L.A. Speak : Tropical Fish Flippancy

floaters n. dead fish.

mulm n. mineralized detritus that accumulates at the bottom of the tank.

nipper n. aggressive fish that chases another fish’s fins. “I made the horrible mistake of putting that red-lipped scooter blenny in with a few nippers.”

pygmy pony stable n. aquarium for seahorses.

reefer n. person who cares for a coral reef aquarium.

wet pet n. saltwater or freshwater fish.

wet thumb n. person who has a knack for aquatic care.

wipe out n. all of the fish mysteriously dying at once. “I came back from vacation and it was total wipe out, nothing but floaters.”