef keeping, etc, at their age than many who try to start a reef just because it looks cool! You can see the passion in his students when they give you a tour of the tanks! They really know their stuff!

 

[Brandon Rutherford]

A few days ago I saw my cleaner shrimp shed its outer covering. So when I read more about it, I learned that as the shrimp grows, it undergoes molting. This is when the shrimp has already grown it's new shell and is ready to shed the old covering known as exoskeleton.

I agree that it's a little startling when you first come across an exoskeleton.

In an unrelated story, our largest chocolate chip starfish recently killed and ate three smaller starfish. My fault for telling the crew to feed it as much as it needs. The dead starfish looked exactly like a cast off exoskeleton but when I touched them, they melted into goo. Apparently the biggest one covered the others in some kind of digestive enzyme, liquified and ate parts of the smaller starfish and then left the rest. It was pretty gross.

Anyhow...I'm always amazed that shrimp can shed the outer layer of their long antenna without breaking it. It must feel really weird to split out of your own skin. I know snakes get grumpy and aggressive when they molt. Wonder if shrimp do too?

 

[Brandon Rutherford]

R2R, you have to make a visit to Stratton! Brandon's kids are phenomenal! They know more about fish biology, reef keeping, etc, at their age than many who try to start a reef just because it looks cool! You can see the passion in his students when they give you a tour of the tanks! They really know their stuff!

Aww thanks dude! We enjoyed hanging out with you and your daughter.

You (and other visitors) are always welcome. Come back later and take home a pair of the clownfish after they've grown out a bit. They're starting to look pretty cute and now that they're big enough to not be killed by a filter, the water quality in the tank has stabilized. I'm optimistic all the rest will survive.

 

[Gomery12]

Those saddlebacks are looking good! I showed Ella the eggs we saw, that they hatched, well me might need to make another visit! She was saying they are "so cute". How many did you end up with? Like I have said if anyone is in the Champaign, Il area, reach out to Brandon and see what's going on at Stratton! If I was in 3rd grade, I'd be begging to be in his class!

 

[Neptune1707]

This is just so awesome!!!! I grew up in Springfield, IL not for from Champaign...so glad to see a program like this downstate! One would think you would only see a program like this at private/Chicago school. Keep up the great work!!!!!!

 

[fishtal9]

It's great to see how well this project is going. Keep up the excellent work!

 

[Brandon Rutherford]

It's great to see how well this project is going. Keep up the excellent work!

Thanks Tal,

I was just reading up on fish propagation on your excellent website. My students and I are excited about exploring this side of our hobby. I hope we can pick your brain a bit when we start doing this regularly