For those who are fascinated by marine life and reef-safe fish, setting up a reef tank is a one-of-a-kind experience. Undoubtedly, the sight of colorful corals, invertebrates, and fish all living together is a breathtaking spectacle, but it requires careful planning to replicate the harmony found in natural ecosystems.
A key step towards this is choosing the best fish for a reef tank, which entails picking species that enhance the visual effect without disturbing coral structures or other tank inhabitants.
In this guide, we will explain what is meant by reef-safe fish and walk you through 15 of the best reef-safe fish to help you build a balanced, stress-free environment for your reef community.
What Does “Reef Safe” Mean?
A commonly used term when it comes to fish species for reef tanks is reef safe, which refers to specific varieties of fish that are known to live peacefully with corals, invertebrates, and other marine life without causing harm. A prominent characteristic of a reef-safe fish is that it does not indulge in aggressive or violent behaviour such as nipping at coral polyps, uprooting live rock, or harassing shrimp, snails, or other tank mates.
However, “reef safe” doesn’t necessarily mean problem-free, as there are likely to be variations in how individual fish behave. The reality is that even the most peaceful species can resort to territorial tendencies when placed in limited spaces like small aquariums.
Top 10 Amazing Reef Safe Fish You Need In Your Reef Tank
1. Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Ocellaris Clownfish are heralded as the stars of many reef tanks owing to their peaceful nature and ability to develop a symbiotic relationship with anemones. Since they rarely bother other corals, they are a good choice for first-time reef keepers.
They are ideal for larger tank sizes, up to 20 gallons or more, and primarily feed on frozen mysis, pellets, and marine flakes.
2. Royal Gramma Basslet (Gramma loreto)
A stunning purple-bodied fish with a golden yellow tail end that’s innately suited to mixed reef aquariums. Although it’s largely peaceful, it may go into defensive mode in small territories.
With an average size of 3 inches in length, they are best kept singly unless a proven male/female pair is acquired or the tank is very large (50+ gallons) with ample hiding spots.
They readily accept most prepared meaty foods like frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets or flakes.
3. Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Also commonly called the Magnificent Firefish or Fire Dartfish, gobies feature a distinctive, elongated body with a brilliant gradient of color and a graceful hovering behavior.
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended to provide sufficient swimming and darting space, but make sure they are kept under a tight lid, as they are notorious jumpers.
Although they are peaceful and docile, it’s risky to keep two non-mated individuals together, or fighting may ensue unless the tank is 75+ gallons. They feed on small critters suspended in the water column, but can be easily outcompeted, so make sure they are fed 2-3 times daily.
4. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
The cardinal fish stands out for its shimmering silver body with bold, black vertical stripes and contrasting white dots across the body and fins. These reef-safe fish make peaceful tankmates and require a minimum Tank Size of 30 gallons, as they can be aggressive toward other Banggai Cardinals unless they are a bonded pair.
They are carnivores as they feed on small, meaty organisms like Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped marine flesh.
5. Blue-Green Chromis (Chromis viridis)
One of the most popular and recommended fish for beginner and experienced marine aquarists alike, chromis are known for their vibrant iridescent light blue-green body and peaceful nature.
They don’t harm corals or invertebrates, making them perfect community fish.
It is highly recommended to keep them in a school (shoal) of at least 3-6 individuals or more. Keeping them singly or in groups of just two can lead to stress or the dominant fish aggressively bullying the subordinate one until it dies. They are omnivores/Planktivores that thrive on a varied diet of small foods multiple times per day.
6. Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Featuring a bright, uniform yellow body with prominently large lips and frog-like eyes, they are an excellent Reef Safe choice as they will not harm corals or sessile invertebrates.
The Yellow Watchman Goby is considered easy to care for, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate hobbyists. A minimum Tank Size of 30 gallons is required for a single fish, whereas larger tanks are recommended for a bonded pair.
Gobies form a unique partnership with pistol shrimp while adding a lively personality to the reef. They are mainly carnivores and must be fed a variety of meaty foods like frozen or live mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality sinking marine pellets.
7. Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)
These creatures have a coppery or brownish body with a distinct black spot and are extremely small, up to 2.5 – 3 inches. Its small size makes it an ideal nano-reef inhabitant, although this small, peaceful bottom-dweller could feel intimidated by large, aggressive fish.
Easy to care for, they are excellent for beginners with a peaceful temperature, but can be territorial towards similar-looking fish/blennies.
The Tailspot Blenny has a very curious and engaging personality. It is often seen “perched” on rock ledges, using its pectoral fins to prop itself up and observe the tank activity.
They are omnivores with predominantly herbivorous tendencies and are fond of grazing on filamentous algae in the aquarium.
8. Orchid Dottyback Reef Safe Fish (Pseudochromis fridmani)
The Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) is highly sought after for its stunning purple color and generally less aggressive nature compared to other Pseudochromis species.
Known as the most peaceful Dottyback, they can still be territorial towards small, timid, or hesitant feeders like Firefish, small Gobies, or Cardinalfish, especially in smaller tanks.
While they don’t generally harm corals, they will prey on small ornamental shrimp, copepods, and bristleworms. A minimum Tank Size of 30 gallons is recommended, although it’s advisable to add them last to a community tank.
They are excellent natural predators of aquarium pests, actively hunting and eating bristleworms and other small, unwelcome invertebrates in the rockwork.
9. Kole Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus)
This fish species is highly valued by aquarists for its algae-eating prowess and relatively peaceful demeanor. But it can act territoriality toward other Tangs, especially those of the same genus (Ctenochaetus).
While they are smaller than many other Tangs, they are active grazers that need swimming space and surface area for algae growth. That’s why a 70-gallon to 90-gallon aquarium is recommended.
They can be shy, especially when first introduced, so it’s good to add them before more aggressive Tangs like Yellow or Hippo Tangs. Their diet consists mainly of microalgae, film algae, and detritus or organic waste.
10. Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus)
The Foxface Rabbitfish is a highly popular & beneficial marine fish. Famous for its vibrant yellow color and appetite for nuisance algae. They are quite large at 7 – 9 inches (18 – 23 cm) and are generally good, but may nip at soft coral polyps (especially Zoanthids) if not fed a constant, high-vegetable diet.
75 – 100 gallons (or larger) is highly recommended due to their adult size and active swimming behavior. A tank that is at least 4 feet long is ideal.
When stressed, sleeping, or frightened, the Foxface will develop a blotchy, mottled brown and white pattern. They are excellent natural consumers of nuisance algae, including hair and bubble algae, making them a great utilitarian addition to a reef tank.
Reef Tank Benefits: Why Go Reef Instead of Fish-Only?
Confused between reef tank vs aquarium setups? On the surface, both aquariums and reef tanks are saltwater aquariums like the ocean environments, but the main difference between a reef tank and an Aquarium Fish tank is that the former consists of live corals alongside fish and invertebrates.
- Visual Appeal: Corals and reef-safe fish together create unmatched natural beauty.
- Ecological Balance: Corals and algae provide food and oxygen for fish, making them vital for sustainable reef growth.
- Learning & Engagement: Managing various aspects of reef chemistry on your own deepens your marine knowledge.
Understanding how reef fish interact in nature can help you recreate a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Learn more about coral reef fish species and their role in maintaining the ecological balance of the reefs.
Most Beautiful Reef Safe Fish
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and this very well applies to fish. But here is our round-up of our top picks based on their appearance and compatibility potential:
- Flame Angelfish: This fish is striking for its radiant red-orange glow.
- Mandarin Goby: Gobies stand out for their mesmerizing patterns and nature.
- Royal Gramma: These fish are distinctive for their vibrant purple and yellow contrast.
Adding these fish to your tank won’t only enhance its appeal but also add a distinct touch of personality.
For an in-depth aquarium setup, visit our Reef Tank Maintenance Guide
Conclusion: Building a Reef That Thrives
Creating a harmonious reef tank is both science and art. Ultimately, choosing reef-safe fish is essential to ensure your corals, invertebrates, and fish coexist in a balanced ecosystem. A diverse variety of species, from the colorful Clownfish to the beneficial Yellow Tang, play a vital part in keeping a flourishing, visually stunning environment.
At ReefKG, we’re passionate about turning reef ecosystems into living art by assisting aquarists with varying experience levels. Explore our app today to experience a smarter, more efficient way to set up a thriving reef tank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reef Safe Fish
1. What does reef safe mean?
“Reef safe” essentially means types of fish that can live with corals and other invertebrates in peace. Reef-safe species include various types of clownfish, gobies, wrasse, and blennies that don’t act aggressively towards other reef tank residents.
2. Are butterflyfish reefs safe?
They are generally considered non-safe, but certain species, like the Copperband Butterflyfish, can be considered semi-reef-safe under watchful care.
3. What puffer fish are reef safe?
When it comes to the puffer fish, small tobies like the Blue Spot Toby stand out as a reef-safe option for coral tanks.
4. What is the most beneficial fish for a reef tank?
The Yellow Tang, known for its inborn habit of preying on algae. This is beneficial for reef tanks facing algae blooms. These fish help remove excess algae that often compete with corals for space and promote the growth of pathogens.
5. What is the first fish to add to a reef tank?
If you are setting up your first reef tank, it’s best to start with hardy species like Ocellaris Clownfish or Firefish Goby. Keep the peace in the reef tank and minimize disruptions.
6. What is the cleanest saltwater fish?
Build-up of Algae is the biggest source of waste material in reef tanks. Which can be cleaned by introducing species like the Kole Tangs and cleaner wrasses.
7. What is the friendliest reef fish?
Clownfish and Gobies are said to be the friendliest among reef fish as they easily blend in with their environment. This makes them perfect for beginners to set up a tank with minimal maintenance requirements.
8. What Puffer Fish Are Reef Safe?
Most puffer fish are not reef safe as they nip at surrounding corals and feed on invertebrates. However, the Blue Spot Toby (Canthigaster solandri) is one of the few exceptions that can coexist in large, coral-dense tanks. Feeding them well helps reduce coral-nipping behavior.
9. Are butterfly fish reef safe?
Most butterfly fish species are best classified as semi-reef-safe, which implies a level of human discretion is required. It’s advisable to avoid species like the Raccoon Butterflyfish, as these are prone to nipping coral polyps.
10. What butterfly fish are reef safe?
The Copperband Butterflyfish is the most reef-compatible, but calls for close vigilance to prevent aggressive fights with other species.