List of marine aquarium fish species
The following list of marine aquarium fish species commonly available in the aquarium trade is not a completely comprehensive list; certain rare specimens may be available commercially but not yet listed here. A brief section on each, with a link to the page about the particular species is provided along with references for further information.
Reef-safe fish do not consume corals or invertebrates, while fish categorized as not safe do. Fish labelled as "with caution" may have individuals within the species that could potentially eat invertebrates or cause damage to corals.
Angelfish (large) edit
These large fish are considered to be quite hardy, but because of their size may present a significant challenge to the keeper. They need huge aquariums, up to 180 gallons to house one for its entire lifespan.[1] Two angels might be kept in the same aquarium provided it is a large aquarium, they are properly acclimated as juveniles, and they have very different colouring and body shape.[2] However, because all Angelfish have essentially the same diet, mixing them is a feat that should be left to only advanced keepers. Most are not reef safe, and a potential owner should be aware that they need to have plenty of vegetable matter in their diet. They undergo major changes in colouration while maturing, and unless specified given descriptions are for adult specimens.[3][4][5]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue ring angelfish, annularis angelfish | Pomacanthus annularis | No | 30 cm (11.8 in) | ||
| Arabian angelfish, Asfur angelfish | Pomacanthus asfur | No | 40 cm (15.7 in) | ||
| Bellus angelfish | Genicanthus bellus | Yes | Light blue all over. Exhibits strong sexual dimorphism: females have wide black bands, males' bands are orange. | 18 cm (7.1 in)[6] | |
| Blue angelfish | Holacanthus bermudensis | No | Blue Angelfish has an overall aqua hue with a yellow shimmer and yellow edges on the fins and scales. The Blue Angelfish does not have the striking blue crown or other blue highlights of the Queen Angelfish. This species has been known to reproduce with the Queen Angelfish, making a half breed that looks like a mixture between the two species. | 45 cm (17.7 in)[7] | |
| Bluespotted angelfish | Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus | No | 21 cm (8.3 in) | ||
| Blueface angelfish | Pomacanthus xanthometopon | With Caution | 40 cm (15.7 in) | ||
| Cortez angelfish | Pomacanthus zonipectus | No | Darkly hued with yellow stripes. | 46 cm (18.1 in)[8] | |
| Emperor angelfish | Pomacanthus imperator | No | Juveniles are black with blue-white spiraling; adults are blue with yellow stripes, accented with white and black and a blue mask. Will easily be the dominant angelfish if housed with other angels. | 40 cm (15.7 in)[9] | |
| French angelfish | Pomacanthus paru | No | Juveniles are black with 3 yellow vertically running stripes, may also display blue on pelvic fins. Adults lard black with white vertical stripes. | 41 cm (16.1 in)[10] | |
| Gray angelfish | Pomacanthus arcuatus | No | Light grey with dark spots and bluish/grey mask over face. Closely related to French Angelfish. | 60 cm (23.6 in)[11] | |
| Griffis angelfish | Apolemichthys griffisi | No | An ashen white angel with thick black bands and spots, it is a rare find within the aquarium trade. | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Half-moon angelfish, Yellow bar angelfish | Pomacanthus maculosus | No | Blue with yellow splotch-like marking on side. | 50 cm (19.7 in)[12] | |
| Koran angelfish | Pomacanthus semicirculatus | No | Grey towards the face, becoming a navy blue towards the caudal fin with striking iridescent blue accents throughout. | 40 cm (15.7 in)[13] | |
| Majestic angelfish or blue girdled angelfish | Pomacanthus navarchus | No | Yellow dorsal and caudal fins connecting to "saddal" with dark blue dots. Dark blue underside and anal fin. Electric blue separating yellow and dark blue. | 30 cm (11.8 in)[14] | |
| Passer angelfish or King angelfish | Holacanthus passer | No | Very dark blue with yellow caudal fin and distinctive white stripe. | 36 cm (14.2 in)[15] | |
| Personifer angelfish or Queensland yellowtail angelfish | Chaetodontoplus meridithii | No | 37 cm (14.6 in) | ||
| Queen angelfish | Holacanthus ciliaris | No | Tan coloured with yellow caudal fin and neon blue outlined fins. This species has been known to reproduce with the Blue Angelfish, making a half breed that looks like a mixture between the two species. | 45 cm (17.7 in)[16] | |
| Rock beauty | Holacanthus tricolor | No | 25 cm (9.8 in) | ||
| Royal angelfish | Pygoplites diacanthus | No | Orange and blue striped with dark blue dorsal fin and lemon yellow caudal fin. | 25 cm (9.8 in)[17] | |
| Scribbled angelfish | Chaetodontoplus duboulayi | No | 25 cm (9.8 in) | ||
| Japanese swallow angelfish | Genicanthus semifasciatus | Yes | Black and tan striped back with yellow blaze beginning at the mouth and tapering off towards the centre of the side, with light blueish grey underside. Has distinctively shaped tail resembling that of a swallow. | 21 cm (8.3 in)[18] | |
| Yellowtail angelfish | Apolemichthys xanthurus | No | 15 cm (5.9 in)[19] |
Angelfish (dwarf) edit
Although Dwarf Angelfish are smaller and generally more manageable than their larger counterparts, they still have some specific care requirements. They are omnivores, but plenty of vegetable matter, preferably in the form of macroalgae, should be provided for their grazing pleasure.[20] Their suitability for reef tanks is hotly debated,[2] so add at your own risk. Specimens that have been successfully maintained in reef aquaria include the Flame and Coral Beauty angels. However, for obvious reasons they should not be put into tanks with expensive decorative macroalgae.[21][22]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barred angelfish | Centropyge multifasciata | With caution | White fish with vertical black stripes that change to yellow at the belly | 12 cm (4.7 in)[23] | |
| Bicolor angelfish | Centropyge bicolor | With caution | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Blue Velvet Angelfish | Centropyge deborae | ||||
| Brazilian flameback angelfish | Centropyge aurantonotus | With caution | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Coral beauty angelfish | Centropyge bispinosa | With caution | Reddish body with blue back and orange fins. A shy fish that prefers multiple hiding locations. | 10 cm (3.9 in)[24] | |
| Cherubfish or Pygmy angelfish | Centropyge argi | With caution | Blue colored body with an orange yellow head. | 8 cm (3.1 in)[25] | |
| Eibli angelfish | Centropyge eibli | With caution | Tan coloured body with vertical brown stripes and large distinctive black splotch covering the back of the fish, including the caudal fin. | 15 cm (5.9 in)[26] | |
| Flame angelfish | Centropyge loricula | Yes | Vivid orange-red with vertical black stripes and blue patches toward the end of the dorsal and anal fins. | 15 cm (5.9 in)[27] | |
| Pearlscale angelfish | Centropyge vroliki | With caution | Anterior is gray to pearly white with orange accent around eye, posterior is deep black. | 12 cm (4.7 in)[28] | |
| Herald's angelfish | Centropyge heraldi | With caution | Completely lemon yellow, with a brown marking around the eye. | 10 cm (3.9 in)[29] | |
| Keyhole angelfish | Centropyge tibicen | No | Centropyge type species. Overall black with an elongate vertical black blotch on the middle of the upper sides. When small, mainly black with a white bar. Dorsal and anal fins with submarginal blue line; most of the pelvic and the anterior portion of the anal fin yellow. Caudal fin with submarginal blue line. | 19 cm (7.5 in) | |
| Lemonpeel angelfish | Centropyge flavissima | With caution | Bright yellow with distinctive dark semicircle by operculum. | 14 cm (5.5 in)[30] | |
| Multicolor angelfish | Centropyge multicolor | With caution | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Orange-back angelfish | Centropyge acanthops | With caution | Dark blue with golden yellow blaze running from the face down the dorsal fin, with a colourless caudal fin. | 8 cm (3.1 in)[31] | |
| Pacific pygmy angelfish | Centropyge flavicauda | With caution | 8 cm (3.1 in)[32] | ||
| Potter's angelfish | Centropyge potteri | With caution | Similarly coloured to the Coral Beauty, but with a blue body and reddish fins. | 10 cm (3.9 in)[33] | |
| Rusty angelfish | Centropyge ferrugata | Yes | Tan coloured body with dark spots and a reddish tint around the anal fin. | 10 cm (3.9 in)[34] | |
| Venustus angelfish | Centropyge venustus | With caution | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
Anthias edit
Although Anthias resemble damsels in shape and size, the two should never be confused. Anthias (also known as "fairy basslets") are finicky and many starve to death in captivity. In the wild, they eat zooplankton, and will not accept anything else in the aquarium. They also need to be fed nearly constantly, three times a day at least. The best way to ensure the health and longevity of an Anthias is to attach a refugium where copepods can be grown to "drip" into the display tank. Unlike many other saltwater aquarium inhabitants, they can be kept in groups.[35]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett's anthias | Pseudanthias bartlettorum | Yes | Back and face light yellow, underside pink with a swallowtail-shaped caudal fin. | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Bicolor anthias | Pseudanthias bicolor | Yes | Similarly shaped and coloured to Bartlett's Anthias, but with a slightly more rounded back. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Cooper's anthias | Pseudanthias cooperi | Yes | Orange back and finnage with white patch below the mouth running down toward the anal fin with pink sides. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Diadem anthias | Pseudanthias parvirostris | Yes | Pink fish with yellow streak on top of head running along the lateral line. Caudal fin is red with yellow tips. | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Orangehead anthias | Pseudanthias heemstrai | Yes | Pink underside with orange back and mask, dark red splotch on caudal fin, along with iridescent blue anal and pelvic fins. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Redbar anthias | Pseudanthias rubrizonatus | Yes | Tannish-pink with a single vertical red stripe and a dorsal fin with the skin between the rays pulled back like on a lionfish. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Lyretail anthias, Sea Goldie | Pseudanthias squamipinnis | Yes | Females are orange with lyre-shaped caudal fin. Males are fuchsia with red markings on fins | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Squareback anthias | Pseudanthias pleurotaenia | Yes | Red back and pink underside with distinctive blue square shaped marking and blue fins. | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Stocky anthias | Pseudanthias hypselosoma | Yes | Orange back with cream colored underside. As its name suggests, slightly stockier than other Anthias. | 19 cm (7.5 in) | |
| Threadfin anthias | Pseudanthias huchtii | Yes | Olive green with black caudal fin and red stripe running from the eye to the pectoral fin. | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
Bass and groupers edit
In this exceedingly large group of fish, few are considered proper aquarium inhabitants, for various reasons including diet and size. Basses vary greatly from species to species. Appropriate research should be done before purchasing a specimen. Many unsuspecting hobbyists bring home cute little specimens of popular aquarium fish such as the lyretail grouper, only to realize several months later that they do not have the resources to care for a meter-long that may cost hundreds of dollars a month to feed.[36][37][38][39][40]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African grouper | Cephalopholis taeniops | No | 69 cm (27.2 in) | ||
| Vermillion seabass | Cephalopholis miniata | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |||
| Blacktip grouper | Epinephelus fasciatus | No | The tips of the spines of the dorsal fin are black, and it may have a dark red cap above the eyes. There is a variant with a uniformly pale body except for the frontal part. | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |
| Blue and Yellow grouper | Epinephelus flavocaeruleus | No | 90.0 cm (35.4 in) | ||
| Blue dot grouper | Cephalopholis argus | No | Deep black to tan fish with blue spots throughout. | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Blue line grouper | Cephalopholis formosa | No | Dark tan with horizontal blue stripes that are not particularly straight. The caudal fin has more of these stripes, and they radiate from the base of the fin out to the tips. | 34 cm (13.4 in) | |
| Chalk bass | Serranus tortugarum | Yes | Blue iridescent body with distinctive black topside that is interrupted by small vertical blue stripes. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Coney grouper | Cephalopholis fulva | No | 41 cm (16.1 in) | ||
| Golden grouper | Mycteroperca rosacea | No | 86 cm (33.9 in) | ||
| Golden stripe soapfish | Grammistes sexlineatus | No | Chocolate brown with light yellow horizontal stripes. Similar in patterning to C. argus (with exception to the coloration). | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Harlequin bass | Serranus tigrinus | Yes | Very striking black and white checkerboard pattern all over, with very long tapering nose. | 29 cm (11.4 in) | |
| Leaflip grouper | Pogonoperca punctata | No | Sports a large, hinged mouth and is tan with little spots. Has brown triangle shaped markings down the spine. | 35 cm (13.8 in) | |
| Marine beta | Calloplesiops altivelis | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in)[41][42] | ||
| Pacific graysby | Cephalopholis panamensis | No | 30 cm (11.8 in) | ||
| Panther grouper | Cromileptes altivelis | No | Gorgeous pure white fish with black spots and a distinctive "hump" on the head, leading to a popular common name, "Humpback Grouper". | 75 cm (29.5 in) | |
| Painted comber | Serranus scriba | No | Large fish with classic Bass body, Silvery in colour with vertical tan stripes and a blue underside. | 36 cm (14.2 in) | |
| Polleni grouper | Cephalopholis polleni | No | 43 cm (16.9 in) | ||
| Red flag grouper | Cephalopholis urodeta | No | Very similar to C. miniatus, but the caudal fin is dark. | 28 cm (11.0 in) | |
| Lyretail grouper | Variola louti | No | Silver back changing to red around the underside, darkening toward the caudal fin, which is lyre-shaped with neon green edging. | 80 cm (31.5 in) | |
| Saddle grouper | Plectropomus laevis | No | 125 cm (49.2 in) | ||
| Spotted grouper | Epinephelus summana | No | Dark black fish with many light green spots all over body, increasing in number toward the posterior. | 52 cm (20.5 in) | |
| Strawberry grouper | Cephalopholis spiloparaea | No | 30 cm (11.8 in) | ||
| V tail grouper | Cephalopholis urodelus | No | 28 cm (11.0 in) |
Basslets and assessors edit
Basslets and Assessors are small, long bodied fish strongly resembling Anthias. Their care requirements, however, are closer to those of damsels. They should be kept individually, and generally not with other fish of similar shape and colour. Feeding is easy: they will generally eat any meaty foods offered. Good water quality should be maintained at all times.[43]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black cap gramma | Gramma melacara | Yes | Purple with a black mask beginning at the mouth and ending at the base of the dorsal fin. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Blue assessor | Assessor macneilli | Yes | Entirely navy blue with white edging of the dorsal fin. | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Royal gramma | Gramma loreto | Yes | Purple head and anterior, abruptly changing to yellow about halfway down the body. Has black marking through eye and another on the dorsal fin. Do not confuse with the Brazilian Gramma or the Bicolor Dottyback. | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Brazilian gramma | Gramma brasiliensis | Yes | Very similar to the royal gramma, however the change from purple to yellow occurs farther down the body and the black markings are absent. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Yellow assessor | Assessor flavissimus | Yes | Bright lemon yellow with peach fringing of the dorsal fin and around the eye. | 7 cm (2.8 in)[44] |
Batfish edit
Batfish are gorgeous and striking fish that are not common in aquaria for one major reason: they get huge. A two or three hundred gallon tank is needed for one, minimum, and larger is better. They start out as tiny, manageable-looking cuties, which often fools aquarists into purchasing them for their small aquariums. However they quickly grow to gargantuan proportions, and require large amounts of food as well as space, so beware. They are not reef safe and should be fed plenty of large meaty foods. Batfish change greatly as they grow, however the potential aquarist is most likely to see them in their juvenile form, so that is the description of the colouration here. They all have generally the same body shape: disk-like with tall dorsal and anal fins, similar to a Freshwater Angelfish.
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbiculate batfish | Platax orbicularis | No | Brown with generally random black markings resembling a rotting leaf. | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Dusky batfish | Platax pinnatus | No | Dark black body completely edged by distinctive yellow and orange. | 45 cm (17.7 in) | |
| Teira batfish | Platax teira | No | Silver with black fins and a black stripe across the face. | 70 cm (27.6 in) |
Blennies and the Engineer Goby edit
Blennies are popular aquarium fish, and for good reason. Most of them are peaceful to other fish, while very aggressive to other blennies which has a similar shape. Some blennies are colorful, and many are downright helpful. For example, the aptly named Lawnmower Blenny will keep your green algae well trimmed and presentable. With the exception of Fang Blennies, Blennies are totally reef safe- in fact a reef environment is really best for them because they can be shy and the intricate rockwork of a reef provides ample hiding spaces. They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of frozen or live foods and plant matter. Blennies do not have teeth or functional jaw, so food must be small enough for them to swallow whole.
Blennies are often confused with Gobies, but there is an easy way to tell the difference. Gobies have two distinct dorsal fins, Blennies have a single dorsal fin that runs the length of their body. Also, Gobies' pelvic fins are fused to form a sucker, similar to Remoras.[45]
The engineer goby is a close relative of cichlids and leaf fishes, the juvenile can often be found in aquarium trade, while the adult is rare.
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinyhead blenny | Acanthemblemaria spinosa | Yes | Brown checkered body with distinctive yellow frills on head. | 2 cm (0.8 in) | |
| Bicolor blenny | Ecsenius bicolor | Yes | Characterized by the striking contrast of a blue head and upper torso followed by a yellow orange lower torso. | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Black combtooth blenny | Ecsenius namiyei | Yes | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Blackline fang blenny | Meiacanthus nigrolineatus | No | Yellow bodied with bright blue mask and dark black line running from the eye to the caudal fin. | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Black sailfin blenny | Atrosalarias fuscus | Yes | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Blue & gold blenny | Enchelyurus flavipes | Yes | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Bundoon blenny | Meiacanthus bundoon | No | Black with lighter patch over caudal fin. Very distinctive swallowtail caudal fin. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Canary fang blenny | Meiacanthus oualanensis | Yes | Similarly shaped to M. bundoon, but canary yellow. | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Diamond blenny | Malacoctenus boehlkei | Yes | Gray with black splotches, and a yellow mask. Shaped more like hawkfish than a blenny. | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | |
| Ember blenny | Cirripectes stigmaticus | No | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Harptail blenny | Salarias segmentatus | Meiacanthus mossambicus | Yes | Pale pinkish-grey body with jet-black dorsal and anal fins. Eyes are primarily white, sometimes seen with brown segmentation. | 10cm (3.9in) |
| Lawnmower blenny | Salarias fasciatus | Yes | Tan and brown striped and spotted with iridescence. Requires Mature Tank. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Linear blenny | Ecsenius lineatus | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Midas blenny | Ecsenius midas | Yes | Although often seen yellow, this fish has the ability to change its color to match the surroundings. It has a very distinctive swallowtail shaped caudal fin. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Molly Miller blenny | Scartella cristata | Yes | Mottled tan, white, and black covering the body and fins. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| One spot blenny | Crossosalarias macrospilus | No | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Red lip blenny | Ophioblennius atlanticus | Yes | Black to grayish yellow with red patch over mouth. | 19 cm (7.5 in) | |
| Red Sea mimic blenny | Ecsenius gravieri | Sky blue anterior fading to yellow towards the tail, with a black stripe running the eye to the base of the caudal fin. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Sailfin blenny | Emblemaria pandionis | Yes | Very similar to Salarias fasciatus but slightly darker and with a much larger dorsal fin. | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Segmented sailfin blenny | Salarias segmentatus | Yes | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Starry blenny | Salarias ramosus | Yes | 14 cm (5.5 in) | ||
| Striped blenny | Meiacanthus grammistes | Yes | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Tail spot blenny | Ecsenius stigmatura | Yes | Drab tan all over with dark spot at the base of the caudal fin and a light yellow line through eye. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Two-spot blenny | Ecsenius bimaculatus | Yes | The top half of this fish is black towards the front and fades to white closer to the tail. The bottom half is white with two distinctive black spots right under the pectoral fins. | 4.5 cm (1.8 in) | |
| Engineer goby | Pholidichthys leucotaenia | Yes | Not actually a blenny but from closely related family Pholidichthys. Juvenile has black eel-shaped body with a distinctive white stripe running down the body. Adults are yellow and black striped. | 34 cm (13.4 in) |
Boxfish and blowfish edit
Members of the family Tetraodontidae, Boxfish, Blowfish or Pufferfish and their cousins Cowfishes and Porcupinefishes can be very personable and quirky pets, for the prepared.
They are not thought of as an ordinary aquarium tank mate, but are quickly gaining popularity. They do pose a hazard in the community tank however. They are capable of releasing a very powerful toxin which can kill other fish and in some cases, the boxfish itself. They generally only use it when threatened or dying, but can become disturbed easily with aggressive tank mates or overcrowded aquarium. Generally they are reef safe, though they will pick at invertebrates if not fed well enough.
Many people think puffed up Pufferfish, like in the picture, are cute, but an owner should never subject their pet to this as they are often unable to expel the air should they be out of the water. To prevent this, never remove a puffer from the water.[46]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden puffer | Arothron meleagris | No | 48 cm (18.9 in) | ||
| Hawaiian blue puffer | Canthigaster papua | No | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Hawaiian saddle puffer | Canthigaster coronata | No | 14.0 cm (5.5 in) | ||
| Hawaiian spotted puffer | Canthigaster jactator | No | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Helmet cowfish | Tetrosomus gibbosus | Caution | Tan with dark speckles and brown spots at the base of the caudal fin. | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Immaculate puffer | Arothron immaculatus | No | 28 cm (11.0 in) | ||
| Longhorn cowfish | Lactoria cornuta | Caution | Grayish tan with very distinctive "horns" near the eyes and under the caudal fin. | 46 cm (18.1 in) | |
| Scribbled boxfish | Ostracion solorensis | Caution | Dark navy blue with iridescent "scribbling" and spots. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Dogface pufferfish | Arothron nigropunctatus | Caution | Tan with a brown mask over eyes and other over mouth. Also has yellow markings on the pectoral and dorsal fins. | 33 cm (13.0 in) | |
| Map puffer | Arothron mappa | No | 65 cm (25.6 in) | ||
| Porcupine pufferfish | Diodon holocanthus | No | Tan with slightly darker spots throughout and very conspicuous spines that lay flat against the body. When puffed up, the spikes stand up and make the fish completely inedible. | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Spotfin porcupinefish | Diodon hystrix | No | White and covered in small black spots. | 91 cm (35.8 in) | |
| Sharpnose pufferfish | Canthigaster rostrata | Caution | Cream, with reddish purple topside and underside, and yellow on the caudal fin. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Star puffer | Arothron stellatus | No | 120 cm (47.2 in) | ||
| Stars and stripes puffer | Arothron hispidus | No | 50 cm (19.7 in) | ||
| Striped dogface puffer | Arothron manilensis | No | 31 cm (12.2 in) | ||
| Valentini pufferfish | Canthigaster valentini | Caution | Tan with giraffe-like spots and dark brown markings that resemble saddles over the back. Has distinctive bright green eyes. | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Whitebelly puffer | Canthigaster bennetti | No | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Yellow boxfish | Ostracion cubicus | Caution | Usually seen as a juvenile, bright yellow with little black spots. When it reaches maturity it is gray with yellow lines and pink lips. | 45 cm (17.7 in) |
Butterflyfish edit
When properly cared for, Butterflyfish can make beautiful and distinctive additions to fish only marine aquariums. Specimens often grow to large sizes and are not well suited to smaller aquariums. Butterflyfish can be fussy and overparticular, but when fed a varied diet and kept in pristine conditions they will usually thrive. Some species in this family do not do well in captivity, and potential keepers must take care to purchase only those species that have a fighting chance. When selecting Butterflyfish especially, specimens presenting any sign or signs of mishandling are to be avoided.
The following species are relatively hardy and experienced aquarists should have no trouble with them, so long as they are diligent.[47]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copperband butterflyfish | Chelmon rostratus | Caution | Silver with black edged gold stripes, a long nose, and a black eyespot on the dorsal fin. | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Schooling bannerfish | Heniochus diphreutes | No | Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Moorish Idol" because of the resemblance to one. White and black striped with yellow caudal fin and a dorsal fin that forms a long, thin banner. | 21 cm (8.3 in) | |
| Longnose butterflyfish | Forcipiger flavissimus | No | From the pectoral fins forward, black above the eye and silver below, with an exceptionally mouth. Past the pectoral fins, bright yellow with an eyespot on the anal fin. | 22 cm (8.7 in) | |
| Raccoon butterflyfish | Chaetodon lunula | No | Very distinctive and complexly colored. Is mostly yellow with a darker saddle and a black and white mask. | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Redback butterflyfish | Chaetodon paucifasciatus | No | White with black stripes that form chevrons on the side and a bright red patch on the posterior. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Merten's butterflyfish | Chaetodon mertensii | No | White with fuzzy black stripes and a yellow posterior. Also has a black line through the eye. | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | |
| Teardrop butterflyfish | Chaetodon unimaculatus | No | Completely yellow with the exception of black stripes at the base of the caudal fin and through the eye, and an eyespot directly below the dorsal fin. | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Latticed butterflyfish | Chaetodon rafflesii | No | Very similar to C. unimaculatus, but with scales that are brighter than the body, forming a lattice-like pattern, and lacking the eyespot. | 18 cm (7.1 in) | |
| Pacific double saddle butterflyfish | Chaetodon ulietensis | No | Silver with two dark saddles over the body (plus a dark mask) and yellow dorsal and caudal fins. | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Sickle butterflyfish | Chaetodon falcula | No | Often confused with C. ulietensis, but easily distinguished. The saddles are wedge shaped rather than stripes and do not reach the underside. Overall more yellow coloring. | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Threadfin butterflyfish | Chaetodon auriga | No | White anterior with thin black stripes at 45 and 120 degree angles from the head. Posterior is yellow, but with a black wedge shape where the stripes meet the yellow coloring. | 23 cm (9.1 in) | |
| Tinker's butterflyfish | Chaetodon tinkeri | No | White with small black spots, a yellow mask, and a black dorsal fin. | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Masked butterflyfish | Chaetodon semilarvatus | No | Bright lemon yellow with subtle vertical orange stripes and a black splotch behind the eye. | 23 cm (9.1 in) | |
| Reef butterflyfish | Chaetodon sedentarius | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Four-eyed butterflyfish | Chaetodon capistratus | No | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Banded butterflyfish | Chaetodon striatus | No | 16 cm (6.3 in) | ||
| Saddleback butterflyfish | Chaetodon ephippium | Caution | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
Cardinalfish edit
One of the few groups of shoaling fish commonly available to marine aquarists, Cardinalfish are nocturnal and tend to be quite shy. They require meaty foods and will often not take prepared foods such as flakes and tablets. For the best chance of success, keep a wide variety of frozen foods on hand. In the event of a hunger strike, they will almost always take adult brine shrimp. As far as other care requirements they are similar to damsels: not picky. So long as they are properly acclimated, they tolerate a wide range of parameters. A marine aquarist should watch the ammonia/nitrite levels of the environment, as cardinalfish are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.[48]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fragile cardinalfish | Apogon fragilis | Yes[49]: 133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Banggai cardinal | Pterapogon kauderni | Yes | Black and silver striped with very tall fins and many white spots. Wild populations have been decimated, consider captive bred specimens. Banggai Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Blackstripe cardinalfish | Apogon nigrofasciatus | Yes | Body completely covered in horizontal yellow and black stripes, with red fins. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Bluebarred cardinalfish | Apogon flores | Yes[49]: 133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Bluestreak cardinalfish | Apogon leptacanthus | Yes[49]: 133 | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | ||
| Flamefish | Apogon maculatus | Yes | Bright red with black spots at the base of the caudal fin, under the second dorsal fin, and on the operculum. | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Frostfin cardinalfish | Apogon hoeveni | Yes[49]: 133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Gilbert's cardinalfish | Apogon gilberti | Yes[49]: 133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Girdled cardinalfish | Archamia zosterophora | Yes[49]: 133 | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Orange-striped cardinalfish | Ostorhinchus cyanosoma | Yes | Light yellow with iridescent yellow horizontal stripes. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Orbic cardinalfish | Sphaeramia orbicularis | Yes | A thin, dark vertical 'waistband' with scattered dark spots toward the tail. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Pajama cardinalfish | Sphaeramia nematoptera | Yes, caution with small shrimp[49]: 132 | This fish displays three distinct color bands: the first, stretching from the nose to base of the first dorsal fin, is a tannish peach. The second, a thin band which runs down the center of the fish, is chocolate brown, and the posterior of the fish is white with brown spots. | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | |
| Ochre-striped cardinalfish | Ostorhinchus compressus | Yes | Almost identical to A. nigrofasticus, but with blue eyes. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Ringtailed cardinalfish | Ostorhinchus aureus | Yes | Yellow body with a black stripe (ring) at the base of the caudal fin and iridescent blue streaks across the eye. | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) |
Chromis edit
Chromis are perhaps the ultimate reef fish. Generally peaceful, most species are easy to take care of and quite colorful. Like anthias, they will school, but in many cases this tendency disappears as they age. They are, nevertheless, at least ambivalent with their own species, as well as completely reef safe. Like Damsels and Anemonefish, their close cousins, Chromis are omnivores and will accept most foods offered. A flake staple is usually sufficient, but for best color and health supplement with frozen and live foods when possible.[50]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambon chromis | Chromis amboinensis | Yes[49]: 192 | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Barrier reef chromis | Chromis nitida | Yes | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Black and gold chromis | Neoglyphidodon nigroris | Yes | Mostly silver, but with a large patch of yellow around the caudal fin and a distinct black line on the operculum. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Black bar chromis | Chromis retrofasciata | Yes[49]: 191 | Yellowish with bright blue iridescent pelvic fins and a distinct black bar at the base of the caudal fin. | 5 cm (2.0 in). | |
| Blue chromis | Chromis cyanea | Yes[49]: 188 | Bright blue all over, although lighter toward the front. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Damselfish | Chromis chromis | Yes | Completely black. Despite the name, this is actually a chromis, in fact, it is the chromis. | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Green chromis | Chromis viridis | Yes | Generally bluish green, but some specimens may be spring green. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Half and half chromis | Chromis iomelas | Yes[49]: 190 | Completely black from the middle of the dorsal fin to the nose, completely white from the middle of the dorsal fin to the end of the caudal fin. | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Limbaughi chromis | Chromis limbaughi | Yes | Dark navy blue with bright yellow spot that covers the dorsal fin and much of the posterior. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Lined chromis | Chromis lineata | Yes[49]: 192 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Paletail chromis | Chromis xanthura | Yes[49]: 192 | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Black-axil chromis | Chromis atripectoralis | Yes | 12 cm (14.7 in) | ||
| Spiny chromis | Acanthochromis polyacanthus | Yes | Dark chocolate brown, slightly lighter around the pectoral fins. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Sunshine chromis | Chromis insolatus | Yes[49]: 189 | Rather drab tannish-orange throughout. | 16 cm (6.3 in) | |
| Yellowspotted chromis | Chromis flavomaculata | Yes[49]: 192 | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Black and white chromis | Chromis margaritifer | Yes | Similar to half and half chromis, but there is more black. | 3 in (7.6 cm) |
Clownfish edit
Clownfish, more technically known as Anemonefish, are the classic aquarium fish. Both hardy and attractive, they are perhaps best known for their symbiotic relationship with Sea Anemones, a relative of coral. In the wild, Anemonefish are always found with a host, leading many potential keepers to believe that an anemone is necessary to keep them. Anemonefish are easy to keep, but their cnidarian counterparts are inordinately finicky and need high light levels, and luckily Anemonefish will thrive without them. Aquarists often find that Anemonefish will host in other things, from corals and Feather Duster Worms to powerheads and other equipment. Anemonefish care is identical to that of Damselfish, as they are actually very closely related.[51][52]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon anemonefish | Amphiprion melanopus | Yes | Dark orange body becoming black towards the caudal fin, with a bright white stripe running from the front of the dorsal fin to the pectoral fins and golden colored fins. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Clarkii anemonefish | Amphiprion clarkii | Yes | Black or dark brown with bright yellow finnage and two thick white stripes running perpendicular to the body. | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Ocellaris | Amphiprion ocellaris | Yes | Bright orange or yellow body with white stripes. Fins are orange, rimmed with black. A. ocellaris from northern Australia are black. | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Maroon clownfish | Premnas biaculeatus | Yes but aggressive | Maroon to bright red with three very thin white stripes. | 17 cm (6.7 in) | |
| True Percula | Amphiprion percula | Yes | Nearly identical to A. ocellaris, but the white stripes are edged with black. | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Pink skunk anemonefish | Amphiprion perideraion | Yes | Pink to orange body with one white stripe over the operculum and another running from the tip of the snout, along the back to the dorsal fin. All fins are white. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Tomato clownfish | Amphiprion frenatus | Yes | Bright red with a single white stripe running from the front of the dorsal fin to the bottom of the head. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Saddleback anemonefish | Amphiprion polymnus | Yes | Similar to A. ocellaris and percula, but the second stripe does not extend the full with of the body and instead resembles a saddle. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Sebae anemonefish | Amphiprion sebae | Yes | Black or dark brown body from above the pectoral fin, yellow below. Has two white stripes, the second resembling that of A. polymnus. | 16 cm (6.3 in) |
Damselfish edit
All Damselfish can be considered reef-safe, sometimes excluding larger, more aggressive Dascyllus varieties. Some Damselfish will host in anemones like clownfish. Most Damselfish are aggressive and difficult to catch once you put them in an aquarium.
Damselfish change gender as they grow larger and older. Small damselfish are ungendered. Eventually, they become males if no males prevent them from doing so. One or sometimes two males live with a female and guard over the eggs. Females are the largest fish and dominant over the males and juveniles. They will not allow other females into an area they have claimed as their territory without a fight. They may not allow new males or juveniles, either. Aggression increases with each change.[51][53][54]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambon damsel | Pomacentrus amboinensis | Yes[49]: 216 | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Azure damsel | Chrysiptera hemicyanea | Yes | A beautiful fish with neon blue on its body and a gold underside and caudal fin. Easy to care for and does best on a good diet. Fairly aggressive so choose tankmates carefully. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Black and gold damsel | Neoglyphidodon nigroris | Yes | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Blackmargined damsel | Pomacentrus nigromarginatus | Yes[49]: 216 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Blue damsel, Orangetail damsel | Chrysiptera cyanea | Yes | An orange tail indicates breeding success. The males have orange on their tails while the females do not. This fish is hardy and aggressive. | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | |
| Blue and gold damsel | Pomacentrus coelestis | Yes[49]: 215 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Blue velvet damsel | Paraglyphidodon oxyodon | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Blueback damsel | Pomacentrus simsiang | Yes[49]: 216 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Blueline demoiselle, Yellowfin demoiselle | Chrysiptera caeruleolineata | Yes[49]: 202 | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Bluefin damsel | Neoglyphidodon melas | Yes | 18 cm (7.1 in) | ||
| Caerulean damsel | Pomacentrus caeruleus | Yes[49]: 215 | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Canary deep water damsel | Chrysiptera galba | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Cloudy damsel | Dascyllus carneus | Yes | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Cross' damsel | Neoglyphidodon crossi | Yes[49]: 202 | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Domino damsel | Dascyllus trimaculatus | Yes | also known as the three spot damsel, this fish is easy to care for, but is also very aggressive. The fish is black except for three distinct white spots that fade as the fish ages. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Fiji blue devil damsel | Chrysiptera taupou | Yes | This striking blue damsel is one of the most popular beginner fish. Like other damsels, it is very hardy, and very aggressive when mature. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Four stripe damsel | Dascyllus melanurus | Yes | The four stripe damsel is a perfect beginner marine fish as it is very hardy. This fish is highly territorial and is best suited for a semi-aggressive to aggressive tank. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Garibaldi damsel | Hypsypops rubicunda | Yes | These are temperate fish and require cooler water. They are much larger than most other damsels. | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Honey head damsel | Dischistodus prosopotaenia | Yes | 17 cm (6.7 in) | ||
| Hawaiian Dascyllus | Dascyllus albisella | Yes | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | ||
| Jewel damsel | Microspathodon chrysurus | Yes | Among the largest and most aggressive Damsels | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| King demoiselle | Chrysiptera rex | Yes[49]: 198 | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Lemon damsel | Pomacentrus moluccensis | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Longfin gregory | Stegastes diencaeus | Caution[49]: 216 | Turns brown, and becomes highly territorial as it ages | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | |
| Marginated damsel | Dascyllus marginatus | Yes | The marginated damsel is noted for blue fins as well as the yellow head and white body. This fish is hardy like most damsels and is also highly aggressive when mature. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Neon damsel | Pomacentrus alleni | Yes | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Ocellate damsel | Pomacentrus vaiuli | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Pavo damsel | Pomacentrus pavo | Yes[49]: 215 | 11 cm (4.3 in) | ||
| Pink Smith damsel | Pomacentrus smithi | Yes | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Rolland's demoiselle | Chrysiptera rollandi | Yes[49]: 202 | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Sergeant major damsel | Abudefduf saxatilis | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Speckled damsel | Pomacentrus bankanensis | Yes[49]: 216 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Springer's damsel | Chrysiptera springeri | Yes | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | ||
| Stark's damsel | Chrysiptera starcki | Yes | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Talbots damsel | Chrysiptera talboti | Yes | This damselfish is somewhat a little more delicate than other. It does best in small groups in large tanks with good water quality and an SG of 1.026. Feed on a good diet for best results. Fairly peaceful. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Three stripe damsel | Dascyllus aruanus | Yes | Highly aggressive and territorial. Will harass fish many times its size. Best kept in an aggressive/semi-aggressive tank. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Three Spot damsel | Stegastes planifrons | Yes | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Tuxedo damsel | Chrysiptera tricincta | Yes | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Two stripe damsel | Dascyllus reticulatus | Yes | the two stripe damsel is a very hardy fish. This fish is perfect for the beginner marine aquarist, as it can tolerate substandard water quality. This fish is highly aggressive, and requires many hiding places. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Yellow damsel | Amblyglyphidodon aureus | Yes | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Yellow threespot Dascyllus | Dascyllus auripinnis | Yes[49]: 205 | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) | ||
| Yellowbelly damsel | Pomacentrus auriventris | Yes | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | ||
| Yellowtail Dascyllus | Dascyllus flavicaudus | Yes | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Yellowtail damsel | Chrysiptera parasema | Yes | The yellowtail damsel possess an all blue body with a striking yellow tail. This damsel is a good beginner fish as it is very hardy and can tolerate substandard water quality. This damsel is also less aggressive than some other damsel species. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Yellowtail demoiselle | Neopomacentrus azysron | Yes | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) |
Dartfish edit
Most should be kept as pairs or small groups where all individuals are added at once.[55][56]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue gudgeon dartfish | Ptereleotris hanae | Yes | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Fire fish | Nemateleotris magnifica | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Purple fire fish | Nemateleotris decora | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Scissortail dartfish | Ptereleotris evides | Yes | 14 cm (5.5 in) | ||
| Zebra barred dartfish | Ptereleotris zebra | Yes | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Dragonets edit
Dragonets are often mis-categorized as gobies or blennies by fish sellers. They are bottom-dwelling fish that constantly hunt tiny invertebrates for food. Most starve to death in a marine aquarium unless you provide a refugium or place for the invertebrates to reproduce safely without any fish being able to reach them.[57][58]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandarinfish | Synchiropus splendidus | Yes | A brightly colored member of the dragonet family. Eats only copepods and will die in captivity without an adequate supply, which can only be had in very large, well established reef tanks | 6 cm (2.4 in)[59] | |
| Starry dragonet | Synchiropus stellatus | Yes | Also known as red scooter blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eat live copepods and amphipods. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Ocellated dragonet | Synchiropus ocellatus | Yes | Also known as scooter blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eat live copepods and amphipods. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Spotted mandarin | Synchiropus picturatus | Yes | Often only eats live copepods and amphipods. | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Eels edit
Most eels are easily kept in a large aquarium, although several species such as the blue ribbon eel should usually be avoided. With any moray eel care must be taken to secure the lid as one of the most common causes of death is escaping from the tank, and onto the floor.[60][61]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banded snake eel | Myrichthys colubrinus | No | 97 cm (38.2 in) | ||
| Banded eel | Echidna polyzona | No | 69 cm (27.2 in) | ||
| Black edge moray eel | Gymnothorax saxicola | No | 60 cm (23.6 in) | ||
| Blue ribbon eel, black ribbon eel | Rhinomuraena quaesita | No | 130 cm (51.2 in) | ||
| Chainlink moray eel | Echidna catenata | No | Can be kept with fish too small to swallow | 165 cm (65.0 in) | |
| Dragon moray eel | Enchelycore pardalis | No | A fish eater that will eat anything it can fit in its mouth. When available is typically quite expensive[62] | 92 cm (36.2 in) | |
| Golden dwarf eel | Gymnothorax melatremus | Yes | Rarely available, among the smallest of the moray eels | 26 cm (10.2 in) | |
| Golden moray eel | Gymnothorax miliaris | May eat fish and shrimp | These fish should only be kept in fish-only tanks as any small invertebrates will be looked on as food. Keep with fish large enough not to be eaten. Feed on a diet of whitefish, cockles, cod roe, haddock and frozen foods. | 70.0 cm (27.6 in) | |
| Green moray eel | Gymnothorax funebris | No | Requires a 180-gallon tank with tight fitting lid. Compatible with rays, sharks, and other large fish. | 250 cm (98.4 in) | |
| Jeweled moray eel | Muraena lentiginosa | No | 61 cm (24.0 in) | ||
| Kidako moray eel | Gymnothorax kidako | No | 91 cm (35.8 in) | ||
| Peppered moray | Gymnothorax picta | No | 135 cm (53.1 in) | ||
| Snowflake eel | Echidna nebulosa | May eat shrimp if underfed | A pebble-tooth moray that generally eats crustaceans and similar. Safer in reef aquariums than other species but be prepared to remove it in case it starts to eat desired invertebrates. | 100 cm (39.4 in) | |
| Spotted garden-eel | Heteroconger hassi | With Caution | NEEDS a very deep substrate (8 inches) and only eats plankton, when housing multiple make sure that there is enough space for each eels to be far enough away from each other | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |
| Spotted Snake eel | Myrichthys maculosus | No | Requires at least six in of substrate | 100 cm (39.4 in) | |
| Tessalata eel, or laced moray | Gymnothorax favagineus | No | 300 cm (118.1 in) | ||
| Yellowhead moray eel | Gymnothorax fimbriatus | No | 80 cm (31.5 in) | ||
| Yellow mouth moray eel | Gymnothorax nudivomer | No | 178 cm (70.1 in) | ||
| Whitemouth moray eel | Gymnothorax meleagris | With Caution | 120 cm (47.2 in) | ||
| Zebra moray | Gymnomuraena zebra | No | One of the easier moray eels to keep, is usually safe with most fish but will eat most invertebrates. | 150 cm (59.1 in) |
Filefish edit
Less often kept than their relatives the triggerfish and puffers, there are many filefish that make good aquarium residents, and a few that require specialized diets, making it hard to sustain them in an aquarium.[63][64]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clown filefish | Cantherhines dumerili | Caution | 38 cm (15.0 in) | ||
| Colored filefish | Pervagor melanocephalus | Caution | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Fantail orange filefish | Pervagor spilosoma | No | 18 cm (7.1 in) | ||
| Horseshoe filefish | Meuschenia hippocrepis | No | 51 cm (20.1 in) | ||
| Japanese filefish | Paramonacanthus japonicus | No | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Mimic filefish | Paraluteres prionurus | No | 11 cm (4.3 in) | ||
| Orange spotted filefish | Oxymonacanthus longirostris | No | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Tassle filefish | Chaetodermis penicilligerus | Caution | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
Flatfish edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peacock flounder | Bothus lunatus | No | Moderate | 46 cm (18.1 in) | ||
| Flowery (Indo-Pacific peacock) flounder | Bothus mancus | with caution | Moderate | 45 cm (17.7 in) | ||
| Banded sole | Soleichthys heterorhinos | Will eat shrimp and other invertebrates, will not harm coral[49]: 413 | Moderate[49]: 413 | 18 cm (7.1 in) |
Frogfish edit
A type of Anglerfish, Frogfish are ambush predators with huge mouths. They are capable of eating fish up to twice their length so care should be taken in choosing tank mates.[65]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longlure frogfish | Antennarius multiocellatus | No | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Giant anglerfish | Antennarius commerson | No | 38 cm (15.0 in) | ||
| Sargassum frogfish | Histrio histrio | No | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Striated frogfish | Antennarius striatus | No | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Wartskin frogfish | Antennarius maculatus | No | Has the ability to change color to match its surrounding. | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Goatfish edit
While not as common a choice for aquariums as many other species, they are typically hardy and brightly colored[66]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicolor goatfish | Parupeneus barberinoides | With Caution | 25 cm (9.8 in) | ||
| Goldsaddle goatfish | Parupeneus cyclostomus | With Caution | 51 cm (20.1 in) | ||
| Manybar goatfish | Parupeneus multifasciatus | With Caution | 30 cm (11.8 in) | ||
| Yellow back goatfish | Parupeneus barberinus | With Caution | 41 cm (16.1 in) |
Gobies and clingfishes edit
Are typically hardy and do not harm invertebrates which makes them a good choice of fish for a reef tank.[67][68]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black barred convict goby | Priolepis nocturna | Yes | 4 cm (1.6 in) | ||
| Black clown goby | Gobiodon acicularis | Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue | Similar to Yellow clown goby, but black | ||
| Bluespotted watchman goby | Cryptocentrus pavoninoides | Yes | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Catalina goby | Lythrypnus dalli | Yes | A cold water species that doesn't live long at reef temperatures. | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Cave transparent goby | Coryphopterus glaucofraenum | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Citron clown goby | Gobiodon citrinus | Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Court jester goby | Amblygobius rainfordi | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |||
| Diagonal bar prawn goby | Amblyeleotris diagonalis | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Diamond watchman goby | Valenciennea puellaris | Yes | Burrow and sift sand constantly; very good algae eaters | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Dracula goby | Stonogobiops dracula | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Gold neon eviota goby | Eviota pellucida | Yes | 3 cm (1.2 in) | ||
| Green banded goby | Elacatinus multifasciatus | Yes | Small burrowing goby with green vertical stripes | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | |
| Green clown goby | Gobiodon atrangulatus | Yes | 4 cm (1.6 in) | ||
| Hector's goby | Amblygobius hectori | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Hi fin red banded goby | Stonogobiops nematodes | Yes | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Neon goby | Elacatinus oceanops | Yes | A Caribbean cleaner species that sometimes eats larger parasites from other fish. | ||
| Orange marked goby | Amblygobius decussatus | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Orange spotted goby | Amblyeleotris guttata | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Orange stripe prawn goby | Amblyeleotris randalli | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Pinkspotted shrimp goby | Gobius melanopus | May eat ornamental shrimp | White fish with pink bands around the body and pink spots on face and fins. One of the most handsome members of the group. | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Pinkbar goby | Cryptocentrus aurora | Yes | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Red head goby | Elacatinus puncticulatus | Yes | A small goby that can clean like the neon goby but is easily frightened. Often said to 'disappear' in a larger tank, as it never swims out into view. | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Red striped goby | Trimma cana | Yes | 3 cm (1.2 in) | ||
| Sleeper banded goby | Amblygobius phalaena | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Sleeper blue dot goby | Valenciennea sexguttata | Yes | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Sleeper gold head goby | Valenciennea strigata | Yes | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Sleeper railway glider goby | Valenciennea helsdingenii | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Sleeper striped goby | Valenciennea longipinnis | Yes | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Steinitz goby | Amblyeleotris steinitzi | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Tangaroa goby | Ctenogobiops tangaroai | Yes | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Tiger watchman goby | Valenciennea wardii | Yes | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Two spot goby | Signigobius biocellatus | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Violet goby | Gobioides broussonnetii | No | Also a freshwater and brackish water fish and often sold as Dragon Fish or Dragon Goby | 21" | |
| Wheeler's watchman goby | Amblyeleotris wheeleri | Yes | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Yellow watchman goby | Cryptocentrus cinctus | Yes | A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that can form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Yasha goby | Stonogobiops yasha | Yes | A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that will form a symbiotic relationship with the red and white banded pistol shrimp, Alpheus randalli. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Yellow clown goby | Gobiodon okinawae | Yes | Small yellow fish that likes branching corals | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | |
| Yellow priolepis goby | Priolepis aureoviridis | Yes | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Yellow stripe clingfish | Diademichthys lineatus | Yes | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Flaming Prawn Goby | Discordipinna griessingeri | Yes | A very small goby species with bright colors and a large dorsal fin. Hides in crevices and holes during the day and is nocturnal. | 1.8 cm (0.7in) |
Grunts edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent banded grunt | Terapon jarbua | No | |||
| Dogfish prientalis | Plectorhinchus lineatus | No | 86 cm (33.9 in) | ||
| Oriental sweetlips | Plectorhinchus orientalis | No | 84 cm (33.1 in) | ||
| Painted sweetlips | Plectorhinchus picus | No | 84 cm (33.1 in) | ||
| Porkfish | Anisotremus virginicus | No | 41 cm (16.1 in) | ||
| Spotted sweetlips | Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides | No | 74 cm (29.1 in) | ||
| Striped sweetlips | Plectorhinchus diagrammus | No | 51 cm (20.1 in) | ||
| Twostriped sweetlips | Plectorhinchus albovittatus | No | 99 cm (39.0 in) |
Hamlet edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barred hamlet | Hypoplectrus puella | No | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Black hamlet | Hypoplectrus nigricans | No | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Blue hamlet | Hypoplectrus gemma | Not with shrimp | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Butter hamlet | Hypoplectrus unicolor | Not with shrimp | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Golden hamlet | Hypoplectrus gummigutta | Not with shrimp | |||
| Indigo hamlet | Hypoplectrus indigo | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |||
| Shy hamlet | Hypoplectrus guttavarius | Not with shrimp | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
Hawkfish edit
Attractive and relatively small, Hawkfish make excellent additions to fish only or FOWLR aquariums. With extreme caution taken, they could be kept in reef aquariums, but because of their propensity to eat small ornamental shrimps and other mobile invertebrates (usually leaving sessile invertebrates alone) they are not considered reef safe. Lacking a swim bladder, Hawkfish can often be found resting in crevices of rocks or among the branches of corals or gorgonians. Hawkfish are easy to care for and not picky at all about water quality. A varied diet, including spirulina and small meaty foods like Mysis is recommended.[69]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc eye hawkfish | Paracirrhites arcatus | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]: 127 | Brown to yellow body with reddish dorsal fin, distinctive white caudal fin, and small semicircular marking behind eye. | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Blood red hawkfish | Cirrhitichthys fasciatus | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]: 123 | 12.7 cm (5.0 in) | ||
| Coral hawkfish | Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 122 | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | ||
| Falco's hawkfish | Cirrhitichthys falco | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 122 | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Flame hawkfish | Neocirrhitus armatus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 125 | Striking red body with black on fin tips and yellow lips. | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Freckled hawkfish | Paracirrhites forsteri | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]: 128 | 22.5 cm (8.9 in) | ||
| Golden hawkfish | Paracirrhites xanthus | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]: 128 | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Longnose hawkfish | Oxycirrhites typus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 126 | White with red lattice-like markings resembling a grid. Nose is elongated and tissue between the spines of the dorsal fin is missing. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Lyretail hawkfish | Cirrhitichthys polyactis | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 124 | 14 cm (5.5 in) | ||
| Redspotted hawkfish | Amblycirrhitus pinos | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 120 | 9.5 cm (3.7 in) | ||
| Spotted hawkfish | Cirrhitichthys aprinus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 122 | Bright red with distinctive diamond shaped markings down back, becoming darker towards the topside of body. | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | |
| Whitespot hawkfish | Paracirrhites hemistictus | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]: 128 | 29 cm (11.4 in) | ||
| Yellow hawkfish | Cirrhitichthys aureus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]: 122 | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
Hogfish edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral hogfish | Bodianus mesothorax | No | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Cuban hogfish | Bodianus pulchellus | Caution | 28.5 cm (11.2 in) | ||
| Hawaiian hogfish | Bodianus bilunulatus | Caution | 55 cm (21.7 in) | ||
| Red diana hogfish | Bodianus diana | No | 60 cm (23.6 in) | ||
| Spanish hogfish | Bodianus rufus | No | 40 cm (15.7 in) | ||
| Twin spot hogfish | Bodianus bimaculatus | No | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Idols edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moorish idol | Zanclus cornutus | With Caution | 23 cm (9.1 in) |
Jacks edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot fish | Naucrates ductor | ? | Because they live in the open ocean, they are rare in the aquarium trade.[70] They host sharks, rays, and sea turtles[71][circular reference] and eat food scraps, ectoparasites,[71] and possibly the feces of their host.[70] Juvenile Golden trevally are occasionally sold as Pilot fish.[70] In the picture, the Pilot fish are hosting an Oceanic whitetip shark. | 70 cm (27.6 in) | |
| Golden trevally | Gnathanodon speciosus | No | |||
| Indian threadfin | Alectis indicus | No | 165 cm (65.0 in) | ||
| Threadfin lookdown | Selene vomer | No | 48 cm (18.9 in) |
Jawfish edit
Jawfish are burrowers and require a sandy substrate of sufficient depth.[73]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black cap jawfish | Opistognathus lonchurus | Almost always | Requires a 30-gallon tank and 3 inches (7.6 cm) substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. May eat small shrimp. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Blue dot jawfish | Opistognathus rosenblatti | Yes | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Dusky jawfish | Opistognathus whitehurstii | Yes | Requires a 30-gallon tank and 3 inches (7.6 cm) sand substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Yellowhead jawfish | Opistognathus aurifrons | Yes | Requires a 30-gallon tank and 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) soft substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Lionfish edit
"Lionfish" specifically refer to the genus Pterois within the family Scorpaenidae. They have venomous spines and should be treated with caution.[74] Other species within Scorpaenidae but outside Pterois may also have "lionfish" in their common names. Feeder goldfish are not the proper nutrition for a lion fish.
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antenneta lionfish | Pterois antennata | Caution | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Blackfoot lionfish | Parapterois heterura | Caution | 23.0 cm (9.1 in) | ||
| Devil lionfish | Pterois mombasae | Caution | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Fu Man Chu lionfish | Dendrochirus biocellatus | Caution | 13.0 cm (5.1 in)[75] | ||
| Fuzzy dwarf lionfish | Dendrochirus brachypterus | Caution | Carnivore; Males 6< stripes on pectoral fin femals >6 | 18 cm (7.1 in) | |
| Green lionfish | Dendrochirus barberi | Caution | 16.5 cm (6.5 in) | ||
| Radiata lionfish | Pterois radiata | 24 cm (9.4 in) | |||
| Russell's lionfish | Pterois russelii | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |||
| Volitan lionfish | Pterois volitans | Caution | Semi-aggressive; carnivore | 43 cm (16.9 in) | |
| Zebra lionfish | Dendrochirus zebra | Caution | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
Parrotfish edit
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicolor parrotfish | Cetoscarus bicolor | No | 76 cm (29.9 in) | ||
| Princess parrotfish | Scarus taeniopterus | No | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
Pipefish edit
Pipefish are relatives of seahorses and require a similar level of care. They should only be bought by experienced aquarium owners. Captive bred specimens are sometimes available, and are significantly more likely to survive.[76]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banded pipefish | Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus | Yes | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Dragonface pipefish | Corythoichthys haematopterus | Yes | 18 cm (7.1 in) | ||
| Janss' pipefish | Doryrhamphus janssi | Yes | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Yellow multibanded pipefish | Doryrhamphus pessuliferus | Yes | 18 cm (7.1 in) |
Pseudochromidae edit
Usually only a single specimen can be kept in an aquarium. Sometimes multiple specimens can be kept in larger aquariums, but usually this requires them to be added at the same time or they will be too territorial.[77]
| Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen's dottyback | Manonichthys alleni | May eat shrimps[49]: 106 | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Australian multicolor pseudochromis | Ogilbyina novaehollandiae | May eat shrimps | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Bicolor pseudochromis | Pseudochromis paccagnellae | May eat shrimps | Resembles royal gramma in coloration. The bicolor pseudochromis is semi-aggressive and will defend its territory against fish several times its size. This fish is fairly hardy, and is a good beginner fish. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Blue flavivertex pseudochromis | Pseudochromis flavivertex | May eat shrimps | Captive bred specimens are sometimes available | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Bluelined dottyback | Pseudochromis cyanotaenia | May eat shrimps[49]: 106 | 6.1 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Brown dottyback or yellow pseudochromis | Pseudochromis aureus | May eat shrimps | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Cherry dottyback | Pholidochromis cerasina | May eat shrimps[49]: 96 | 7.9 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Dilectus dottyback | Pseudochromis dilectus | May eat shrimps | |||
| Dusky dottyback | Pseudochromis fuscus | May eat shrimps | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Elongate dottyback | Pseudochromis elongatus | May eat shrimps[49]: 107 | 6.4 cm (2.5 in) | ||
| Firetail dottyback | Pseudochromis flammicauda | May eat shrimps[49]: 107 | 5.6 cm (2.2 in) | ||
| Fridmani pseudochromis or orchid dottyback | Pseudochromis fridmani | May eat shrimps | Community fish does well in most aquariums. is not nearly as aggressive as other dottybacks. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Longfin dottyback | Manonichthys polynemus | May eat shrimps[49]: 106 | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Lyretail dottyback | Pseudochromis steenei | May eat shrimps | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Neon pseudochromis, Arabian dottyback or neon dottyback | Pseudochromis aldabraensis | May eat shrimps | Captive bred specimens are sometimes available | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Oblique-lined dottyback | Cypho purpurascens | May eat shrimps[49]: 91 | 7.4 cm (2.9 in) | ||
| Orangetail dottyback | Pseudochromis coccinicauda | May eat shrimps[49]: 102 | 5.8 cm (2.3 in) | ||
| Purple stripe pseudochromis or diadema basslet | Pseudochromis diadema | May eat shrimps | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Red dottyback | Labracinus cyclophthalmus | With Caution | Large and aggressive for a dottyback | 22 cm (8.7 in) | |
| Sailfin pseudochromis | Pseudochromis veliferus | May eat shrimps | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Splendid pseudochromis | Pseudochromis splendens | May eat shrimps | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Springeri pseudochromis | Pseudochromis springeri | May eat shrimps | Captive bred species are sometimes available | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Striped dottyback | Pseudochromis sankeyi | May eat shrimps | Captive bred specimens are sometimes available | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Strawberry pseudochromis or purple pseudochromis | Pseudochromis porphyreus | May eat shrimps | A generally hardy fish, resembles the orchid dottyback, in that the body is a solid purple (sometimes pink), but is missing the black line/marking through the eye characteristic of orchids. This fish semi-aggressive in a home aquarium. | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Twolined dottyback | Pseudochromis bitaeniatus | May eat shrimps[49]: 101 | 6.9 cm (2.7 in) | ||
| Carpet eel-blenny |  |