BEAUTY OF FISHES

 Angelfish (Large)

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]

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 theQueen 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 iridescentblue 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)

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 theFlame and Coral Beauty angels. However, for obvious reasons they should not be put into tanks with expensive decorative macroalgae.^[21][22]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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 andanal 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 colourlesscaudal 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

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]

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

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]}

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
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

Basslets and Assessors are small, long bodied fish strongly resembling Anthias. Their care requirements, however, are closer to those of damsels. They should be kept individually, and generally not with other fish of similar shape and colour. Feeding is easy: they will generally eat any meaty foods offered. Good water quality should be maintained at all times.^[43]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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

Batfish are gorgeous and striking fish that are not common in aquaria for one major reason: they get huge. A two or three hundred gallon tank is needed for one, minimum, and larger is better. They start out as tiny, manageable-looking cuties, which often fools aquarists into purchasing them for their small aquariums. However they quickly grow to gargantuan proportions, and require large amounts of food as well as space, so beware. They are not reef safe and should be fed plenty of large meaty foods. Batfish change greatly as they grow, however the potential aquarist is most likely to see them in their juvenile form, so that is the description of the colouration here. They all have generally the same body shape: disk-like with tall dorsal and anal fins, similar to a Freshwater Angelfish.

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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 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]

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 & Pufferfish

Members of the family Tetraodontidae, Boxfish, Puffers and their cousins Cowfishes and Porcupinefishes can be very personable and quirky pets, for the prepared.
They are not thought of as an ordinary aquarium tank mate, but are quickly gaining popularity. They do pose a hazard in the community tank however. They are capable of releasing a very powerful toxin which can kill other fish and in some cases, the boxfish itself. They generally only use it when threatened or dying, but can become disturbed easily with aggressive tank mates or overcrowded aquarium. Generally they are reef safe, though they will pick at invertebrates if not fed well enough.
Many people think puffed up Pufferfish, like in the picture, are cute, but an owner should never subject their pet to this as they are often unable to expel the air should they be out of the water. To prevent this, never remove a puffer from the water.^[46]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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

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]

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

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]

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 smallshrimp[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

Chromis are perhaps the ultimate reef fish. Generally peaceful, most species are easy to take care of and quite colorful. Like anthias, they will school, but in many cases this tendency disappears as they age. They are, nevertheless, at least ambivalent with their own species, as well as completely reef safe. Like Damsels and Anemonefish, their close cousins, Chromis are omnivores and will accept most foods offered. A flake staple is usually sufficient, but for best color and health supplement with frozen and live foods when possible.^[50]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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)

[edit] Clownfish

Clownfish, more technically known as Anemonefish, are the classic aquarium fish. Both hardy and attractive, they are perhaps best known for their symbiotic relationship with Sea Anemones, a relative of coral. In the wild, Anemonefish are always found with a host, leading many potential keepers to believe that an anemone is necessary to keep them. Anemonefish are easy to keep, but their cnidarian counterparts are inordinately finicky and need high light levels, and luckily Anemonefish will thrive without them. Aquarists often find that Anemonefish will host in other things, from corals and Feather Duster Worms to powerheads and other equipment. Anemonefish care is identical to that of Damselfish, as they are actually very closely related.^[51][52]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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  Damsels

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]

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 threespotDascyllus		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

Most should be kept as pairs or small groups where all individuals are added at once.^[55][56]

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

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 arefugium or place for the invertebrates to reproduce safely without any fish being able to reach them.^[57][58]

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

Most eels are easily kept in a large aquarium, although several species such as the blue ribbon eel should usually be avoided. With any moray eel care must be taken to secure the lid as one of the most common causes of death is escaping from the tank, and onto the floor.^[60][61]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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

Less often kept than their relatives the Triggerfish and Puffers there are many filefish that make good aquarium residents, and a few that require specialized diets making it hard to sustain them in an aquarium.^[63][64]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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 Rabbitfish

Flatfish

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

A type of Anglerfish, Frogfish are ambush predators with huge mouths. They are capable of eating fish up to twice their length so care should be taken in choosing tank mates.^[65]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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

While not as common a choice for aquariums as many other species, they are typically hardy and brightly colored^[66]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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]

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 unhealthyAcropora 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 unhealthyAcropora 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 ornamentalshrimp	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

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

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 withshrimp	Moderate		13 cm (5.1 in)
Butter hamlet		Hypoplectrus unicolor	Not withshrimp	Easy		13 cm (5.1 in)
Golden hamlet		Hypoplectrus gummigutta	Not withshrimp	Easy
Indigo hamlet		Hypoplectrus indigo				14 cm (5.5 in)
Shy hamlet		Hypoplectrus guttavarius	Not withshrimp	Moderate		13 cm (5.1 in)

[edit] Hawkfish

Attractive and relatively small, Hawkfish make excellent additions to fish only or FOWLR aquariums. With extreme caution taken, they could be kept in reef aquariums, but because of their propensity to eat small ornamental shrimps and other mobile invertebrates (usually leaving sessile invertebrates alone) they are not considered reef safe. Lacking a swim bladder, Hawkfish can often be found resting in crevices of rocks or among the branches of corals or gorgonians. Hawkfish are easy to care for and not picky at all about water quality. A varied diet, including spirulina and small meaty foods like Mysis is recommended.^[69]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	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

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

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

Jawfish are burrowers and require a sandy substrate of sufficient depth.^[70]

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

"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.

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)

[edit] Parrotfish

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

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]

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 Pseudochromis

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]

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

Less commonly kept than some other species, many still make hardy and colorful aquarium residents.^[75][76]

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)

[edit] Rays

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.

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

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]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Ambon scorpionfish		Pteroidichthys amboinensis	Not withshrimp 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

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

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

Typically are hardy fish that can be kept with a wide variety of tankmates.^[84][85]

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)

[edit] Sharks

Main article: Sharks in captivity

Will outgrow most home aquariums.^[86][87]

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

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

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]

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 vlamingi	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

[edit] Tilefish

Though often categorized as gobies, tilefish are a separate species.^[92][93]

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

[edit] Triggerfish

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]

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

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]

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 eatshrimps	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