Key Takeaways
- Not all marine fish are reef safe. Some can tear up corals and harm other tank inhabitants.
- Smaller angelfish species and specific types of clownfish, dragonettes, mandarinfish, gobies, and tangs are generally considered safe for reef tanks.
- Plan ahead for the size of the fish, such as tangs, as they may require a larger tank as they grow.
Keeping a “reef tank” means that in addition to the saltwater fish, a variety of corals, anemones and other invertebrates are in the aquarium. Not all marine aquarium fish are “reef safe.” Many saltwater fish will tear up corals, consume other fish, and otherwise destroy tank inhabitants. The marine fish species listed below are some generally considered by experienced reef tank keepers to be safe for reef tanks. Keep in mind that nothing is foolproof when it comes to saltwater aquariums and live animals. There are renegades in any species, so if your new tank critter doesn’t work out, remove it before it can do serious damage.
