The following list of marine aquarium fish species commonly available in the aquarium trade is not a completely comprehensive list; certain rare specimens may sometimes be available commercially yet not be 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.
These big beauties are considered to be quite hardy, but because of their size may present a significant challenge to the potential 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 are 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. None are 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]
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]
Although Anthias resemble damsels in shape and size, the two should never be confused. Where damsels are the goats of the Saltwater world, Anthias (also called "Fairy Basslets in) are finicky and many starve to death in captivity. In the wild, they eat zooplankton, and will not accept anything but 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 you can grow copepods to "drip" into the display tank. Unlike many other saltwater aquarium inhabitants, they can be kept in groups.[35]
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, and do appropriate research 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]
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]
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.
Blennies are popular aquarium fish, and for good reason. They are peaceful, 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]
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]
Butterflyfish, when properly cared for, can make beautiful and distinctive additions to fish only marine aquariums. Often large and usually not suited for those with smaller aquariums, nor those of the faint of heart. Nevertheless, when fed a varied diet and kept in pristine conditions, Butterflyfish will usually thrive. That is, if you choose the right species. With Butterflyfish, usually a fish is going to survive, or it's not. Many species simply cannot be kept in captivity, and potential keepers must take care to only purchase those species that have a fighting chance. Also, be very picky about which specimen you choose- any sign of mishandling should be taken as a red flag.
The following species are relatively hardy and an experienced aquarist should have no trouble with them, so long as they are diligent.[47]
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 aqaurist should watch the ammonia/nitrite levels of the environment, as cardinalfish are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.[48]
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]
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]
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. 1 or sometimes 2 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]
Most should be kept as pairs or small groups where all individuals are added at once.[55][56]
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]
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]
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]
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]
While not as common a choice for aquariums as many other species, they are typically hardy and brightly colored[66]
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]
Jawfish are burrowers and require a sandy substrate of sufficient depth.[70]
"Lionfish" specifically refer to the genus Pterois within the family Scorpaenidae. They have venomous spines and should be treated with caution.[71] Other species within Scorpaenidae but outside Pterois may also have "lionfish" in their common names.
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.[73]
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.[74]
Less commonly kept than some other species, many still make hardy and colorful aquarium residents.[75][76]
All rays have a poisonous spine near the base of the tail. Care must be taken to avoid this animal when performing tank maintenance and during capture.
Because they are relatively inactive fish, most species can be kept in smaller aquariums than other equally large fish, and 30 gallon tanks are not unusual. Because they are capable of eating fish that are surprisingly large, but will often be picked at by fish that eat invertebrates a species tank is often set up for them. Some fish will never accept anything but live food, typically these specimens are fed on gut packed guppies, mollies, or ghost shrimp. Similarly to the lionfish, care should be taken when handling these fish as they are also venomous.[78][79]
It takes a special aquarist to maintain these delicate beauties. A potential keeper must be dedicated and willing to throw artistic creativity to the winds- as what seahorses need is not always beautiful. They require taller tanks, live/frozen food, and many hitching posts, as well as very peaceful tankmates. In fact, beginners would be well-advised not to mix seahorses with any other species until they have more experience.
Seahorses found in stores are generally Captive Bred, but occasionally one might find a wild caught (WC) specimen. WC Seahorses should only be purchased by seahorse experts who are going to breed them, as they tend to be finicky and most are endangered in the wild.
One of the advantages of Seahorses is that many species stay small and can (in fact, some should) be kept in smaller tanks, making them ideal for aquarists who are pressed for space or money.[82][83]
Seahorses are among the few popular marine aquarium species that can be temperate. Species vary in their temperature requirement, so here an extra category has been added.
TR=Tropical ST=Sub-Tropical TM=Temperate
Typically are hardy fish that can be kept with a wide variety of tankmates.[84][85]
Will outgrow most home aquariums.[86][87]
Tangs generally feed on algae, though there are a few carnivorous species. Most tangs will not tolerate other fish the same color and/or shape as them. They have a spine on their tails that can cut open other fish and unprotected hands. All tangs should be given plenty of swimming room; try to have at least a 4' tank. Contrary to popular belief they will tolerate smaller (4' to 5') tanks just fine but tend to live better in larger tanks, over 5'.[89]
While they are generally considered monsters that will chomp invertebrates, a few species can make great reef fish. Other more aggressive species such as the Undulated Trigger, and Clown Trigger will sometimes be so aggressive that it is necessary to keep as the sole inhabitant of the aquarium. All will require large tanks, with good filtration.[94][95][96]
A diverse group of fish with an equally wide range of characteristics. Some wrasse species are aggressive towards small fish and invertebrates, others are reef safe. Some are quite hardy, some typically die within weeks.[98][99]
Angelfish (Large) = Click Image to See More
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue ring angelfish, annularis angelfish |  | Pomacanthus annularis | No | Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Arabian angelfish, Asfur angelfish |  | Pomacanthus asfur | No | Easy | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |
| Bellus angelfish |  | Genicanthus bellus | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Difficult | 21 cm (8.3 in) | ||
| Blueface angelfish |  | Euxiphipops xanthometopon | No | Moderate | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |
| Cortez angelfish |  | Pomacanthus zonipectus | No | Moderate | Darkly hued with yellow stripes. | 46 cm (18.1 in)[8] |
| Emperor angelfish |  | Pomacanthus imperator | No | Moderate | 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 dominate angelfish if housed with other angels. | 40 cm (15.7 in)[9] |
| French angelfish |  | Pomacanthus paru | No | Difficult | 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 | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) | ||
| Half-moon angelfish |  | Pomacanthus maculosus | No | Easy | Blue with yellow splotch-like marking on side. | 50 cm (19.7 in)[12] |
| Koran angelfish |  | Pomacanthus semicirculatus | No | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | Very dark blue with yellow caudal fin and distinctive white stripe. | 36 cm (14.2 in)[15] |
| Personifer angelfish | Chaetodontoplus meridithii | No | Moderate | 37 cm (14.6 in) | ||
| Queen angelfish |  | Holacanthus ciliaris | No | Moderate | 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] |
| Royal angelfish |  | Pygoplites diacanthus | No | Expert | 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 | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Japanese swallow angelfish | Genicanthus semifasciatus | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in)[19] |
Angelfish (Dwarf)
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barred angelfish |  | Centropyge multifasciata | With caution | Difficult | 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 | Moderate | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Brazilian flameback angelfish |  | Centropyge aurantonotus | With caution | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Coral beauty angelfish |  | Centropyge bispinosa | With caution | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Easy To Moderate | Blue colored body with an orange yellow head. | 8 cm (3.1 in)[25] |
| Eibli angelfish | Centropyge eibli | With caution | Moderate | 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 | Easy to Moderate | 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] |
| Half-black angelfish | Centropyge vroliki | With caution | Difficult | 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 | Moderate | Completely lemon yellow, with a brown marking around the eye. | 10 cm (3.9 in)[29] | |
| Keyhole angelfish |  | Centropyge tibicens | No | Easy | 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 | Moderate | Bright yellow with distinctive dark semicircle by operculum. | 14 cm (5.5 in)[30] |
| Multicolor angelfish | Centropyge multicolor | With caution | Moderate | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Orange-back angelfish | Centropyge acanthops | With caution | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in)[32] | ||
| Potter's angelfish |  | Centropyge potteri | With caution | Difficult | 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 | Easy to Moderate | Tan coloured body with dark spots and a reddish tint around the anal fin. | 10 cm (3.9 in)[34] | |
| Venustus angelfish | Sumireyakko venustus | With caution | Moderate |
Anthias
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartlett's anthias |  | Pseudanthias bartlettorum | Yes | Moderate | Back and face light yellow, underside pink with a swallowtail-shaped caudal fin. | 9 cm (3.5 in) |
| Bicolor anthias | Pseudanthias bicolor | Yes | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | Red back and pink underside with distinctive blue square shaped marking and blue fins. | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Stocky anthias | Pseudanthias hypselosoma | Yes | Difficult | 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 | Difficult | 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
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African grouper | Cephalopholis taeniops | No | Easy | 69 cm (27.2 in) | ||
| Vermillion seabass |  | Cephalopholis miniata | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |||
| Blacktip grouper |  | Epinephelus fasciatus | No | easy | 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 | Moderate | 90.0 cm (35.4 in) | ||
| Blue dot grouper | | Cephalopholis argus | No | Moderate | Deep black to tan fish with blue spots throughout. | 50 cm (19.7 in) |
| Blue line grouper | Cephalopholis formosa | No | Moderate | 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 | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 41 cm (16.1 in) | |
| Golden grouper | Mycteroperca rosacea | No | Moderate | 86 cm (33.9 in) | ||
| Golden stripe soapfish |  | Grammistes sexlineatus | No | Moderate | 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 | Easy to Moderate | Very striking black and white checkerboard pattern all over, with very long tapering nose. | 29 cm (11.4 in) | |
| Leaflip grouper | Pogonoperca punctata | No | Moderate | 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 | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in)[41][42] | |
| Miniatus grouper or Vermillion seabass |  | Cephalopholis miniatus | No | Moderate | Orange to red with large blue spots throughout. | 45 cm (17.7 in) |
| Orange spot grouper | Cephalopholis panamensis | No | Easy | 30 cm (11.8 in) | ||
| Panther grouper |  | Cromileptes altivelis | No | Difficult | 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 | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 43 cm (16.9 in) | ||
| Red flag grouper | Cephalopholis urodeta | No | Moderate | Very similar to C. miniatus, but the caudal fin is dark. | 28 cm (11.0 in) | |
| Lyretail grouper |  | Variola louti | No | Moderate | 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 | Easy | 125 cm (49.2 in) | ||
| Spotted grouper | Epinephelus summana | No | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | ||
| V tail grouper | Cephalopholis urodelus | No | Easy-Moderate | 28 cm (11.0 in) |
Basslets & Assessors
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black cap gramma |  | Gramma melacara | Yes | Moderate | Purple with a black mask beginning at the mouth and ending at the base of the dorsal fin. | 6 cm (2.4 in) |
| Blue assesor | Assessor macneilli | Yes | Easy to Moderate | Entirely navy blue with white edging of the dorsal fin. | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Royal gramma | | Gramma loreto | Yes | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Easy to Moderate | Bright lemon yellow with peach fringing of the dorsal fin and around the eye. | 7 cm (2.8 in)[44] |
Batfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbiculate batfish |  | Platax orbicularis | No | Difficult | Brown with generally random black markings resembling a rotting leaf. | 50 cm (19.7 in) |
| Dusky batfish | | Platax pinnatus | No | Difficult | Dark black body completely edged by distinctive yellow and orange. | 45 cm (17.7 in) |
| Teira batfish |  | Platax teira | No | Difficult | Silver with black fins and a black stripe across the face. | 70 cm (27.6 in) |
Blennies
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]
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinyhead blenny |  | Acanthemblemaria spinosa | Yes | Moderate | Brown checkered body with distinctive yellow frills on head. | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Bicolor blenny |  | Ecsenius bicolor | Yes | Easy to moderate | 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 | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Blackline fang blenny | Meiacanthus nigrolineatus | No | Easy to moderate | 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 | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Blue & gold blenny | Enchelyurus flavipes | Yes | Easy | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Bundoon blenny | Meiacanthus bundoon | No | Easy to moderate | Black with lighter patch over caudal fin. Very distinctive swallowtail caudal fin. | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Canary fang blenny |  | Meiacanthus oualanensis | No | Easy to moderate | Similarly shaped to M. bundoon, but canary yellow. | 5 cm (2.0 in) |
| Diamond blenny |  | Malacoctenus boehlkei | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Lawnmower blenny | | Salarias fasciatus | Yes | Moderate to difficult | Tan and brown striped and spotted with iridescence. Requires Mature Tank. | 14 cm (5.5 in) |
| Linear blenny |  | Ecsenius lineatus | No | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Midas blenny |  | Ecsenius midas | Yes | Easy to moderate | 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 | Easy to moderate | Mottled tan, white, and black covering the body and fins. | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| One spot blenny | Crossosalarias macrospilus | No | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Red lip blenny | Ophioblennius atlanticus | Yes | Easy to moderate | Black to grayish yellow with red patch over mouth. | 19 cm (7.5 in) | |
| Red Sea mimic blenny |  | Ecsenius gravieri | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Starry blenny | Salarias ramosus | Yes | Easy | 14 cm (5.5 in) | ||
| Striped blenny |  | Meiacanthus grammistes | Yes | Moderate | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Tail spot blenny |  | Ecsenius stigmatura | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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) | |
| Convict blenny |  | Pholidichthys leucotaenia | Yes | Moderate | 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 & Blowfish
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]
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden puffer |  | Arothron meleagris | No | Easy | 48 cm (18.9 in) | |
| Hawaiian blue puffer |  | Canthigaster papua | No | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Hawaiian saddle puffer |  | Canthigaster coronata | No | Easy | 14.0 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Hawaiian spotted puffer |  | Canthigaster jactator | No | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Helmet cowfish |  | Tetrasomus gibbosus | Caution | Expert | Tan with dark speckles and brown spots at the base of the caudal fin. | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Immaculate puffer | Arothron immaculatus | No | Moderate | 28 cm (11.0 in) | ||
| Longhorn cowfish |  | Lactoria cornuta | Caution | Expert | Grayish tan with very distinctive "horns" near the eyes and under the caudal fin. | 46 cm (18.1 in) |
| Scribbled boxfish | Ostracion solorensis | Caution | Moderate | Dark navy blue with iridescent "scribbling" and spots. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Dogface pufferfish | | Arothron nigropunctatus | Caution | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 65 cm (25.6 in) | |
| Porcupine pufferfish |  | Diodon holocanthus | No | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | White and covered in small black spots. | 91 cm (35.8 in) |
| Sharpnose pufferfish |  | Canthigaster rostrata | Caution | Difficult | Cream, with reddish purple topside and underside, and yellow on the caudal fin. | 12 cm (4.7 in) |
| Star puffer |  | Arothron stellatus | No | Easy | 120 cm (47.2 in) | |
| Stars and stripes puffer |  | Arothron hispidus | No | Moderate | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Striped dogface puffer |  | Arothron manilensis | No | Moderate | 31 cm (12.2 in) | |
| Valentini pufferfish |  | Canthigaster valentini | Caution | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Yellow boxfish |  | Ostracion cubicus | Caution | Expert | 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
The following species are relatively hardy and an experienced aquarist should have no trouble with them, so long as they are diligent.[47]
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copperbanded butterflyfish |  | Chelmon rostratus | Caution | Difficult | 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 | Moderate | Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Moorish Idol" because of the resemblance. 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | White with small black spots, a yellow mask, and a black dorsal fin. | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
| Masked butterflyfish |  | Chaetodon semilarvatus | No | Moderate | Bright lemon yellow with subtle vertical orange stripes and a black splotch behind the eye. | 23 cm (9.1 in) |
Cardinalfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fragile cardinalfish | Apogon fragilis | Yes[49]:133 | Moderate[49]:133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Banggai cardinal |  | Pterapogon kauderni | Yes | Moderate | Black and silver striped with very tall fins and many white spots. Wild populations have been decimated, consider captive bred specimens. | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Blackstripe cardinalfish | Apogon nigrofasciatus | Yes | Moderate | Body completely covered in horizontal yellow and black stripes, with red fins. | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Bluebarred cardinalfish | Apogon flores | Yes[49]:133 | Moderate[49]:133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Bluestreak cardinalfish |  | Apogon leptacanthus | Yes[49]:133 | Moderate[49]:133 | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) | |
| Flamefish |  | Apogon maculatus | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Moderate[49]:133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Gilbert's cardinalfish | Apogon gilberti | Yes[49]:133 | Moderate[49]:133 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Girdled cardinalfish | Archamia zosterophora | Yes[49]:133 | Moderate[49]:133 | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Orange-striped cardinalfish |  | Apogon cyanosoma | Yes | Moderate | Light yellow with iridescent yellow horizontal stripes. | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Pajama cardinalfish |  | Sphaeramia nematoptera | Yes, caution with small shrimp[49]:132 | Easy[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 | Apogon compressus | Yes | Moderate | Almost identical to A. nigrofasticus, but with blue eyes. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Ringtailed cardinalfish |  | Apogon aureus | Yes | Moderate | 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
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambon chromis | Chromis amboinensis | Yes[49]:192 | Moderate[49]:192 | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Barrier reef chromis |  | Chromis nitida | Yes | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Black and gold chromis |  | Neoglyphidodon nigroris | Yes | Difficult | 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) |
| Half and half chromis | Chromis iomelas | Yes[49]:190 | Moderate[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) | |
| Black bar chromis | Chromis retrofasciata | Yes[49]:191 | Easy[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 | Moderate[49]:188 | Bright blue all over, although lighter toward the front. | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Damselfish |  | Chromis chromis | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy | Generally bluish green, but some specimens may be spring green. | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Limbaughi chromis | Chromis limbaughi | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Moderate[49]:192 | 5 cm (2.0 in) | ||
| Paletail chromis | Chromis xanthura | Yes[49]:192 | Moderate[49]:192 | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Black-axil chromis |  | Chromis atripectoralis | Yes | Easy | ||
| Spiny chromis | Acanthochromis polyacanthus | Yes | Easy | Dark chocolate brown, slightly lighter around the pectoral fins. | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Sunshine chromis | Chromis insolatus | Yes[49]:189 | Moderate[49]:189 | Rather drab tannish-orange throughout. | 16 cm (6.3 in) | |
| Yellowspotted chromis | Chromis flavomaculata | Yes[49]:192 | Moderate[49]:192 | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
Clownfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon anemonefish |  | Amphiprion melanopus | Yes | Easy to moderate | 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 | Easy to moderate | 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 | Easy | 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 | Easy | Maroon to bright red with three very thin white stripes. | 17 cm (6.7 in) |
| True Percula |  | Amphiprion percula | Yes | Easy | Nearly identical to A. ocellaris, but the white stripes are edged with black. | 11 cm (4.3 in) |
| Pink skunk anemonefish |  | Amphiprion perideraion | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Easy | 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 | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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) |
Damsels
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. 1 or sometimes 2 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]
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambon damsel | Pomacentrus amboinensis | Yes[49]:216 | Easy[49]:216 | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Azure damsel |  | Chrysiptera hemicyanea | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Blackmargined damsel | Pomacentrus nigromarginatus | Yes[49]:216 | Easy[49]:216 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Blue damsel, Orangetail damsel |  | Chrysiptera cyanea | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy[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 | Easy[49]:216 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Blueline demoiselle, Yellowfin demoiselle | Chrysiptera caeruleolineata | Yes[49]:202 | Easy[49]:202 | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Bluefin damsel | Neoglyphidodon melas | Yes | Easy | 18 cm (7.1 in) | ||
| Caerulean damsel | Pomacentrus caeruleus | Yes[49]:215 | Easy[49]:215 | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Canary deep water damsel | Chrysiptera galba | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Cloudy damsel | Dascyllus carneus | Yes | Easy | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Cross' damsel | Neoglyphidodon crossi | Yes[49]:202 | Easy[49]:202 | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Domino damsel |  | Dascyllus trimaculatus | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy | 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 | Easy | 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 | Easy to Moderate | 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 | Difficult | 17 cm (6.7 in) | ||
| Hawaiian Dascyllus |  | Dascyllus albisella | Yes | Easy | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | |
| Jewel damsel | Microspathodon chrysurus | Yes | Easy | Among the largest and most aggressive Damsels | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| King demoiselle |  | Chrysiptera rex | Yes[49]:198 | Easy[49]:198 | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Lemon damsel |  | Pomacentrus moluccensis | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Longfin gregory | Stegastes diencaeus | Caution[49]:216 | Easy[49]:216 | Turns brown, and becomes highly territorial as it ages | 12.5 cm (4.9 in) | |
| Marginated damsel | Dascyllus marginatus | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Pavo damsel | Pomacentrus pavo | Yes[49]:215 | Easy[49]:215 | 11 cm (4.3 in) | ||
| Pink Smith damsel | Pomacentrus smithi | Yes | Easy | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Rolland's demoiselle | Chrysiptera rollandi | Yes[49]:202 | Easy[49]:202 | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Sergeant major damsel |  | Abudefduf saxatilis | Yes | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Speckled damsel | Pomacentrus bankanensis | Yes[49]:216 | Easy[49]:216 | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Springer's damsel | Chrysiptera springeri | Yes | Easy | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | ||
| Stark's damsel | Chrysiptera starcki | Yes | Easy | 7 cm (2.8 in) | ||
| Talbots damsel | Chrysiptera talboti | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Easy | 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 | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Tuxedo damsel | Chrysiptera tricincta | Yes | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |||
| Two stripe damsel |  | Dascyllus reticulatus | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy[49]:205 | 14.5 cm (5.7 in) | ||
| Yellowbelly damsel | Pomacentrus auriventris | Yes | Easy | 5.5 cm (2.2 in) | ||
| Yellowtail Dascyllus | Dascyllus flavicaudus | Yes | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |||
| Yellowtail damsel |  | Chrysiptera parasema | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy | 7.5 cm (3.0 in) |
Dartfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue gudgeon dartfish | Ptereleotris hanae | Yes | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Fire fish |  | Nemateleotris magnifica | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Purple fire fish | | Nemateleotris decora | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Scissortail dartfish |  | Ptereleotris evides | Yes | Easy | 14 cm (5.5 in) | |
| Zebra barred dartfish |  | Ptereleotris zebra | Yes | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Dragonets
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandarinfish | | Synchiropus splendidus | Yes | Difficult; attach a refugium to the tank | 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] |
| Red scooter blenny | Synchiropus stellatus | Yes | Moderate; attach a refugium to the tank | Not a true blenny. Often only eats live copepods and amphipods. | 12 cm (4.7 in) | |
| Ocellated Dragonet |  | Synchiropus ocellatus | Yes | Moderate; attach a refugium to the tank | Also known as Scooter Blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eats live copepods and amphipods. | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Spotted mandarin |  | Synchiropus picturatus | Yes | Difficult; attach a refugium to the tank | Often only eats live copepods and amphipods. | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Eels
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banded snake eel |  | Myrichthys colubrinus | No | Easy | 97 cm (38.2 in) | |
| Banded eel |  | Echidna polyzona | No | Intermediate | 69 cm (27.2 in) | |
| Black edge moray eel |  | Gymnothorax saxicola | No | Moderate | 60 cm (23.6 in) | |
| Blue ribbon eel, black ribbon eel |  | Rhinomuraena quaesita | No | Difficult | 130 cm (51.2 in) | |
| Chainlink moray eel | Echidna catenata | No | Easy | Can be kept with fish too small to swallow | 165 cm (65.0 in) | |
| Dragon moray eel |  | Enchelycore pardalis | No | Easy | 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 | Moderate | Rarely available, among the smallest of the moray eels | 26 cm (10.2 in) | |
| Golden moray eel |  | Gymnothorax miliaris | May eat fish and shrimp | Easy to moderate | 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 | Difficult | 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 | Easy | 61 cm (24.0 in) | |
| Kidako moray eel |  | Gymnothorax kidako | No | Easy | 91 cm (35.8 in) | |
| Peppered moray |  | Gymnothorax picta | No | Moderate | 135 cm (53.1 in) | |
| Snowflake eel |  | Echidna nebulosa | May eat shrimp if underfed | Easy | 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 invetebrates. | 100 cm (39.4 in) |
| Spotted garden-eel |  | Taenioconger hassi | With Caution | Difficult | Rarely available, best avoided by inexperienced aquarists | 40 cm (15.7 in) |
| Spotted Snake eel |  | Myrichthys maculosus | No | Moderate | Requires at least six in of substrate | 100 cm (39.4 in) |
| Tessalata eel, or laced moray | | Gymnothorax favagineus | No | Easy | 300 cm (118.1 in) | |
| Yellowhead moray eel |  | Gymnothorax fimbriatus | No | Easy | 80 cm (31.5 in) | |
| Yellow mouth moray eel |  | Gymnothorax nudivomer | No | Intermediate | 178 cm (70.1 in) | |
| Whitemouth moray eel |  | Gymnothorax meleagris | With Caution | Intermediate | 120 cm (47.2 in) | |
| Carpet eel-blenny | Congrogadus subducens | No | Easy | Actually a Dottyback, but has the body shape of an eel. | 45 cm (17.7 in) | |
| Zebra moray |  | Gymnomuraena zebra | No | Easy | 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
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clown filefish |  | Cantherhines dumerili | Caution | Easy | 38 cm (15.0 in) | |
| Colored filefish | Pervagor melanocephalus | Caution | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Fantail orange filefish | Pervagor spilosoma | No | Easy | 18 cm (7.1 in) | ||
| Horseshoe filefish | Meuschenia hippocrepis | No | Intermediate | 51 cm (20.1 in) | ||
| Jade filefish | Paramonacanthus japonicus | No | Intermediate | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Mimic filefish |  | Paraluteres prionurus | No | Intermediate | 11 cm (4.3 in) | |
| Orangespotted filefish | | Oxymonacanthus longirostris | No | Expert | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Tassle filefish |  | Chaetodermis penicilligerus | Caution | Easy | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
Foxface
See RabbitfishFlatfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peacock flounder |  | Bothus lunatus | No | Moderate | 46 cm (18.1 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
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longlure frogfish |  | Antennarius multiocellatus | No | Difficult | ||
| Giant anglerfish | | Antennarius commerson | No | Intermediate | 38 cm (15.0 in) | |
| Sargassum frogfish |  | Histrio histrio | No | Difficult | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Striated frogfish |  | Antennarius striatus | No | Moderate | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Wartskin frogfish |  | Antennarius maculatus | No | Moderate | Has the ability to change color to match its surrounding. | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Goatfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicolor goatfish | Parupeneus barberinoides | With Caution | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) | ||
| Goldsaddle goatfish | | Parupeneus cyclostomus | With Caution | Difficult | 51 cm (20.1 in) | |
| Manybar goatfish |  | Parupeneus multifasciatus | With Caution | Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Yellow back goatfish |  | Parupeneus barberinus | With Caution | Easy | 41 cm (16.1 in) |
Gobies
Typically are hardy and do not harm invertebrates which makes them a good choice of fish for a reef tank.[67][68]
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black barred convict goby | Priolepis nocturna | Yes | Easy | 4 cm (1.6 in) | ||
| Black clown goby | Gobiodon acicularis | Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue | Moderate | Similar to Yellow clown goby, but black | ||
| Bluespotted watchman goby | Cryptocentrus pavoninoides | Yes | Easy | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Catalina goby |  | Lythrypnus dalli | Yes | Moderate | A cold water species | 5 cm (2.0 in) |
| Cave transparent goby | Coryphopterus glaucofraenum | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Citron clown goby |  | Gobiodon citrinus | Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Court jester goby |  | Amblygobius rainfordi | Easy | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Diagonal bar prawn goby | Amblyeleotris diagonalis | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Diamond watchman goby |  | Valenciennea puellaris | Yes | Easy | "Sleeper gobies"; burrow and sift sand constantly; very good algae eaters | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Dracula goby | Stonogobiops dracula | Yes | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Engineer goby | | Pholidichthys leucotaenia | Yes | Easy to Moderate | Not actually a goby but from closely related family Pholidichthys. Small burrowing goby but they can get large. | |
| Gold neon eviota goby | Eviota pellucida | Yes | Easy | 3 cm (1.2 in) | ||
| Green banded goby | Gobiosoma multifasciatum | Yes | Moderate | Small burrowing goby with green vertical stripes | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) | |
| Green clown goby | Gobiodon atrangulatus | Yes | Easy | 4 cm (1.6 in) | ||
| Hector's goby | Amblygobius hectori | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Hi fin red banded goby | | Stonogobiops nematodes | Yes | Easy | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Neon goby |  | Elacatinus oceanops | Yes | Easy | A Caribbean cleaner species that sometimes eats larger parasites from other fish. | |
| Orange spotted goby | Amblyeleotris guttata | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Orange stripe prawn goby |  | Amblyeleotris randalli | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | |
| Orangemarked goby | Amblygobius decussatus | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Pinkspotted shrimp goby |  | Gobius melanopus | May eat ornamental shrimp | Easy | 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 | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Red head goby | Elacatinus puncticulatus | Yes | Easy | 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 | Easy | 3 cm (1.2 in) | ||
| Sleeper banded goby |  | Amblygobius phalaena | Yes | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Sleeper blue dot goby |  | Valenciennea sexguttata | Yes | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Sleeper gold head goby |  | Valenciennea strigata | Yes | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Sleeper railway glider goby | Valenciennea helsdingeni | Yes | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Sleeper striped goby | Valenciennea longipinnis | Yes | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Steinitz goby |  | Amblyeleotris steinitzi | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Tangaroa goby |  | Ctenogobiops tangaroai | Yes | Easy | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Tiger watchman goby | Valenciennea wardii | Yes | Easy | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Two spot goby |  | Signigobius biocellatus | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Wheeler's watchman goby |  | Amblyeleotris wheeleri | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | |
| Yellow watchman goby |  | Cryptocentrus cinctus | Yes | Moderate | A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that can form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
| Yashia 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 | Moderate | Small yellow fish that likes branching corals | 3.5 cm (1.4 in) |
| Yellow priolepis goby | Priolepis aureoviridis | Yes | Easy | 6 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Yellow stripe clingfish | Diademichthys lineatus | Yes | Easy | 5 cm (2.0 in) |
Grunts
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent banded grunt |  | Terapon jarbua | No | Easy | ||
| Dogfish prientalis | Plectorhinchus lineatus | No | Expert | 86 cm (33.9 in) | ||
| Oriental sweetlips |  | Plectorhinchus orientalis | No | Expert | 84 cm (33.1 in) | |
| Painted sweetlips |  | Plectorhinchus picus | No | Expert | 84 cm (33.1 in) | |
| Porkfish |  | Anisotremus virginicus | No | Intermediate | 41 cm (16.1 in) | |
| Spotted sweetlips | | Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides | No | Expert | 74 cm (29.1 in) | |
| Striped sweetlips | Plectorhinchus diagrammus | No | Expert | 51 cm (20.1 in) | ||
| Twostriped sweetlips | Plectorhinchus albovittatus | No | Intermediate | 99 cm (39.0 in) |
Hamlet
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barred hamlet |  | Hypoplectrus puella | No | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Black hamlet | Hypoplectrus nigricans | No | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Blue hamlet | | Hypoplectrus gemma | Not with shrimp | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Butter hamlet |  | Hypoplectrus unicolor | Not with shrimp | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Golden hamlet | Hypoplectrus gummigutta | Not with shrimp | Easy | |||
| Indigo hamlet | Hypoplectrus indigo | 14 cm (5.5 in) | ||||
| Shy hamlet | Hypoplectrus guttavarius | Not with shrimp | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
Hawkfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc eye hawkfish |  | Paracirrhites arcatus | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]:127 | Easy[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 | Easy[49]:123 | 12.7 cm (5.0 in) | ||
| Coral hawkfish |  | Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:122 | Easy[49]:122 | 8.5 cm (3.3 in) | |
| Falco's hawkfish |  | Cirrhitichthys falco | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:122 | Easy[49]:122 | 7 cm (2.8 in) | |
| Flame hawkfish | Neocirrhitus armatus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:125 | Easy[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 | Easy[49]:128 | 22.5 cm (8.9 in) | |
| Golden hawkfish | Paracirrhites xanthus | Caution; will eat shrimp[49]:128 | Easy[49]:128 | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Longnose hawkfish |  | Oxycirrhites typus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:126 | Easy[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 | Easy[49]:124 | 14 cm (5.5 in) | ||
| Redspotted hawkfish | Amblycirrhitus pinos | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:120 | Easy[49]:120 | 9.5 cm (3.7 in) | ||
| Spotted hawkfish |  | Cirrhitichthys aprinus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:122 | Easy[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 | Easy[49]:128 | 29 cm (11.4 in) | ||
| Yellow hawkfish |  | Cirrhitichthys aureus | Caution; may eat small shrimp[49]:122 | Easy[49]:122 | 7 cm (2.8 in) |
Hogfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral hogfish |  | Bodianus mesothorax | No | Moderate | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Cuban hogfish |  | Bodianus pulchellus | Caution | Easy | 28.5 cm (11.2 in) | |
| Hawaiian hogfish |  | Bodianus bilunulatus | Caution | Easy | 55 cm (21.7 in) | |
| Red diana hogfish | Bodianus diana | No | Moderate | 60 cm (23.6 in) | ||
| Spanish hogfish | | Bodianus rufus | No | Moderate | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |
| Twin spot hogfish |  | Bodianus bimaculatus | No | Easy | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
Jacks
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden pilotfish |  | Gnathanodon speciosus | No | Difficult | ||
| Indian threadfin |  | Alectis indicus | No | Difficult | 165 cm (65.0 in) | |
| Threadfin lookdown | | Selene vomer | No | Difficult | 48 cm (18.9 in) |
Jawfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black cap jawfish | Opistognathus lonchurus | Almost always | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Dusky jawfish | Opistognathus whitehurstii | Yes | Moderate | 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 | Moderate | 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
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antenneta lionfish |  | Pterois antennata | Caution | Moderate | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Blackfoot lionfish |  | Parapterois heterura | Caution | Easy | 23.0 cm (9.1 in) | |
| Devil lionfish | Pterois mombasae | Caution | Moderate | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Fu Man Chu lionfish |  | Dendrochirus biocellatus | Caution | Difficult | 13.0 cm (5.1 in)[72] | |
| Fuzzy dwarf lionfish |  | Dendrochirus brachypterus | Caution | Moderate | Carnivore; Males 6< stripes on pectoral fin femals >6 | 43 cm (16.9 in) |
| Green lionfish | Dendrochirus barberi | Caution | Easy | 16.5 cm (6.5 in) | ||
| Radiata lionfish | | Pterois radiata | Moderate | 24 cm (9.4 in) | ||
| Russell's lionfish | Pterois russelli | Easy to moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |||
| Volitan lionfish |  | Pterois volitans | Caution | Easy to moderate | Semi-aggressive; carnivore | 43 cm (16.9 in) |
| Zebra lionfish |  | Dendrochirus zebra | Caution | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
Parrotfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicolor parrotfish |  | Cetoscarus bicolor | Yes | Expert | 76 cm (29.9 in) | |
| Princess parrotfish | | Scarus taeniopterus | Yes | Expert | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
Pipefish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banded pipefish |  | Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus | Yes | Expert | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Dragonface pipefish | | Corythoichthys haematopterus | Yes | Difficult | align="center" 18 cm (7.1 in) | |
| Janss' pipefish | Doryrhamphus janssi | Yes | Expert | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Yellow multibanded pipefish |  | Doryrhamphus pessuliferus | Yes | Expert | 18 cm (7.1 in) |
Pseudochromis
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allen's dottyback | Manonichthys alleni | May eat shrimps[49]:106 | Easy[49]:106 | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Australian multicolor pseudochromis | Ogilbyina novaehollandiae | May eat shrimps | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Bicolor pseudochromis |  | Pseudochromis paccagnellae | May eat shrimps | Easy to moderate | 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 | Moderate | Captive bred specimens are sometimes available | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Bluelined dottyback | Pseudochromis cyanotaenia | May eat shrimps[49]:106 | Easy[49]:106 | 6.1 cm (2.4 in) | ||
| Brown dottyback or yellow pseudochromis | Pseudochromis aureus | May eat shrimps | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Cherry dottyback | Pholidochromis cerasina | May eat shrimps[49]:96 | Easy[49]:96 | 7.9 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Dilectus dottyback | Pseudochromis dilectus | May eat shrimps | Moderate | |||
| Dusky dottyback |  | Pseudochromis fuscus | May eat shrimps | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | |
| Elongate dottyback | Pseudochromis elongatus | May eat shrimps[49]:107 | Easy[49]:107 | 6.4 cm (2.5 in) | ||
| Firetail dottyback | Pseudochromis flammicauda | May eat shrimps[49]:107 | Easy[49]:107 | 5.6 cm (2.2 in) | ||
| Fridmani pseudochromis or orchid dottyback |  | Pseudochromis fridmani | May eat shrimps | Easy to moderate | 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 | Easy[49]:106 | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Lyretail dottyback | Pseudochromis steenei | May eat shrimps | Moderate | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Neon pseudochromis, Arabian dottyback or neon dottyback |  | Pseudochromis aldabraensis | May eat shrimps | Moderate | Captive bred specimens are sometimes available | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
| Oblique-lined dottyback |  | Cypho purpurascens | May eat shrimps[49]:91 | Easy[49]:91 | 7.4 cm (2.9 in) | |
| Orangetail dottyback | Pseudochromis coccinicauda | May eat shrimps[49]:102 | Easy[49]:102 | 5.8 cm (2.3 in) | ||
| Purple stripe pseudochromis or diadema basslet |  | Pseudochromis diadema | May eat shrimps | Easy to moderate | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Red dottyback |  | Labracinus cyclophthalmus | With Caution | Easy | Large and aggressive for a dottyback | 22 cm (8.7 in) |
| Sailfin pseudochromis | Pseudochromis veliferus | May eat shrimps | Moderate | 12 cm (4.7 in) | ||
| Splendid pseudochromis | | Pseudochromis splendens | May eat shrimps | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Springeri pseudochromis | Pseudochromis springeri | May eat shrimps | Moderate | Captive bred species are sometimes available | 5 cm (2.0 in) | |
| Striped dottyback |  | Pseudochromis sankeyi | May eat shrimps | Moderate | Captive bred specimens are sometimes available | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Strawberry pseudochromis or purple pseudochromis |  | Pseudochromis porphyreus | May eat shrimps | Easy to moderate | 6 cm (2.4 in) | |
| Twolined dottyback | Pseudochromis bitaeniatus | May eat shrimps[49]:101 | Easy[49]:101 | 6.9 cm (2.7 in) |
Rabbitfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bicolor Foxface |  | Siganus uspi | With Caution | Moderate | 24 cm (9.4 in) | |
| Blue-Lined Rabbitfish |  | Siganus doliatus | With Caution | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in)[77] | |
| Foxface | | Siganus vulpinus | Easy to Moderate | 23 cm (9.1 in) | ||
| Magnificent foxface |  | Siganus magnificus | Easy to Moderate | 24 cm (9.4 in) | ||
| One Spot Foxface |  | Siganus unimaculatus | With Caution | Moderate | 18 cm (7.1 in) | |
| Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish |  | Siganus guttatus | With Caution | Moderate | 42 cm (16.5 in) |
Rays
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiddler stingray |  | Trygonorhina fasciata | No | Expert | Requires a minimum 360 gallon aquarium with a 1 meter width and a fine grained substrate. Coarse substrates may damage the underside of this animal, causing infection. | |
| Manta ray |  | Manta birostris | No | Expert | Requires a minimum 6.2 million gallon aquarium. | |
| Round stingray | | Urobatis halleri | No | Expert | Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium and a fine grained substrate. Coarse substrates may damage the underside of this animal, causing infection. | 31 cm (12.2 in) |
| Spotted caribbean stingray | Urolophus spp. | No | Expert | Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium and a fine grained substrate. Coarse substrates may damage the underside of this animal, causing infection. | ||
| Thornback stingray |  | Platyrhinoidis triseriata | No | Expert | Requires a minimum 360 gallon aquarium with a 1 meter width |
Scorpionfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambon scorpionfish |  | Pteroidichthys amboinensis | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 12 cm (4.7 in)[49]:46 | |
| Decoy scorpionfish | Iracundus signifer | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in)[49]:48 | ||
| Eschmeyer's scorpionfish | Rhinopias eschmeyeri | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 19 cm (7.5 in)[49]:46 | ||
| Flasher scorpionfish | Scorpaenopsis macrochir | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in)[49]:48 | ||
| Lacey scorpionfish |  | Rhinopias aphanes | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 24 cm (9.4 in)[49]:46 | |
| Leaf scorpionfish |  | Taenianotus triacanthus | With Caution | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in)[80] | |
| Mozambique scorpionfish | Parascorpaena mossambica | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in)[49]:48 | ||
| Papuan scorpionfish | Scorpaenopsis papuensis | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 20 cm (7.9 in)[49]:48 | ||
| Poss's scorpionfish | Scorpaenopsis possi | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 19.3 cm (7.6 in)[49]:48 | ||
| Rogue scorpion | Amblyapistus taenionotus | With Caution | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Sea goblin |  | Inimicus didactylus | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 18 cm (7.1 in)[81] | |
| Stone fish |  | Synanceja verrucosa | No | Difficult | Highly venomous! Have caused human deaths | 40 cm (15.7 in) |
| Weedy scorpionfish | | Rhinopias frondosa | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 23 cm (9.1 in)[49]:46 | |
| Yellowspotted scorpionfish | Sebastapistes cyanostigma | Not with shrimp or small fish | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in)[49]:48 |
Seahorse
Seahorses found in stores are generally Captive Bred, but occasionally one might find a wild caught (WC) specimen. WC Seahorses should only be purchased by seahorse experts who are going to breed them, as they tend to be finicky and most are endangered in the wild.
One of the advantages of Seahorses is that many species stay small and can (in fact, some should) be kept in smaller tanks, making them ideal for aquarists who are pressed for space or money.[82][83]
Seahorses are among the few popular marine aquarium species that can be temperate. Species vary in their temperature requirement, so here an extra category has been added.
TR=Tropical ST=Sub-Tropical TM=Temperate
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Temp. | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian seahorse |  | Hippocampus reidi | Caution | ST | Difficult | Usually bright yellow, with a particularly long snout. | 17 cm (6.7 in) |
| Spotted seahorse |  | Hippocampus kuda | Caution | TR | Difficult | Generally yellow, but can also range from tan to dark black. | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Great seahorse | Hippocampus kelloggi | Caution | ST | Difficult | Light tan, with some darker specimens. | 28 cm (11.0 in) | |
| Pot-bellied seahorse |  | Hippocampus abdominalis | Caution | TM | Difficult | Light colored with dark spots and a large abdomen. | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
| Pygmy seahorse |  | Hippocampus bargibanti | Caution | TR | Difficult | White with pink (occasionally yellow) knobby protrusions. | 2.4 cm (0.9 in) |
| Short-snouted seahorse | Hippocampus breviceps | Caution | TM | Difficult | Grayish to tan with short snout and a spiny head. | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Tiger tail seahorse | Hippocampus comes | Caution | TR | Difficult | Varying colors with dark striped tail. | 18 cm (7.1 in) | |
| Lined Seahorse |  | Hippocampus erectus | Caution | ST | Difficult | Dark colored with ligher belly and white ridges. | 19 cm (7.5 in) |
| White's Seahorse | | Hippocampus whitei | Caution | TM | Difficult | Fuller bodied with a comparatively larger head. | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Dwarf Seahorse |  | Hippocampus zosterae | Caution | ST | Difficult | Similar to H. reidi but much smaller. | 5 cm (2.0 in) |
| Thorny Seahorse |  | Hippocampus histrix | Caution | TR | Difficult | Varying colors with distinctive spines all over body. | 17 cm (6.7 in) |
Squirrelfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big eye soldierfish |  | Myripristis vittata | With Caution | Easy | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Blackbar soldierfish |  | Myripristis jacobus | With Caution | Easy | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Glass eye squirrelfish | | Heteropriacanthus cruentatus | With Caution | Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Popeye catalufa soldierfish |  | Pristigenys serrula | With Caution | Moderate | 34 cm (13.4 in) | |
| Scarlet squirrelfish | Sargocentron tiere | With Caution | Easy | 33 cm (13.0 in) | ||
| Striped squirrelfish |  | Sargocentron xantherythrum | With Caution | Moderate | 18 cm (7.1 in) |
Sharks
Main article: Sharks in captivity
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black banded cat shark | | Chiloscyllium punctatum | No | Difficult | Requires a 180+ gallon tank. | 104 cm (40.9 in) |
| Coral cat shark |  | Atelomycterus marmoratus | No | Difficult | Requires a 180+ gallon tank. | 24 in |
| Epaulette shark |  | Hemiscyllium ocellatum | No | Difficult | Requires a 180+ gallon tank.[88] | |
| Northern wobbegong shark | Orectolobus wardi | No | Expert | Requires 300+ gallon tank | ||
| Nurse shark |  | Ginglymostoma cirratum | No | Expert | Grows to over 14 feet and will outgrow any home aquarium | |
| Ornate wobbegong shark |  | Orectolobus ornatus | No | Expert | Grows to near nine feet and will outgrow a home aquarium | |
| Port Jackson shark |  | Heterodontus portusjacksoni | No | Expert | Requires a 1000 gallon tank. | 1.67 m (5.5 ft) |
| Spotted wobbegong shark |  | Orectolobus maculatus | No | Expert | Grows to near nine feet and will outgrow a home aquarium | |
| Whitespotted bambooshark |  | Chiloscyllium plagiosum | No | Difficult | Requires a 180 gallon tank. | 93 cm (36.6 in) |
Snappers
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black snapper, black and white snapper | | Macolor niger | No | Expert | 76 cm (29.9 in) | |
| Emperor snapper |  | Lutjanus sebae | No | Expert | 114 cm (44.9 in) | |
| Threadfin snapper |  | Symphorichthys spilurus | No | Expert | 58 cm (22.8 in) | |
| Yellowback fusilier |  | Caesio xanthonota | No | Intermediate | 38 cm (15.0 in) | |
| Yellow-Banded Snapper, Hussar Emperor Snapper |  | Lutjanus adetii | No | Expert | 50 cm (19.7 in) |
Tangs
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achilles tang |  | Acanthurus achilles | Yes | Difficult | Passive aggressive. This fish is native to the waters of Hawaii and the South Pacific and therefore requires substantial turbulent flow and circulation to be kept in an aquarium. This fish should only be kept in a six foot or large aquarium as it requires a large amount of swim room. Very prone to Cryptocaryon irritans | 28 cm (11.0 in) |
| Atlantic blue tang |  | Acanthurus coeruleus | Yes | Moderate | Less aggressive than Achilles or Powder Blue | |
| Blue eyed tang | Ctenochaetus binotatus | Yes | Easy | |||
| Blue lined surgeonfish |  | Acanthurus nigroris | Yes | Easy | ||
| Bristletooth tang | Ctenochaetus striatus | Yes | Easy to moderate | |||
| Chevron tang |  | Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis | Yes | Easy to moderate | Bright orange when young and dark olive green when transitioned fully to juvenile. | |
| Clown tang |  | Acanthurus lineatus | Yes | Difficult | One of the most aggressive tangs | 15 inches |
| Convict tang |  | Acanthurus triostegus | Yes | Easy | ||
| Desjardini tang |  | Zebrasoma desjardinii | Yes | Moderate | ||
| Doctorfish |  | Acanthurus chirurgus | Yes | Easy | ||
| Dussumieri tang |  | Acanthurus dussumieri | Yes | Difficult | 53 cm (20.9 in)[90] | |
| Eibli mimic tang | Acanthurus tristis | Yes | Moderate | |||
| Gold rim tang |  | Acanthurus nigricans | Yes | Difficult | ||
| Regal / Hippo tang |  | Paracanthurus hepatus | Yes | Moderate | Very prone to Cryptocaryon irritans. More tolerant of other tangs than most other species. | |
| Kole tang |  | Ctenochaetus strigosus | Yes | Easy to moderate | ||
| Lavender tang |  | Acanthurus nigrofuscus | Yes | Moderate | ||
| Lopezi tang | Naso lopezi | Yes | Easy | |||
| Mimic tang, Chocolate tang |  | Acanthurus pyroferus | Yes | Easy to moderate | ||
| Naso tang, blonde naso tang |  | Naso lituratus | Yes | Easy to moderate | ||
| Orange shoulder tang |  | Acanthurus olivaceus | Yes | Moderate | ||
| Powder blue tang |  | Acanthurus leucosternon | Yes | Difficult | Very prone to Cryptocaryon irritans. | |
| Powder brown tang |  | Acanthurus japonicus | Yes | Moderate | ||
| Purple tang |  | Zebrasoma xanthurus | Yes | Easy to moderate | ||
| Sailfin tang |  | Zebrasoma veliferum | Yes | Easy to moderate | ||
| Scopas tang |  | Zebrasoma scopas | Yes | Easy to moderate | Similar to the yellow tang in shape and feeding.[91] | |
| Sohal tang |  | Acanthurus sohal | Yes | Difficult | One of the larger more aggressive tangs | 40 cm (15.7 in) |
| Tennent tang |  | Acanthurus tennenti | Yes | Easy | ||
| Tomini tang |  | Ctenocheatus tominiensis | Yes | Easy | ||
| Unicorn tang |  | Naso unicornis | Yes | Moderate | ||
| Vlamingi tang | Naso vlamingii | Yes | Easy | |||
| White freckled surgeon | Acanthurus maculiceps | Yes | Easy | |||
| Yellow tang |  | Zebrasoma flavescens | Yes | Easy to moderate | The yellow tangs require ample swimming room and plenty of algae to graze on. A single tang will not tolerate another of its kind unless there is ample space for each tang to have their own territory. They requires high oxygen levels. Can be kept in shoals when a tank of at least 5 ft is provided. | |
| Yellowfin surgeon |  | Acanthurus xanthopterus | Yes | Moderate |
Tilefish
Though often categorized as gobies, tilefish are a separate species.[92][93]| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-headed tilefish |  | Hoplolatilus starcki | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Purple tilefish | Hoplolatilus purpureus | Moderate | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |||
| Redlined tilefish | Hoplolatilus marcosi | Moderate |
Triggerfish
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assasi trigger |  | Rhinecanthus assasi | No | Easy | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Blue jaw trigger / blue throat trigger |  | Xanthichthys auromarginatus | Widely regarded as the only reef safe trigger. | Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Blue line trigger |  | Pseudobalistes fuscus | No | Moderate | 55 cm (21.7 in) | |
| Bursa trigger |  | Rhinecanthus verrucosus | No | easy | 23 cm (9.1 in) | |
| Clown trigger |  | Balistoides conspicillum | No | Easy | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Crosshatch trigger | Xanthichthys mento | No | Easy | A shy reserved fish when first added to the aquarium, comes into its own when it associates itself with the aquarist. Infrequently available[97] | 29 cm (11.4 in) | |
| Goldenback trigger | Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus | No | Easy | Rarely available | 35 cm (13.8 in) | |
| Golden heart trigger |  | Balistes punctatus | No | Intermediate | 61 cm (24.0 in) | |
| Halfmoon trigger |  | Sufflamen chrysopterum | No | Easy | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Hawaiian black trigger |  | Melichthys niger | No | Moderate | 50 cm (19.7 in) | |
| Lei trigger |  | Sufflamen bursa | No | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Indian black trigger |  | Melichthys indicus | No | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Niger trigger |  | Odonus niger | No | Easy | Among the more peaceful of triggers, can usually be kept in a community tank | 50 cm (19.7 in) |
| Picasso trigger |  | Rhinecanthus aculeatus | No | Easy to Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Pinktail trigger |  | Melichthys vidua | No | Moderate | 40 cm (15.7 in) | |
| Queen trigger |  | Balistes vetula | No | Moderate | A large fish that should only be kept in very large aquariums. | 60 cm (23.6 in) |
| Rectangular trigger |  | Rhinecanthus rectangulus | No | Easy | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Sargassum trigger |  | Xanthichthys ringens | No | Easy | A shy reserved fish when first added to the aquarium, comes into its own when it associates itself with the aquarist. Infrequently available | 25 cm (9.8 in) |
| Starry trigger | Abalistes stellatus | No | Easy | 60 cm (23.6 in) | ||
| Titan trigger |  | Balistoides viridescens | No | Moderate | Can only be housed in the largest of marine aquariums | 75 cm (29.5 in) |
| Undulated trigger |  | Balistapus undulatus | No | Easy | Probably the most aggressive fish kept in marine aquariums. Older specimens should be housed alone. | 30 cm (11.8 in) |
| Whitetail trigger | Sufflamen albicaudatum | With Caution | Easy | 22 cm (8.7 in) |
Wrasse
| [hide]Common name | Image | Taxonomy | Reef safe | Care Level | Description | Max size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banana wrasse |  | Thalassoma lutescens | No | Easy | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Bird wrasse |  | Gomphosus varius | No | Easy | 28 cm (11.0 in) | |
| Bluehead wrasse |  | Thalassoma bifasciatum | With Caution | Easy-moderate | 28 cm (11.0 in) | |
| Carpenter's fairy wrasse | Paracheilinus carpenteri | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Cheeklined maori wrasse | Cheilinus diagrammus | No | Moderate | 36 cm (14.2 in)[100] | ||
| Christmas wrasse |  | Thalassoma trilobatum | No | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Cortez Rainbow wrasse |  | Thalassoma lucasanum | No | Moderate | 15 cm (5.9 in) | |
| Dragon wrasse |  | Novaculichthys taeniourus | No | Moderate | 30 cm (11.8 in) | |
| Eight line wrasse | Pseudocheilinus octotaenia | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Easy to moderate | |||
| Exquisite fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus exquisitus | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Difficult | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Fine-spotted fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus punctatus | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Difficult | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Flame wrasse | Cirrhilabrus jordani | Yes | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) | ||
| Formosa wrasse |  | Coris formosa | No | Moderate | 61 cm (24.0 in) | |
| Four line wrasse | Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Easy to moderate | |||
| Goldbar wrasse |  | Thalassoma hebraicum | With Caution | Moderate | 23 cm (9.1 in) | |
| Pastel-green wrasse |  | Halichoeres chloropterus | With Caution | Moderate | 20 cm (7.9 in) | |
| Greenback fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus scottorum | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Difficult | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Harlequin tusk |  | Choerodon fasciatus | Generally, yes, but may eat shrimps | Moderate | ||
| Hoeven's wrasse |  | Halichoeres melanurus | With Caution | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Jansen saddle wrasse | Thalassoma jansenii | No | Easy | 20 cm (7.9 in) | ||
| Labout's fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus laboutei | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Leopard wrasse | Macropharyngodon meleagris | Yes | Expert | 15 cm (5.9 in)[101] | ||
| Lineatus fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus lineatus | Yes | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Longfin fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Lyretail wrasse | | Thalassoma lunare | No | Moderate | 25 cm (9.8 in) | |
| Marble wrasse |  | Halichoeres hortulanus | No | Easy-moderate | 28 cm (11.0 in) | |
| McCosker's flasher wrasse | Paracheilinus mccoskeri | Yes | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Multicolor lubbock's wrasse | Cirrhilabrus lubbocki | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Multicolor velvet wrasse | Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Moderate | |||
| Mystery wrasse | Pseudocheilinus ocellatus | Yes | Easy | |||
| Orange-back fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis | Yes | Easy | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Pinkface wrasse | Thalassoma quinquevittatum | With Caution | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Potter's wrasse | Macropharyngodon geoffroyi | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Difficult | |||
| Red coris wrasse |  | Coris gaimard | No | Easy | 36 cm (14.2 in) | |
| Red-head fairy wrasse |  | Cirrhilabrus solorensis | Yes; feeds on tiny organisms | Difficult | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Red velvet wrasse | Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis | Yes | Easy | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Scarlet pin stripe wrasse | Pseudocheilinus evanidus | Yes | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Six line wrasse |  | Pseudocheilinus hexataenia | Yes | Easy to moderate | Small pink fish with six purple horizontal lines. | 8 cm (3.1 in) |
| Radiant wrasse | Halichoeres iridis | Yes | Easy | 15 cm (5.9 in) | ||
| Rhomboid fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis | Yes | Moderate | Golden body with purple horizontal stripes on head. | 13 cm (5.1 in) | |
| Whip fin fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus filamentosus | Yes | Easy | 9 cm (3.5 in) | ||
| Yellow wrasse |  | Halichoeres chrysus | Yes | With Caution | Yellow body with three or occasionally four black dots on dorsal fins. Require sand bed for sleeping. | 13 cm (5.1 in) |
| Yellow & purple wrasse | Halichoeres trispilus | Yes | With Caution | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Yellowband wrasse | Cirrhilabrus luteovittatus | Yes | Moderate | 13 cm (5.1 in) | ||
| Yellow fin fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis | Yes | Moderate | 8 cm (3.1 in) | ||
| Yellow-flanked fairy wrasse | Cirrhilabrus lyukyuensis | Yes | Moderate | 10 cm (3.9 in) |
See also
OTHER POSTS ON AGRICULTURE
References
- ^ Michael, Scott (December 2003). "Beautiful Holocanthus Angels". Aquarium Fish Magazine: pp. 58–64.
- ^ a b Fenner, Robert (2001). The Conscientious Marine Fishkeeper. Neptune City, NJ: THF Publications. ISBN 978-189008720-9.
- ^ "Aquarium Fish: Large Angels in the Home Aquarium, Part 1". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Aquarium Fish: Large Angels in the Home Aquarium, Part II". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Marine Angelfishes, Family Pomacanthidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Genicanthus bellus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Holocanthus bermudensis" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus zonipectus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus imperator" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus paru" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus arcuatus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus maculosus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus semicirculatus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pomacanthus navarchus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Holocanthus passer" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Holacanthus ciliaris" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Pygoplites diacanthus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Genicanthus semifasciatus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2011). "Apolemichthys xanthurus" in FishBase. November 2011 version.
- ^ Hargreaves, Vincent (2006). The Complete Book of the Marine Aquarium. San Diego, CA: Thunder Bay Press. ISBN 987-1-57145-762-2.
- ^ "What a Darling Little Angel: The Genus Centropyge". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Pygmy Angelfishes". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge multifasciata" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge bispinosus" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge argi" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge eibli" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge loricula" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge vroliki" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge heraldi" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge flavissima" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge acanthops" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge flavicauda" in FishBase. December 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge potteri" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2008). "Centropyge ferrugata" in FishBase. July 2008 version.
- ^ "Anthiinae - the Fancy Basses". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Aquarium Fish: The Hinds of the Genus Cephalopholis". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Basses, Family Serranidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Basses Called Hinds, Genus Cephalopholis". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Soapfishes, Family Grammistidae, or Tribe Grammistini of the Serranidae, in part, or...". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Some Guys Like 'em Big:The Genus Plectropomus". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Comet (Calloplesiops altivelis)". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Roundhead Called the Marine Betta, Calloplesiops altivelis, Family Plesiopsidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Grammas". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Yellow Assessor, Assessor flavissimus". Retrieved 2008-12-19.
- ^ "Blennioids: Blennies and Blenny-Like Fishes". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "All My Puffers, Tobies, Box, Porcupine, Cowfishes". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Butterflyfishes; Separating the Good Ones and Those You Don't Want". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Cardinals Not Named Pujols, Womack, or Edmonds:The Genus Cheilodipterus". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo bp bq br bs bt bu bv bw bx by bz ca cb cc cd ce cf cg ch ci cj ck cl cm cn co cp cq cr cs ct cu cv cw cx cy cz da db dc dd de df dg dh Michael, Scott (2005). Reef Aquarium Fishes, 500+ Essential-To-Know Species. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H Publications, Inc.. ISBN 978-1-8900-8789-0.
- ^ "Friendly Damsels? It Can't be Possible!… The Genus Chromis". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ a b "The Damsel and Anemonefishes, Family Pomacentridae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Time to Quit Clownin' Around: The Subfamily Amphiprioninae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Tiny (and one not so tiny) Terrors of the Sea: Damsels of the Genus Dascyllus". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Small-Man's Complex: The Genus Stegastes". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Firefishes, Dartfishes, Wormfishes, Family Microdesmidae, Subfamily Ptereleotrinae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Worms Not Found in the Sandbed: The Genus Ptereleotris". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Mandarins, Psychedelic "Gobies", Dragonets, Scooter Blennies....YAH! Family Callionymidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "...I'd like to buy a Mandarin!". Retrieved 2008-12-19.
- ^ "Mandarinfish, Synchiropus splendidus (syn. Pterosynchiropus splendidus)". Retrieved 2008-12-19.
- ^ "The Moray Eels, Family Muraenidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "A Serpent For Your Reef Tank:A Look at Fish-Safe Eels". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Behold the Dragon!". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Filefishes, Family Monacanthidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Files Not Meant For Your Toolbox (or Reef Aquarium!):The Genus Pervagor". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Bizarre Frogfishes, Anglerfishes, Order". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Mulling Over the Goatfishes, Family Mullidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Aquarium Fish: Gobies of the Genus Amblygobius". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Fish Of Which Dreams (or Nightmares) Are Made: The Genus Valenciennea". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Hawkfishes, Family Cirrhitidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Let's Jaw About Jawfish". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Scorpionfishes We Call Lions, Family Scorpaenidae, subfamily Pteroinae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Twinspot Lionfish (Dendrochirus biocellatus)". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "There's More to Pipes Than Just PVC:The Genus Doryrhamphus and Other Pipefish". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Dottybacks". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Fishes We Call Rabbits, Family Siganidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "You Silly Rabbit: The Genus Siganus". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Blue-Lined Rabbitfish, Siganis doliatus". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Rhinopias spp. The Ultimate Scorpionfishes". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Scorpionfish: Masters of Camouflage". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Aquarium Fish: Leaf Scorpionfish (Taenianotus triacanthus)". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ Michael, Scott (2005). Reef Aquarium Fishes, 500+ Essential-To-Know Species. Neptune City, NJ: T.F.H Publications, Inc.. pp. 54. ISBN 978-1-8900-8789-0.
- ^ "Seahorse Care: A basic guide to starting your first herd". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Saddle Up, Cowboy! The Genus Hippocampus". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Squirrel- & Soldierfishes, Family Holocentridae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "But They Don't Look Like a Rat with a Fuzzy Tail:The Family Holocentridae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "KEEPING SHARKS IN THE HOME AQUARIUM". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Sharks For The Home Aquarium?". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Epaulette Sharks (Hemiscyllium spp.) - The Perfect Aquarium Sharks". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Surgeons, Tangs and Doctorfishes, Family Acanthuridae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Dussumieri Tang, Acanthurus dussumieri". Retrieved 2008-12-19.
- ^ "The Venerable Scopas Tang". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Redoing the Seafloor with Tile: The Subfamily Malacanthinae, Part I". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Redoing the Seafloor with Tile: The Subfamily Malacanthinae, Part II". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Aquarium Fish: Triggerfish". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Bruisers and Cruisers, the Triggerfishes, Family Balistidae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Triggerfishes". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Crosshatch Triggerfish (Xanthichthys mento)". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Wrasses, Family Labridae". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Everybody Sing Together!:The Genus Coris". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "The Cheeklined Maori Wrasse (Cheilinus diagrammus)". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
- ^ "Leopard wrasses (Macropharyngodon spp.)". Retrieved 2008-12-18.
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