Circular Black and White Fish Drawing

Wikimedia list article

The following list of marine aquarium fish species commonly available in the aquarium trade is not a completely comprehensive list; certain rare specimens may available commercially yet not be listed here. A brief section on each, with a link to the page about the particular species is provided along with references for further information.

Angelfish (large) [edit]

These large fish are considered to be quite hardy, but because of their size may present a significant challenge to the keeper. They need huge aquariums, up to 180 gallons to house one for its entire lifespan.[1] Two angels might be kept in the same aquarium provided it is a large aquarium, they are properly acclimated as juveniles, and they have very different colouring and body shape.[2] However, because all Angelfish have essentially the same diet, mixing them is a feat that should be left to only advanced keepers. Most are not reef safe, and a potential owner should be aware that they need to have plenty of vegetable matter in their diet. They undergo major changes in colouration while maturing, and unless specified given descriptions are for adult specimens.[3] [4] [5]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Blue ring angelfish, annularis angelfish

Pomacanthus annularis.JPG

Pomacanthus annularis No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Arabian angelfish, Asfur angelfish

Pomacanthus maculosus, Toledo Zoo.jpg

Pomacanthus asfur No 40 cm (15.7 in)
Bellus angelfish

Genicanthus bellus.jpg

Genicanthus bellus Yes Light blue all over. Exhibits strong sexual dimorphism: females have wide black bands, males' bands are orange. 18 cm (7.1 in)[6]
Blue angelfish

Bermuda blue angelfish.jpg

Holacanthus bermudensis No Blue Angelfish has an overall aqua hue with a yellow shimmer and yellow edges on the fins and scales. The Blue Angelfish does not have the striking blue crown or other blue highlights of the Queen Angelfish. This species has been known to reproduce with the Queen Angelfish, making a half breed that looks like a mixture between the two species. 45 cm (17.7 in)[7]
Bluespotted angelfish

Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus.jpg

Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus No 21 cm (8.3 in)
Blueface angelfish

Euxiphipops xanthometopon.jpg

Pomacanthus xanthometopon With Caution 40 cm (15.7 in)
Cortez angelfish

Pomacanthus zonipectus.jpg

Pomacanthus zonipectus No Darkly hued with yellow stripes. 46 cm (18.1 in)[8]
Emperor angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator crop.jpg

Pomacanthus imperator No Juveniles are black with blue-white spiraling; adults are blue with yellow stripes, accented with white and black and a blue mask. Will easily be the dominant angelfish if housed with other angels. 40 cm (15.7 in)[9]
French angelfish

French Angelfish off Grand Cayman.JPG

Pomacanthus paru No Juveniles are black with 3 yellow vertically running stripes, may also display blue on pelvic fins. Adults lard black with white vertical stripes. 41 cm (16.1 in)[10]
Gray angelfish

Gray angelfish.jpg

Pomacanthus arcuatus No Light grey with dark spots and bluish/grey mask over face. Closely related to French Angelfish. 60 cm (23.6 in)[11]
Griffis angelfish

Corl0166 (28304650305).jpg

Apolemichthys griffisi No An ashen white angel with thick black bands and spots, it is a rare find within the aquarium trade. 25 cm (9.8 in)
Half-moon angelfish, Yellow bar angelfish

Pomacanthus maculosus.jpg

Pomacanthus maculosus No Blue with yellow splotch-like marking on side. 50 cm (19.7 in)[12]
Koran angelfish

Pomacanthus semicirculatus 1.jpg

Pomacanthus semicirculatus No Grey towards the face, becoming a navy blue towards the caudal fin with striking iridescent blue accents throughout. 40 cm (15.7 in)[13]
Majestic angelfish or blue girdled angelfish

1 Pomacanthus navarchus Blue-gridled angelfish.jpg

Pomacanthus navarchus No Yellow dorsal and caudal fins connecting to "saddal" with dark blue dots. Dark blue underside and anal fin. Electric blue separating yellow and dark blue. 30 cm (11.8 in)[14]
Passer angelfish or King angelfish

Holacanthus passer 1.jpg

Holacanthus passer No Very dark blue with yellow caudal fin and distinctive white stripe. 36 cm (14.2 in)[15]
Personifer angelfish or Queensland yellowtail angelfish

Chaetodontoplus meredithi Kuiter.jpg

Chaetodontoplus meridithii No 37 cm (14.6 in)
Queen angelfish

Holacanthus ciliaris 2.jpg

Holacanthus ciliaris No Tan coloured with yellow caudal fin and neon blue outlined fins. This species has been known to reproduce with the Blue Angelfish, making a half breed that looks like a mixture between the two species. 45 cm (17.7 in)[16]
Rock beauty

Holacanthus tricolor 1.jpg

Holacanthus tricolor No 25 cm (9.8 in)
Royal angelfish

1 Pygoplites diacanthus.jpg

Pygoplites diacanthus No Orange and blue striped with dark blue dorsal fin and lemon yellow caudal fin. 25 cm (9.8 in)[17]
Scribbled angelfish

Chaetodontoplus duboulayi.jpg

Chaetodontoplus duboulayi No 25 cm (9.8 in)
Japanese swallow angelfish

Genicanthus semifasciatus.jpg

Genicanthus semifasciatus Yes Black and tan striped back with yellow blaze beginning at the mouth and tapering off towards the centre of the side, with light blueish grey underside. Has distinctively shaped tail resembling that of a swallow. 21 cm (8.3 in)[18]
Yellowtail angelfish

Apolemichthys xanthurus.JPG

Apolemichthys xanthurus No 15 cm (5.9 in)[19]

Angelfish (dwarf) [edit]

Although Dwarf Angelfish are smaller and generally more manageable than their larger counterparts, they still have some specific care requirements. They are omnivores, but plenty of vegetable matter, preferably in the form of macroalgae, should be provided for their grazing pleasure.[20] Their suitability for reef tanks is hotly debated,[2] so add at your own risk. Specimens that have been successfully maintained in reef aquaria include the Flame and Coral Beauty angels. However, for obvious reasons they should not be put into tanks with expensive decorative macroalgae.[21] [22]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Barred angelfish

Paracentropyge multifasciatus.jpg

Centropyge multifasciata With caution White fish with vertical black stripes that change to yellow at the belly 12 cm (4.7 in)[23]
Bicolor angelfish

1 centropyge bicolor Bicolor angelfish.jpg

Centropyge bicolor With caution 15 cm (5.9 in)
Blue Velvet Angelfish Centropyge deborae
Brazilian flameback angelfish

Centropyge aurantonotus.JPG

Centropyge aurantonotus With caution 8 cm (3.1 in)
Coral beauty angelfish

Centropyge bispinosa 1.jpg

Centropyge bispinosa With caution Reddish body with blue back and orange fins. A shy fish that prefers multiple hiding locations. 10 cm (3.9 in)[24]
Cherubfish or Pygmy angelfish

Cherub fish Centropyge argi.jpg

Centropyge argi With caution Blue colored body with an orange yellow head. 8 cm (3.1 in)[25]
Eibli angelfish

Centropyge eibli.jpg

Centropyge eibli With caution Tan coloured body with vertical brown stripes and large distinctive black splotch covering the back of the fish, including the caudal fin. 15 cm (5.9 in)[26]
Flame angelfish

Centropyge loricula.jpg

Centropyge loricula Yes Vivid orange-red with vertical black stripes and blue patches toward the end of the dorsal and anal fins. 15 cm (5.9 in)[27]
Pearlscale angelfish

Centropyge vrolikii.jpg

Centropyge vroliki With caution Anterior is gray to pearly white with orange accent around eye, posterior is deep black. 12 cm (4.7 in)[28]
Herald's angelfish

Centropyge heraldi.jpg

Centropyge heraldi With caution Completely lemon yellow, with a brown marking around the eye. 10 cm (3.9 in)[29]
Keyhole angelfish

Centropyge tibicens.jpg

Centropyge tibicen No Centropyge type species. Overall black with an elongate vertical black blotch on the middle of the upper sides. When small, mainly black with a white bar. Dorsal and anal fins with submarginal blue line; most of the pelvic and the anterior portion of the anal fin yellow. Caudal fin with submarginal blue line. 19 cm (7.5 in)
Lemonpeel angelfish

Centropyge flavissima.JPG

Centropyge flavissima With caution Bright yellow with distinctive dark semicircle by operculum. 14 cm (5.5 in)[30]
Multicolor angelfish Centropyge multicolor With caution 9 cm (3.5 in)
Orange-back angelfish

Centropyge acanthops Réunion.JPG

Centropyge acanthops With caution Dark blue with golden yellow blaze running from the face down the dorsal fin, with a colourless caudal fin. 8 cm (3.1 in)[31]
Pacific pygmy angelfish Centropyge flavicauda With caution 8 cm (3.1 in)[32]
Potter's angelfish

Centropyge potteri Angelfish.jpg

Centropyge potteri With caution Similarly coloured to the Coral Beauty, but with a blue body and reddish fins. 10 cm (3.9 in)[33]
Rusty angelfish

Centropyge ferrugata.jpg

Centropyge ferrugata Yes Tan coloured body with dark spots and a reddish tint around the anal fin. 10 cm (3.9 in)[34]
Venustus angelfish Centropyge venustus With caution 12 cm

(4.7 in)

Anthias [edit]

Although Anthias resemble damsels in shape and size, the two should never be confused. Anthias (also known as "fairy basslets") are finicky and many starve to death in captivity. In the wild, they eat zooplankton, and will not accept anything else in the aquarium. They also need to be fed nearly constantly, three times a day at least. The best way to ensure the health and longevity of an Anthias is to attach a refugium where copepods can be grown to "drip" into the display tank. Unlike many other saltwater aquarium inhabitants, they can be kept in groups.[35]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Bartlett's anthias

Bartlett's anthias Pseudanthias bartlettorum.jpg

Pseudanthias bartlettorum Yes Back and face light yellow, underside pink with a swallowtail-shaped caudal fin. 9 cm (3.5 in)
Bicolor anthias

HutairoHGmaido.jpg

Pseudanthias bicolor Yes Similarly shaped and coloured to Bartlett's Anthias, but with a slightly more rounded back. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Cooper's anthias

KashiwaHDym.jpg

Pseudanthias cooperi Yes Orange back and finnage with white patch below the mouth running down toward the anal fin with pink sides. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Diadem anthias

KorinHD.jpg

Pseudanthias parvirostris Yes Pink fish with yellow streak on top of head running along the lateral line. Caudal fin is red with yellow tips. 7 cm (2.8 in)
Orangehead anthias Pseudanthias heemstrai Yes Pink underside with orange back and mask, dark red splotch on caudal fin, along with iridescent blue anal and pelvic fins. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Redbar anthias Pseudanthias rubrizonatus Yes Tannish-pink with a single vertical red stripe and a dorsal fin with the skin between the rays pulled back like on a lionfish. 12 cm (4.7 in)
Lyretail anthias, Sea Goldie

Juwelen-Fahnenbarsch Pseudanthias squamipinnis 0511173 Weibc.jpg

Pseudanthias squamipinnis Yes Females are orange with lyre-shaped caudal fin. Males are fuchsia with red markings on fins 15 cm (5.9 in)
Squareback anthias

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia.jpg

Pseudanthias pleurotaenia Yes Red back and pink underside with distinctive blue square shaped marking and blue fins. 20 cm (7.9 in)
Stocky anthias

KeramaHDfeb.jpg

Pseudanthias hypselosoma Yes Orange back with cream colored underside. As its name suggests, slightly stockier than other Anthias. 19 cm (7.5 in)
Threadfin anthias

Threadfin anthias male.jpg

Pseudanthias huchtii Yes Olive green with black caudal fin and red stripe running from the eye to the pectoral fin. 12 cm (4.7 in)

Bass and groupers [edit]

In this exceedingly large group of fish, few are considered proper aquarium inhabitants, for various reasons including diet and size. Basses vary greatly from species to species. Appropriate research should be done before purchasing a specimen. Many unsuspecting hobbyists bring home cute little specimens of popular aquarium fish such as the lyretail grouper, only to realize several months later that they do not have the resources to care for a meter-long that may cost hundreds of dollars a month to feed.[36] [37] [38] [39] [40]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
African grouper Cephalopholis taeniops No 69 cm (27.2 in)
Vermillion seabass

Cephalopholis miniatus.jpg

Cephalopholis miniata 50 cm (19.7 in)
Blacktip grouper

Blacktip grouper epinephelus fasciatus.JPG

Epinephelus fasciatus No The tips of the spines of the dorsal fin are black, and it may have a dark red cap above the eyes. There is a variant with a uniformly pale body except for the frontal part. 40 cm (15.7 in)
Blue and Yellow grouper

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus juvénile.JPG

Epinephelus flavocaeruleus No 90.0 cm (35.4 in)
Blue dot grouper

Blue-spotted.grouper.arp.jpg

Cephalopholis argus No Deep black to tan fish with blue spots throughout. 50 cm (19.7 in)
Blue line grouper

Cephalopholis formosa Ko Tao, Thailand 1476.jpg

Cephalopholis formosa No Dark tan with horizontal blue stripes that are not particularly straight. The caudal fin has more of these stripes, and they radiate from the base of the fin out to the tips. 34 cm (13.4 in)
Chalk bass

Serranus tortugarum - pone.0010676.g063.png

Serranus tortugarum Yes Blue iridescent body with distinctive black topside that is interrupted by small vertical blue stripes. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Coney grouper

Cephalopholis fulva02.jpg

Cephalopholis fulva No 41 cm (16.1 in)
Golden grouper Mycteroperca rosacea No 86 cm (33.9 in)
Golden stripe soapfish

Sixstriped soapfish grammistes sexlineatus.JPG

Grammistes sexlineatus No Chocolate brown with light yellow horizontal stripes. Similar in patterning to C. argus (with exception to the coloration). 30 cm (11.8 in)
Harlequin bass

Serannus tigrinus.jpg

Serranus tigrinus Yes Very striking black and white checkerboard pattern all over, with very long tapering nose. 29 cm (11.4 in)
Leaflip grouper

Pogonoperca punctata.jpg

Pogonoperca punctata No Sports a large, hinged mouth and is tan with little spots. Has brown triangle shaped markings down the spine. 35 cm (13.8 in)
Marine beta

Calloplesiops altivelis Comet.jpg

Calloplesiops altivelis Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)[41] [42]
Miniatus grouper or Vermillion seabass

Cephalopholis miniata.jpg

Cephalopholis miniatus No Orange to red with large blue spots throughout. 45 cm (17.7 in)
Orange spot grouper Cephalopholis panamensis No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Panther grouper

Panther.grouper.arp.jpg

Cromileptes altivelis No Gorgeous pure white fish with black spots and a distinctive "hump" on the head, leading to a popular common name, "Humpback Grouper". 75 cm (29.5 in)
Painted comber

Serranus scriba by Line1.jpg

Serranus scriba No Large fish with classic Bass body, Silvery in colour with vertical tan stripes and a blue underside. 36 cm (14.2 in)
Polleni grouper Cephalopholis polleni No 43 cm (16.9 in)
Red flag grouper

Cephalopholis urodeta Brevoort.jpg

Cephalopholis urodeta No Very similar to C. miniatus, but the caudal fin is dark. 28 cm (11.0 in)
Lyretail grouper

Variola louti 1.jpg

Variola louti No Silver back changing to red around the underside, darkening toward the caudal fin, which is lyre-shaped with neon green edging. 80 cm (31.5 in)
Saddle grouper

Plectropomus laevis.jpg

Plectropomus laevis No 125 cm (49.2 in)
Spotted grouper

Epinephelus summana at El Gouna Aquarium by Hatem Moushir 2.JPG

Epinephelus summana No Dark black fish with many light green spots all over body, increasing in number toward the posterior. 52 cm (20.5 in)
Strawberry grouper Cephalopholis spiloparaea No 30 cm (11.8 in)
V tail grouper Cephalopholis urodelus No 28 cm (11.0 in)

Basslets and assessors [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Black cap gramma

Black Cap Basslet.jpg

Gramma melacara Yes Purple with a black mask beginning at the mouth and ending at the base of the dorsal fin. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Blue assessor Assessor macneilli Yes Entirely navy blue with white edging of the dorsal fin. 7 cm (2.8 in)
Royal gramma

3757 aquaimages.jpg

Gramma loreto Yes Purple head and anterior, abruptly changing to yellow about halfway down the body. Has black marking through eye and another on the dorsal fin. Do not confuse with the Brazilian Gramma or the Bicolor Dottyback. 5 cm (2.0 in)
Brazilian gramma Gramma brasiliensis Yes Very similar to the royal gramma, however the change from purple to yellow occurs farther down the body and the black markings are absent. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Yellow assessor Assessor flavissimus Yes Bright lemon yellow with peach fringing of the dorsal fin and around the eye. 7 cm (2.8 in)[44]

Batfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Orbiculate batfish

Platax orbicularis.jpg

Platax orbicularis No Brown with generally random black markings resembling a rotting leaf. 50 cm (19.7 in)
Dusky batfish

Plataxpinnatus.jpg

Platax pinnatus No Dark black body completely edged by distinctive yellow and orange. 45 cm (17.7 in)
Teira batfish

Platax teira 2.jpg

Platax teira No Silver with black fins and a black stripe across the face. 70 cm (27.6 in)

Blennies and engineer gobies [edit]

Blennies are popular aquarium fish, and for good reason. Most of them are peaceful to other fish, while very aggressive to other blennies which has a similar shape. Some blennis are colorful, and many are downright helpful. For example, the aptly named Lawnmower Blenny will keep your green algae well trimmed and presentable. With the exception of Fang Blennies, Blennies are totally reef safe- in fact a reef environment is really best for them because they can be shy and the intricate rockwork of a reef provides ample hiding spaces. They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of frozen or live foods and plant matter. Blennies do not have teeth or functional jaw, so food must be small enough for them to swallow whole.
Blennies are often confused with Gobies, but there is an easy way to tell the difference. Gobies have two distinct dorsal fins, Blennies have a single dorsal fin that runs the length of their body. Also, Gobies' pelvic fins are fused to form a sucker, similar to Remoras.[45]

The engineer goby is a close relative of cichlids and leaf fishes, the juvenile can often be found in aquarium trade, while the adult is rare.

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Spinyhead blenny

Acanthemblemaria spinosa (Spiny Headed Blenny).jpg

Acanthemblemaria spinosa Yes Brown checkered body with distinctive yellow frills on head. 2 cm (0.8 in)
Bicolor blenny

Bicolor blenny Ecsenius bicolor.jpg

Ecsenius bicolor Yes Characterized by the striking contrast of a blue head and upper torso followed by a yellow orange lower torso. 11 cm (4.3 in)
Black combtooth blenny

NiramiGP.jpg

Ecsenius namiyei Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)
Blackline fang blenny Meiacanthus nigrolineatus No Yellow bodied with bright blue mask and dark black line running from the eye to the caudal fin. 9 cm (3.5 in)
Black sailfin blenny Atrosalarias fuscus Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)
Blue & gold blenny Enchelyurus flavipes Yes 5 cm (2.0 in)
Bundoon blenny Meiacanthus bundoon No Black with lighter patch over caudal fin. Very distinctive swallowtail caudal fin. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Canary fang blenny

Meiacanthus oualanensis.jpg

Meiacanthus oualanensis Yes Similarly shaped to M. bundoon, but canary yellow. 5 cm (2.0 in)
Diamond blenny

Malacoctenus boehlkei (Diamond Blenny).jpg

Malacoctenus boehlkei Yes Gray with black splotches, and a yellow mask. Shaped more like hawkfish than a blenny. 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Ember blenny

Cirripectes stigmaticus Réunion.jpg

Cirripectes stigmaticus No 12 cm (4.7 in)
Lawnmower blenny

Algae blenny.jpg

Salarias fasciatus Yes Tan and brown striped and spotted with iridescence. Requires Mature Tank. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Linear blenny

XRF-Ecsenius lineatus.png

Ecsenius lineatus Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Midas blenny

Ecsenius midas001.jpg

Ecsenius midas Yes Although often seen yellow, this fish has the ability to change its color to match the surroundings. It has a very distinctive swallowtail shaped caudal fin. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Molly Miller blenny

Scartella cristata 25-09-07 DSCF1035.jpg

Scartella cristata Yes Mottled tan, white, and black covering the body and fins. 12 cm (4.7 in)
One spot blenny Crossosalarias macrospilus No 10 cm (3.9 in)
Red lip blenny

Ophioblennius atlanticus.jpg

Ophioblennius atlanticus Yes Black to grayish yellow with red patch over mouth. 19 cm (7.5 in)
Red Sea mimic blenny

Copie de El Gouna 02.2009 971.jpg

Ecsenius gravieri Sky blue anterior fading to yellow towards the tail, with a black stripe running the eye to the base of the caudal fin. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Sailfin blenny

Sailfin Blennys Temper Flaring.jpg

Emblemaria pandionis Yes Very similar to Salarias fasciatus but slightly darker and with a much larger dorsal fin. 5 cm (2.0 in)
Segmented sailfin blenny Salarias segmentatus Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)
Starry blenny

Starry Blenny.png

Salarias ramosus Yes 14 cm (5.5 in)
Striped blenny

Meiacanthus grammistes.JPG

Meiacanthus grammistes Yes 12 cm (4.7 in)
Tail spot blenny

Ecsenius stigmatura.jpg

Ecsenius stigmatura Yes Drab tan all over with dark spot at the base of the caudal fin and a light yellow line through eye. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Two-spot blenny Ecsenius bimaculatus Yes The top half of this fish is black towards the front and fades to white closer to the tail. The bottom half is white with two distinctive black spots right under the pectoral fins. 4.5 cm (1.8 in)
Engineer goby

Pholidichthys leucotaenia 1.jpg

Pholidichthys leucotaenia Yes Not actually a blenny but from closely related family Pholidichthys. Juvenile has black eel-shaped body with a distinctive white stripe running down the body. Adults are yellow and black striped. 34 cm (13.4 in)

Boxfish and blowfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Golden puffer

Arothron meleagris by NPS.jpg

Arothron meleagris No 48 cm (18.9 in)
Hawaiian blue puffer

Canthigaster papua.jpg

Canthigaster papua No 10 cm (3.9 in)
Hawaiian saddle puffer

Canthigaster coronata.jpg

Canthigaster coronata No 14.0 cm (5.5 in)
Hawaiian spotted puffer

Canthigaster jactator by NPS.jpg

Canthigaster jactator No 9 cm (3.5 in)
Helmet cowfish

Humpback Turretfish - Tetrosomus gibbosus.jpg

Tetrosomus gibbosus Caution Tan with dark speckles and brown spots at the base of the caudal fin. 30 cm (11.8 in)
Immaculate puffer

Arothron immaculatus, livrée de camouflage.jpg

Arothron immaculatus No 28 cm (11.0 in)
Longhorn cowfish

Lactoria cornuta.002 - Aquarium Finisterrae.JPG

Lactoria cornuta Caution Grayish tan with very distinctive "horns" near the eyes and under the caudal fin. 46 cm (18.1 in)
Scribbled boxfish Ostracion solorensis Caution Dark navy blue with iridescent "scribbling" and spots. 12 cm (4.7 in)
Dogface pufferfish

Black-spotted.puffer.arp.jpg

Arothron nigropunctatus Caution Tan with a brown mask over eyes and other over mouth. Also has yellow markings on the pectoral and dorsal fins. 33 cm (13.0 in)
Map puffer

Arothron mappa.JPG

Arothron mappa No 65 cm (25.6 in)
Porcupine pufferfish

Long-spine porcupinefish (Diodon holocanthus).jpg

Diodon holocanthus No Tan with slightly darker spots throughout and very conspicuous spines that lay flat against the body. When puffed up, the spikes stand up and make the fish completely inedible. 50 cm (19.7 in)
Spotfin porcupinefish

TucacasDiodonHystrix colour adjusted.jpg

Diodon hystrix No White and covered in small black spots. 91 cm (35.8 in)
Sharpnose pufferfish

Canthigaster rostrata.jpg

Canthigaster rostrata Caution Cream, with reddish purple topside and underside, and yellow on the caudal fin. 12 cm (4.7 in)
Star puffer

Arothron stellatus 1.jpg

Arothron stellatus No 120 cm (47.2 in)
Stars and stripes puffer

Arothron hispidus.jpg

Arothron hispidus No 50 cm (19.7 in)
Striped dogface puffer

Arothron manilensis.jpg

Arothron manilensis No 31 cm (12.2 in)
Valentini pufferfish

Valentinni's Sharpnose Puffer.jpg

Canthigaster valentini Caution Tan with giraffe-like spots and dark brown markings that resemble saddles over the back. Has distinctive bright green eyes. 11 cm (4.3 in)
Whitebelly puffer

Canthigaster bennetti.jpg

Canthigaster bennetti No 10 cm (3.9 in)
Yellow boxfish

Ostracion cubicus.JPG

Ostracion cubicus Caution Usually seen as a juvenile, bright yellow with little black spots. When it reaches maturity it is gray with yellow lines and pink lips. 45 cm (17.7 in)

Butterflyfish [edit]

When properly cared for, Butterflyfish can make beautiful and distinctive additions to fish only marine aquariums. Specimens often grow to large sizes and are not well suited to smaller aquariums. Butterflyfish can be fussy and overparticular, but when fed a varied diet and kept in pristine conditions they will usually thrive. Some species in this family do not do well in captivity, and potential keepers must take care to purchase only those species that have a fighting chance. When selecting Butterflyfish especially, specimens presenting any sign or signs of mishandling are to be avoided.

The following species are relatively hardy and experienced aquarists should have no trouble with them, so long as they are diligent.[47]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Copperband butterflyfish

Copperband Butterflyfish.jpg

Chelmon rostratus Caution Silver with black edged gold stripes, a long nose, and a black eyespot on the dorsal fin. 20 cm (7.9 in)
Schooling bannerfish

Heniochus diphreutes by NPS.jpg

Heniochus diphreutes No Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Moorish Idol" because of the resemblance to one. White and black striped with yellow caudal fin and a dorsal fin that forms a long, thin banner. 21 cm (8.3 in)
Longnose butterflyfish

Forcipiger flavissimus.jpg

Forcipiger flavissimus No From the pectoral fins forward, black above the eye and silver below, with an exceptionally mouth. Past the pectoral fins, bright yellow with an eyespot on the anal fin. 22 cm (8.7 in)
Raccoon butterflyfish

Raccoon butterflyfish.jpg

Chaetodon lunula No Very distinctive and complexly colored. Is mostly yellow with a darker saddle and a black and white mask. 20 cm (7.9 in)
Redback butterflyfish

Bep chaetodon paucifasciatus.jpg

Chaetodon paucifasciatus No White with black stripes that form chevrons on the side and a bright red patch on the posterior. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Merten's butterflyfish

Bep chaetodon madagaskariensis.jpg

Chaetodon mertensii No White with fuzzy black stripes and a yellow posterior. Also has a black line through the eye. 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Teardrop butterflyfish

Chaetodon unimaculatus 1.jpg

Chaetodon unimaculatus No Completely yellow with the exception of black stripes at the base of the caudal fin and through the eye, and an eyespot directly below the dorsal fin. 20 cm (7.9 in)
Latticed butterflyfish

Bep chaetodon rafflesii.jpg

Chaetodon rafflesii No Very similar to C. unimaculatus, but with scales that are brighter than the body, forming a lattice-like pattern, and lacking the eyespot. 18 cm (7.1 in)
Pacific double saddle butterflyfish

Chaetodon ulietensis.jpg

Chaetodon ulietensis No Silver with two dark saddles over the body (plus a dark mask) and yellow dorsal and caudal fins. 15 cm (5.9 in)
Sickle butterflyfish

Bep chaetodon falcula.jpg

Chaetodon falcula No Often confused with C. ulietensis, but easily distinguished. The saddles are wedge shaped rather than stripes and do not reach the underside. Overall more yellow coloring. 20 cm (7.9 in)
Threadfin butterflyfish

Threadfin Butterflyfish.jpg

Chaetodon auriga No White anterior with thin black stripes at 45 and 120 degree angles from the head. Posterior is yellow, but with a black wedge shape where the stripes meet the yellow coloring. 23 cm (9.1 in)
Tinker's butterflyfish

Tinker's Butterflyfish.jpg

Chaetodon tinkeri No White with small black spots, a yellow mask, and a black dorsal fin. 15 cm (5.9 in)
Masked butterflyfish

Chaetodon semilarvatus by Konstanze Löwe.JPG

Chaetodon semilarvatus No Bright lemon yellow with subtle vertical orange stripes and a black splotch behind the eye. 23 cm (9.1 in)
Reef butterflyfish

BEPBS 4977.jpg

Chaetodon sedentarius Yes 15 cm

(5.9 in)

Four-eyed butterflyfish

Chaetodon capistratus1.jpg

Chaetodon capistratus No 15 cm

(5.9 in)

Banded butterflyfish

Chaetodon striatus Brasil.jpg

Chaetodon striatus No 16 cm

(6.3 in)

Saddleback butterflyfish

Chaetodon ephippium PLW edit.jpg

Chaetodon ephippium Caution 30 cm

(11.8 in)

Cardinalfish [edit]

One of the few groups of shoaling fish commonly available to marine aquarists, Cardinalfish are nocturnal and tend to be quite shy. They require meaty foods and will often not take prepared foods such as flakes and tablets. For the best chance of success, keep a wide variety of frozen foods on hand. In the event of a hunger strike, they will almost always take adult brine shrimp. As far as other care requirements they are similar to damsels: not picky. So long as they are properly acclimated, they tolerate a wide range of parameters. A marine aquarist should watch the ammonia/nitrite levels of the environment, as cardinalfish are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.[48]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Fragile cardinalfish Apogon fragilis Yes[49] : 133 5 cm (2.0 in)
Banggai cardinal

Banggai Cardinalfish Schoal Cropped.jpg

Pterapogon kauderni Yes Black and silver striped with very tall fins and many white spots. Wild populations have been decimated, consider captive bred specimens. Banggai Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Blackstripe cardinalfish

Apogon nigrofasciatus2.jpg

Apogon nigrofasciatus Yes Body completely covered in horizontal yellow and black stripes, with red fins. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Bluebarred cardinalfish Apogon flores Yes[49] : 133 5 cm (2.0 in)
Bluestreak cardinalfish

Apogon leptacanthus.JPG

Apogon leptacanthus Yes[49] : 133 6.5 cm (2.6 in)
Flamefish

Apogon maculatus.jpg

Apogon maculatus Yes Bright red with black spots at the base of the caudal fin, under the second dorsal fin, and on the operculum. 11 cm (4.3 in)
Frostfin cardinalfish Apogon hoeveni Yes[49] : 133 5 cm (2.0 in)
Gilbert's cardinalfish Apogon gilberti Yes[49] : 133 5 cm (2.0 in)
Girdled cardinalfish Archamia zosterophora Yes[49] : 133 8 cm (3.1 in)
Orange-striped cardinalfish

Apogon cyanosoma 1.jpg

Apogon cyanosoma Yes Light yellow with iridescent yellow horizontal stripes. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Orbic cardinalfish

Sphaeramia orbicularis-Orbic Cardinal.jpg

Sphaeramia orbicularis Yes A thin, dark vertical 'waistband' with scattered dark spots toward the tail. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Pajama cardinalfish

Pajama cardinalfish, Boston Aquarium.jpg

Sphaeramia nematoptera Yes, caution with small shrimp[49] : 132 This fish displays three distinct color bands: the first, stretching from the nose to base of the first dorsal fin, is a tannish peach. The second, a thin band which runs down the center of the fish, is chocolate brown, and the posterior of the fish is white with brown spots. 8.5 cm (3.3 in)
Ochre-striped cardinalfish Apogon compressus Yes Almost identical to A. nigrofasticus, but with blue eyes. 12 cm (4.7 in)
Ringtailed cardinalfish

Apogon aureus.jpg

Apogon aureus Yes Yellow body with a black stripe (ring) at the base of the caudal fin and iridescent blue streaks across the eye. 14.5 cm (5.7 in)

Chromis [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Ambon chromis Chromis amboinensis Yes[49] : 192 8 cm (3.1 in)
Barrier reef chromis

Chromis nitida.jpg

Chromis nitida Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)
Black and gold chromis

Neoglyphidodon nigroris - Behn's damsel.jpg

Neoglyphidodon nigroris Yes Mostly silver, but with a large patch of yellow around the caudal fin and a distinct black line on the operculum. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Black bar chromis Chromis retrofasciata Yes[49] : 191 Yellowish with bright blue iridescent pelvic fins and a distinct black bar at the base of the caudal fin. 5 cm (2.0 in).
Blue chromis

Chromis cyanea.jpg

Chromis cyanea Yes[49] : 188 Bright blue all over, although lighter toward the front. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Damselfish

Chromis chromis 2.jpg

Chromis chromis Yes Completely black. Despite the name, this is actually a chromis, in fact, it is the chromis. 25 cm (9.8 in)
Green chromis

Chromis viridis 2011.jpg

Chromis viridis Yes Generally bluish green, but some specimens may be spring green. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Half and half chromis

Chromis iomelas RLS.jpg

Chromis iomelas Yes[49] : 190 Completely black from the middle of the dorsal fin to the nose, completely white from the middle of the dorsal fin to the end of the caudal fin. 9 cm (3.5 in)
Limbaughi chromis Chromis limbaughi Yes Dark navy blue with bright yellow spot that covers the dorsal fin and much of the posterior. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Lined chromis Chromis lineata Yes[49] : 192 5 cm (2.0 in)
Paletail chromis Chromis xanthura Yes[49] : 192 15 cm (5.9 in)
Black-axil chromis

Chromis atripectoralis2.jog.jpg

Chromis atripectoralis Yes 12 cm

(14.7 in)

Spiny chromis

Acanthochromis polyacanthus.jpg

Acanthochromis polyacanthus Yes Dark chocolate brown, slightly lighter around the pectoral fins. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Sunshine chromis Chromis insolatus Yes[49] : 189 Rather drab tannish-orange throughout. 16 cm (6.3 in)
Yellowspotted chromis

KihoshiSD.jpg

Chromis flavomaculata Yes[49] : 192 15 cm (5.9 in)
Black and white chromis

ShikokuSDfin.jpg

Chromis margaritifer Yes Similar to half and half chromis, but there is more black. 3 in (7.6 cm)

Clownfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Cinnamon anemonefish

Amphiprion melanopus in Entacmaea quadricolor.jpg

Amphiprion melanopus Yes Dark orange body becoming black towards the caudal fin, with a bright white stripe running from the front of the dorsal fin to the pectoral fins and golden colored fins. 12 cm (4.7 in)
Clarkii anemonefish

Amphiprion clarkii.jpg

Amphiprion clarkii Yes Black or dark brown with bright yellow finnage and two thick white stripes running perpendicular to the body. 15 cm (5.9 in)
Ocellaris

Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris).jpg

Amphiprion ocellaris Yes Bright orange or yellow body with white stripes. Fins are orange, rimmed with black. A. ocellaris from northern Australia are black. 11 cm (4.3 in)
Maroon clownfish

Premnas biaculeatus juvenile.jpg

Premnas biaculeatus Yes but aggressive Maroon to bright red with three very thin white stripes. 17 cm (6.7 in)
True Percula

Amphiprion percula.JPG

Amphiprion percula Yes Nearly identical to A. ocellaris, but the white stripes are edged with black. 11 cm (4.3 in)
Pink skunk anemonefish

Amphiprion perideraion.jpg

Amphiprion perideraion Yes Pink to orange body with one white stripe over the operculum and another running from the tip of the snout, along the back to the dorsal fin. All fins are white. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Tomato clownfish

Tomato clownfish Amphiprion frenatus.jpg

Amphiprion frenatus Yes Bright red with a single white stripe running from the front of the dorsal fin to the bottom of the head. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Saddleback anemonefish

Amphiprion Species.JPG

Amphiprion polymnus Yes Similar to A. ocellaris and percula, but the second stripe does not extend the full with of the body and instead resembles a saddle. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Sebae anemonefish

Clownfish-mileswu.jpg

Amphiprion sebae Yes Black or dark brown body from above the pectoral fin, yellow below. Has two white stripes, the second resembling that of A. polymnus. 16 cm (6.3 in)

Damselfish [edit]

All Damselfish can be considered reef-safe, sometimes excluding larger, more aggressive Dascyllus varieties. Some Damselfish will host in anemones like clownfish. Most Damselfish are aggressive and difficult to catch once you put them in an aquarium.

Damselfish change gender as they grow larger and older. Small damselfish are ungendered. Eventually, they become males if no males prevent them from doing so. One or sometimes two males live with a female and guard over the eggs. Females are the largest fish and dominant over the males and juveniles. They will not allow other females into an area they have claimed as their territory without a fight. They may not allow new males or juveniles, either. Aggression increases with each change.[51] [53] [54]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Ambon damsel

Pomacentrus amboinensis.jpg

Pomacentrus amboinensis Yes[49] : 216 10 cm (3.9 in)
Azure damsel

Crysiptera hemicyanea.jpg

Chrysiptera hemicyanea Yes A beautiful fish with neon blue on its body and a gold underside and caudal fin. Easy to care for and does best on a good diet. Fairly aggressive so choose tankmates carefully. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Black and gold damsel

Neoglyphidodon nigroris.jpg

Neoglyphidodon nigroris Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Blackmargined damsel Pomacentrus nigromarginatus Yes[49] : 216 9 cm (3.5 in)
Blue damsel, Orangetail damsel

Chrysipteracyanea2.JPG

Chrysiptera cyanea Yes An orange tail indicates breeding success. The males have orange on their tails while the females do not. This fish is hardy and aggressive. 8.5 cm (3.3 in)
Blue and gold damsel

Neon damselfish.jpg

Pomacentrus coelestis Yes[49] : 215 9 cm (3.5 in)
Blue velvet damsel

Neoglyphidodon oxyodon.1 - Aquarium Finisterrae.JPG

Paraglyphidodon oxyodon Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Blueback damsel Pomacentrus simsiang Yes[49] : 216 9 cm (3.5 in)
Blueline demoiselle, Yellowfin demoiselle Chrysiptera caeruleolineata Yes[49] : 202 6 cm (2.4 in)
Bluefin damsel

Neoglyphidodon melas.jpg

Neoglyphidodon melas Yes 18 cm (7.1 in)
Caerulean damsel

Pomacentrus caeruleus.jpg

Pomacentrus caeruleus Yes[49] : 215 8 cm (3.1 in)
Canary deep water damsel Chrysiptera galba Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Cloudy damsel

Dascyllus carneus Maldives.JPG

Dascyllus carneus Yes 7 cm (2.8 in)
Cross' damsel Neoglyphidodon crossi Yes[49] : 202 13 cm (5.1 in)
Domino damsel

Dascyllus trimaculatus.JPG

Dascyllus trimaculatus Yes also known as the three spot damsel, this fish is easy to care for, but is also very aggressive. The fish is black except for three distinct white spots that fade as the fish ages. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Fiji blue devil damsel

Chrysiptera taupou.jpg

Chrysiptera taupou Yes This striking blue damsel is one of the most popular beginner fish. Like other damsels, it is very hardy, and very aggressive when mature. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Four stripe damsel

Dascyllus melanurus 1.jpg

Dascyllus melanurus Yes The four stripe damsel is a perfect beginner marine fish as it is very hardy. This fish is highly territorial and is best suited for a semi-aggressive to aggressive tank. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Garibaldi damsel

Hypsypops rubicundus adult.jpg

Hypsypops rubicunda Yes These are temperate fish and require cooler water. They are much larger than most other damsels. 30 cm (11.8 in)
Honey head damsel Dischistodus prosopotaenia Yes 17 cm (6.7 in)
Hawaiian Dascyllus

Dascyllus albisella 2.jpg

Dascyllus albisella Yes 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Jewel damsel

Microspathodon chrysurus.jpg

Microspathodon chrysurus Yes Among the largest and most aggressive Damsels 20 cm (7.9 in)
King demoiselle

Chrysiptera rex - Zoo Frankfurt.jpg

Chrysiptera rex Yes[49] : 198 7 cm (2.8 in)
Lemon damsel

Pomacentrus moluccensis 1.jpg

Pomacentrus moluccensis Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Longfin gregory

Does nature's pallete....jpg

Stegastes diencaeus Caution[49] : 216 Turns brown, and becomes highly territorial as it ages 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Marginated damsel

Dascyllus marginatus (Rüppell, 1829).png

Dascyllus marginatus Yes The marginated damsel is noted for blue fins as well as the yellow head and white body. This fish is hardy like most damsels and is also highly aggressive when mature. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Neon damsel Pomacentrus alleni Yes 6 cm (2.4 in)
Ocellate damsel

Pomacentrus vaiuli.jpg

Pomacentrus vaiuli Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Pavo damsel

Pomacentrus pavo.jpg

Pomacentrus pavo Yes[49] : 215 11 cm (4.3 in)
Pink Smith damsel

Pomacentrus smithi1.jpg

Pomacentrus smithi Yes 7 cm (2.8 in)
Rolland's demoiselle Chrysiptera rollandi Yes[49] : 202 6 cm (2.4 in)
Sergeant major damsel

Abudefduf saxatilis.jpg

Abudefduf saxatilis Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Speckled damsel

MeganeSD.jpg

Pomacentrus bankanensis Yes[49] : 216 9 cm (3.5 in)
Springer's damsel

Chrysiptera springeri.jpg

Chrysiptera springeri Yes 5.5 cm (2.2 in)
Stark's damsel

SenakiRS.jpg

Chrysiptera starcki Yes 7 cm (2.8 in)
Talbots damsel

Chrysiptera talboti - Demoiselle de Talbot - Aqua Porte Dorée 02.JPG

Chrysiptera talboti Yes This damselfish is somewhat a little more delicate than other. It does best in small groups in large tanks with good water quality and an SG of 1.026. Feed on a good diet for best results. Fairly peaceful. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Three stripe damsel

Dascyllus aruanus 3.jpg

Dascyllus aruanus Yes Highly aggressive and territorial. Will harass fish many times its size. Best kept in an aggressive/semi-aggressive tank. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Three Spot damsel

Threespot damselfish in a pillar coral.jpg

Stegastes planifrons Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Tuxedo damsel

MisujiSD.jpg

Chrysiptera tricincta Yes 6 cm (2.4 in)
Two stripe damsel

Dascyllus reticulatus (Reticulated dascyllus) in Acropora loripa (Hard coral).jpg

Dascyllus reticulatus Yes the two stripe damsel is a very hardy fish. This fish is perfect for the beginner marine aquarist, as it can tolerate substandard water quality. This fish is highly aggressive, and requires many hiding places. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Yellow damsel

Monaco.Musée océanographique026.jpg

Amblyglyphidodon aureus Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Yellow threespot Dascyllus

Dascyllus auripinnis.jpg

Dascyllus auripinnis Yes[49] : 205 14.5 cm (5.7 in)
Yellowbelly damsel

Pomacentrus auriventris1.jpg

Pomacentrus auriventris Yes 5.5 cm (2.2 in)
Yellowtail Dascyllus

Dascyllus flavicaudus.jpg

Dascyllus flavicaudus Yes 12 cm (4.7 in)
Yellowtail damsel

Chrysiptera parasema.JPG

Chrysiptera parasema Yes The yellowtail damsel possess an all blue body with a striking yellow tail. This damsel is a good beginner fish as it is very hardy and can tolerate substandard water quality. This damsel is also less aggressive than some other damsel species. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Yellowtail demoiselle

Neopomacentrus azysron.jpg

Neopomacentrus azysron Yes 7.5 cm (3.0 in)

Dartfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Blue gudgeon dartfish

HanaHZyg.jpg

Ptereleotris hanae Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Fire fish

Nemateleotris magnifica2.jpg

Nemateleotris magnifica Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Purple fire fish

Nemateleotris decora.jpg

Nemateleotris decora Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Scissortail dartfish

Blackfin Dart Gobies in front of their hole.jpg

Ptereleotris evides Yes 14 cm (5.5 in)
Zebra barred dartfish

Ptereleotris zebra.jpg

Ptereleotris zebra Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)

Dragonets [edit]

Dragonets are often mis-categorized as gobies or blennies by fish sellers. They are bottom-dwelling fish that constantly hunt tiny invertebrates for food. Most starve to death in a marine aquarium unless you provide a refugium or place for the invertebrates to reproduce safely without any fish being able to reach them.[57] [58]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Mandarinfish

Synchiropus splendidus 2 Luc Viatour.jpg

Synchiropus splendidus Yes A brightly colored member of the dragonet family. Eats only copepods and will die in captivity without an adequate supply, which can only be had in very large, well established reef tanks 6 cm (2.4 in)[59]
Starry dragonet Synchiropus stellatus Yes Also known as red scooter blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eat live copepods and amphipods. 12 cm (4.7 in)
Ocellated dragonet

Scooter blenny - by BJ Beggerly.jpg

Synchiropus ocellatus Yes Also known as scooter blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eat live copepods and amphipods. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Spotted mandarin

Synchiropus picturatus.jpg

Synchiropus picturatus Yes Often only eats live copepods and amphipods. 10 cm (3.9 in)

Eels [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Banded snake eel

Banded snake eel Nick Hobgood.jpg

Myrichthys colubrinus No 97 cm (38.2 in)
Banded eel

Ecpol u0.png

Echidna polyzona No 69 cm (27.2 in)
Black edge moray eel

Gymnothorax saxicola.jpg

Gymnothorax saxicola No 60 cm (23.6 in)
Blue ribbon eel, black ribbon eel Rhinomuraena quaesita No 130 cm (51.2 in)
Chainlink moray eel

Chain moray eel.jpg

Echidna catenata No Can be kept with fish too small to swallow 165 cm (65.0 in)
Dragon moray eel

ToraUB.jpg

Enchelycore pardalis No A fish eater that will eat anything it can fit in its mouth. When available is typically quite expensive[62] 92 cm (36.2 in)
Golden dwarf eel Gymnothorax melatremus Yes Rarely available, among the smallest of the moray eels 26 cm (10.2 in)
Golden moray eel

Moray eel and fish.JPG

Gymnothorax miliaris May eat fish and shrimp These fish should only be kept in fish-only tanks as any small invertebrates will be looked on as food. Keep with fish large enough not to be eaten. Feed on a diet of whitefish, cockles, cod roe, haddock and frozen foods. 70.0 cm (27.6 in)
Green moray eel

Muraene.jpg

Gymnothorax funebris No Requires a 180-gallon tank with tight fitting lid. Compatible with rays, sharks, and other large fish. 250 cm (98.4 in)
Jeweled moray eel

Muraena lentiginosa.jpg

Muraena lentiginosa No 61 cm (24.0 in)
Kidako moray eel

Kidako moray.JPG

Gymnothorax kidako No 91 cm (35.8 in)
Peppered moray

Gymnothorax pictus.jpg

Gymnothorax picta No 135 cm (53.1 in)
Snowflake eel

Snowflake moray in kona close up.jpg

Echidna nebulosa May eat shrimp if underfed A pebble-tooth moray that generally eats crustaceans and similar. Safer in reef aquariums than other species but be prepared to remove it in case it starts to eat desired invertebrates. 100 cm (39.4 in)
Spotted garden-eel Heteroconger hassi With Caution Rarely available, best avoided by inexperienced aquarists 40 cm (15.7 in)
Spotted Snake eel

Myrichthys maculosus.JPG

Myrichthys maculosus No Requires at least six in of substrate 100 cm (39.4 in)
Tessalata eel, or laced moray

Gymnothorax favagineus 2.jpg

Gymnothorax favagineus No 300 cm (118.1 in)
Yellowhead moray eel

Gymnothorax fimbriatus.JPG

Gymnothorax fimbriatus No 80 cm (31.5 in)
Yellow mouth moray eel

Gymnothorax nudivomer.jpg

Gymnothorax nudivomer No 178 cm (70.1 in)
Whitemouth moray eel

Gymnothorax meleagris.jpg

Gymnothorax meleagris With Caution 120 cm (47.2 in)
Carpet eel-blenny

Congrogadus subducens 1.jpg

Congrogadus subducens No Actually a Dottyback, but has the body shape of an eel. 45 cm (17.7 in)
Zebra moray

Gymnomuraena zebra by NPS.jpg

Gymnomuraena zebra No One of the easier moray eels to keep, is usually safe with most fish but will eat most invertebrates. 150 cm (59.1 in)

Filefish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Clown filefish

Cantherhines dumerili.jpg

Cantherhines dumerili Caution 38 cm (15.0 in)
Colored filefish Pervagor melanocephalus Caution 15 cm (5.9 in)
Fantail orange filefish Pervagor spilosoma No 18 cm (7.1 in)
Horseshoe filefish

Meuschenia hippocrepis P1020936.JPG

Meuschenia hippocrepis No 51 cm (20.1 in)
Japanese filefish

Yosogi2013123001.jpg

Paramonacanthus japonicus No 13 cm (5.1 in)
Mimic filefish

Paraluteres prionurus.JPG

Paraluteres prionurus No 11 cm (4.3 in)
Orangespotted filefish

Oxymonacanthus longirostris 1.jpg

Oxymonacanthus longirostris No 13 cm (5.1 in)
Tassle filefish

Chaetodermis penicilligerus.2 - Aquarium Finisterrae.JPG

Chaetodermis penicilligerus Caution 30 cm (11.8 in)

Flatfish [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Care Level Description Max size
Peacock flounder

Bothus lunatus.jpg

Bothus lunatus No Moderate 46 cm (18.1 in)
Flowery (Indo-Pacific peacock) flounder

Bothidae - Bothus mancus.jpg

Bothus mancus with caution Moderate 45 cm (17.7 in)
Banded sole

Blue Edged Sole - Soleichthys heterorhinos.jpg

Soleichthys heterorhinos Will eat shrimp and other invertebrates, will not harm coral[49] : 413 Moderate[49] : 413 18 cm (7.1 in)

Frogfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Longlure frogfish

6903 aquaimages.jpg

Antennarius multiocellatus No 20 cm

(7.9 in)

Giant anglerfish

Commerson's Frogfish, Kona, Hawaii.jpg

Antennarius commerson No 38 cm (15.0 in)
Sargassum frogfish

Sargassumfish.jpg

Histrio histrio No 20 cm (7.9 in)
Striated frogfish

Antennarius striatus2.JPG

Antennarius striatus No 15 cm (5.9 in)
Wartskin frogfish

Clown frogfish.jpg

Antennarius maculatus No Has the ability to change color to match its surrounding. 10 cm (3.9 in)

Goatfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Bicolor goatfish

IndoHJ.jpg

Parupeneus barberinoides With Caution 25 cm (9.8 in)
Goldsaddle goatfish

Parupeneus cyclostomos.jpg

Parupeneus cyclostomus With Caution 51 cm (20.1 in)
Manybar goatfish

Parupeneus multifasciatus.jpg

Parupeneus multifasciatus With Caution 30 cm (11.8 in)
Yellow back goatfish

Parupeneus barberinus.JPG

Parupeneus barberinus With Caution 41 cm (16.1 in)

Gobies and clingfishes [edit]

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 Description Max size
Black barred convict goby Priolepis nocturna Yes 4 cm (1.6 in)
Black clown goby Gobiodon acicularis Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue Similar to Yellow clown goby, but black
Bluespotted watchman goby Cryptocentrus pavoninoides Yes 12 cm (4.7 in)
Catalina goby

Bluebanded Gobies.jpg

Lythrypnus dalli Yes A cold water species that doesn't live long at reef temperatures. 5 cm (2.0 in)
Cave transparent goby

Coryphopterus glaucofraenum.jpg

Coryphopterus glaucofraenum Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Citron clown goby

Lemon Goby.jpg

Gobiodon citrinus Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue 8 cm (3.1 in)
Court jester goby

Rainfordi.jpg

Amblygobius rainfordi 6 cm (2.4 in)
Diagonal bar prawn goby

HachimakiDHZ.jpg

Amblyeleotris diagonalis Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Diamond watchman goby

Valenciennea puellaris.jpg

Valenciennea puellaris Yes Burrow and sift sand constantly; very good algae eaters 20 cm (7.9 in)
Dracula goby Stonogobiops dracula Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Gold neon eviota goby Eviota pellucida Yes 3 cm (1.2 in)
Green banded goby

GreenBandedGoby.jpg

Elacatinus multifasciatus Yes Small burrowing goby with green vertical stripes 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Green clown goby Gobiodon atrangulatus Yes 4 cm (1.6 in)
Hector's goby

Hector's Goby.jpg

Amblygobius hectori Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Hi fin red banded goby

Black-ray goby.jpg

Stonogobiops nematodes Yes 5 cm (2.0 in)
Neon goby

Elacatinus evelynae.jpg

Elacatinus oceanops Yes A Caribbean cleaner species that sometimes eats larger parasites from other fish.
Orange marked goby Amblygobius decussatus Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Orange spotted goby

Amblyeleotris guttata-Orange Spotted Goby.jpg

Amblyeleotris guttata Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Orange stripe prawn goby

Amblyeleotris randalli.jpg

Amblyeleotris randalli Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Pinkspotted shrimp goby

Gobius melanopus - 1.jpg

Gobius melanopus May eat ornamental shrimp White fish with pink bands around the body and pink spots on face and fins. One of the most handsome members of the group. 15 cm (5.9 in)
Pinkbar goby Cryptocentrus aurora Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)
Red head goby

Elacatinus puncticulatus.JPG

Elacatinus puncticulatus Yes A small goby that can clean like the neon goby but is easily frightened. Often said to 'disappear' in a larger tank, as it never swims out into view. 5 cm (2.0 in)
Red striped goby

Candycane Dwarfgoby, Bunaken Island.jpg

Trimma cana Yes 3 cm (1.2 in)
Sleeper banded goby

Amblygobius phalaena.jpg

Amblygobius phalaena Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Sleeper blue dot goby

Valenciennea sexguttata-6 Spot Sleeper Goby.jpg

Valenciennea sexguttata Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Sleeper gold head goby

Valenciennea strigata.jpg

Valenciennea strigata Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Sleeper railway glider goby Valenciennea helsdingenii Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Sleeper striped goby Valenciennea longipinnis Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Steinitz goby

Amblyeleotris steinitzi.jpg

Amblyeleotris steinitzi Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Tangaroa goby

Ctenogobiops tangaroai.JPG

Ctenogobiops tangaroai Yes 5 cm (2.0 in)
Tiger watchman goby

SasaHZ.jpg

Valenciennea wardii Yes 12 cm (4.7 in)
Two spot goby

Signigobius biocellatus.jpg

Signigobius biocellatus Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Violet goby

Gobioides broussonnetii.jpg

Gobioides broussonnetii No Also a freshwater and brackish water fish and often sold as Dragon Fish or Dragon Goby 21"
Wheeler's watchman goby

Wheeler's Goby.jpg

Amblyeleotris wheeleri Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Yellow watchman goby

Cryptocentrus cinctus.JPG

Cryptocentrus cinctus Yes A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that can form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp 7 cm (2.8 in)
Yasha goby

Stonogobiops yasha-Yasha Goby.jpg

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

Yellow clown goby.jpg

Gobiodon okinawae Yes Small yellow fish that likes branching corals 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
Yellow priolepis goby Priolepis aureoviridis Yes 6 cm (2.4 in)
Yellow stripe clingfish

HashinagaUU.jpg

Diademichthys lineatus Yes 5 cm (2.0 in)

Grunts [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Crescent banded grunt

XRF-Terapon jarbua.jpg

Terapon jarbua No
Dogfish prientalis

Plectorhinchus lineatus.jpg

Plectorhinchus lineatus No 86 cm (33.9 in)
Oriental sweetlips

Plectorhinchus orientalis by NPS.jpg

Plectorhinchus orientalis No 84 cm (33.1 in)
Painted sweetlips

Plectorhinchus picus.jpg

Plectorhinchus picus No 84 cm (33.1 in)
Porkfish

Anisotremus virginicus photo.jpg

Anisotremus virginicus No 41 cm (16.1 in)
Spotted sweetlips

Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides.JPG

Plectorhinchus chaetodonoides No 74 cm (29.1 in)
Striped sweetlips Plectorhinchus diagrammus No 51 cm (20.1 in)
Twostriped sweetlips Plectorhinchus albovittatus No 99 cm (39.0 in)

Hamlet [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Barred hamlet

Hypoplectrus puella.jpg

Hypoplectrus puella No 15 cm (5.9 in)
Black hamlet

Hypoplectrus nigricans - pone.0010676.g052.png

Hypoplectrus nigricans No 15 cm (5.9 in)
Blue hamlet

Blue Hamlet.jpg

Hypoplectrus gemma Not with shrimp 13 cm (5.1 in)
Butter hamlet

Butterhamlet1.jpg

Hypoplectrus unicolor Not with shrimp 13 cm (5.1 in)
Golden hamlet Hypoplectrus gummigutta Not with shrimp
Indigo hamlet

Indigo Hamlet.JPG

Hypoplectrus indigo 14 cm (5.5 in)
Shy hamlet

Shy Hamlet.jpg

Hypoplectrus guttavarius Not with shrimp 13 cm (5.1 in)

Hawkfish [edit]

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

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Arc eye hawkfish

Arc-Eye Hawkfish.jpg

Paracirrhites arcatus Caution; will eat shrimp[49] : 127 Brown to yellow body with reddish dorsal fin, distinctive white caudal fin, and small semicircular marking behind eye. 20 cm (7.9 in)
Blood red hawkfish Cirrhitichthys fasciatus Caution; will eat shrimp[49] : 123 12.7 cm (5.0 in)
Coral hawkfish

Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus 1.jpg

Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 122 8.5 cm (3.3 in)
Falco's hawkfish

Dwarfhawkfish.jpg

Cirrhitichthys falco Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 122 7 cm (2.8 in)
Flame hawkfish

Flame Hawkfish Neocirrhites armatus.jpg

Neocirrhitus armatus Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 125 Striking red body with black on fin tips and yellow lips. 9 cm (3.5 in)
Freckled hawkfish

Paracirrhites forsteri 3.jpg

Paracirrhites forsteri Caution; will eat shrimp[49] : 128 22.5 cm (8.9 in)
Golden hawkfish Paracirrhites xanthus Caution; will eat shrimp[49] : 128 12 cm (4.7 in)
Longnose hawkfish

Long-nose Hawkfish.jpg

Oxycirrhites typus Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 126 White with red lattice-like markings resembling a grid. Nose is elongated and tissue between the spines of the dorsal fin is missing. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Lyretail hawkfish Cirrhitichthys polyactis Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 124 14 cm (5.5 in)
Redspotted hawkfish

Amblycirrhitus pinos - pone.0010676.g105.png

Amblycirrhitus pinos Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 120 9.5 cm (3.7 in)
Spotted hawkfish

Cirrhitichthys aprinus.JPG

Cirrhitichthys aprinus Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 122 Bright red with distinctive diamond shaped markings down back, becoming darker towards the topside of body. 12.5 cm (4.9 in)
Whitespot hawkfish Paracirrhites hemistictus Caution; will eat shrimp[49] : 128 29 cm (11.4 in)
Yellow hawkfish

Cirrhitichthys aureus by OpenCage.jpg

Cirrhitichthys aureus Caution; may eat small shrimp[49] : 122 7 cm (2.8 in)

Hogfish [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Coral hogfish

Splitlevel hogfish001.jpg

Bodianus mesothorax No 20 cm (7.9 in)
Cuban hogfish

Spotfin Hogfish.jpg

Bodianus pulchellus Caution 28.5 cm (11.2 in)
Hawaiian hogfish

Bodianus albotaeniatus by NPS.jpg

Bodianus bilunulatus Caution 55 cm (21.7 in)
Red diana hogfish

Bodianus diana.jpg

Bodianus diana No 60 cm (23.6 in)
Spanish hogfish

Spanish-hogfish.jpg

Bodianus rufus No 40 cm (15.7 in)
Twin spot hogfish

Bodianus cf. bimaculatus.jpg

Bodianus bimaculatus No 10 cm (3.9 in)

Idols [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Moorish idol

Zanclus cornutus in Kona.jpg

Zanclus cornutus With Caution 23 cm (9.1 in)

Jacks [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Pilot fish

Carcharhinus longimanus 1.jpg

Naucrates ductor ? Because they live in the open ocean, they are rare in the aquarium trade.[70] They host sharks, rays, and sea turtles[71] [ circular reference ] and eat food scraps, ectoparasites,[71] and possibly the feces of their host.[70] Juvenile Golden trevally are occasionally sold as Pilot fish.[70] In the picture, the Pilot fish are hosting an Oceanic whitetip shark. 70 cm (27.6 in)

[72]

Golden trevally

Golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus) (47728328672).jpg

Gnathanodon speciosus No
Indian threadfin

Diamond trevally 2.jpg

Alectis indicus No 165 cm (65.0 in)
Threadfin lookdown

Selene vomer Nice 226 Lookdown C.jpg

Selene vomer No 48 cm (18.9 in)

Jawfish [edit]

Jawfish are burrowers and require a sandy substrate of sufficient depth.[73]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Black cap jawfish

5 moustache jawfish 220.jpg

Opistognathus lonchurus Almost always Requires a 30 gallon tank and 3 inches (7.6 cm) substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. May eat small shrimp. 10 cm (3.9 in)
Blue dot jawfish Opistognathus rosenblatti Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Dusky jawfish

Opistognathus whitehursti - pone.0010676.g066.png

Opistognathus whitehurstii Yes Requires a 30 gallon tank and 3 inches (7.6 cm) sand substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Yellowhead jawfish

Opistognathus aurifrons.jpg

Opistognathus aurifrons Yes Requires a 30 gallon tank and 5–7 inches (13–18 cm) soft substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. 10 cm (3.9 in)

Lionfish [edit]

"Lionfish" specifically refer to the genus Pterois within the family Scorpaenidae. They have venomous spines and should be treated with caution.[74] Other species within Scorpaenidae but outside Pterois may also have "lionfish" in their common names. Feeder goldfish are not the proper nutrition for a lion fish.

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Antenneta lionfish

Pterois antennata 1.jpg

Pterois antennata Caution 20 cm (7.9 in)
Blackfoot lionfish

SetoMKhire.jpg

Parapterois heterura Caution 23.0 cm (9.1 in)
Devil lionfish

Fish Aquarium Barcelona.jpg

Pterois mombasae Caution 20 cm (7.9 in)
Fu Man Chu lionfish

Dendrochirus biocellatus1.JPG

Dendrochirus biocellatus Caution 13.0 cm (5.1 in)[75]
Fuzzy dwarf lionfish

Dendrochirus brachypterus.jpg

Dendrochirus brachypterus Caution Carnivore; Males 6< stripes on pectoral fin femals >6 18 cm (7.1 in)
Green lionfish

Hawaiian Lionfish (Dendrochirus barberi) at the Waikiki Aquarium.JPG

Dendrochirus barberi Caution 16.5 cm (6.5 in)
Radiata lionfish

Clearfin Lionfish.jpg

Pterois radiata 24 cm (9.4 in)
Russell's lionfish Pterois russelii 30 cm (11.8 in)
Volitan lionfish

Red Lionfish Pterois volitans Left Side 2460px.jpg

Pterois volitans Caution Semi-aggressive; carnivore 43 cm (16.9 in)
Zebra lionfish

Pterois zebra.JPG

Dendrochirus zebra Caution 25 cm (9.8 in)

Parrotfish [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Bicolor parrotfish

Bicolor parrotfish.JPG

Cetoscarus bicolor Yes 76 cm (29.9 in)
Princess parrotfish

Princess-parrotfish.png

Scarus taeniopterus Yes 25 cm (9.8 in)

Pipefish [edit]

Pipefish are relatives of seahorses and require a similar level of care. They should only be bought by experienced aquarium owners. Captive bred specimens are sometimes available, and are significantly more likely to survive.[76]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Banded pipefish

Broadbanded Pipefish.jpg

Doryrhamphus dactyliophorus Yes 20 cm (7.9 in)
Dragonface pipefish

PipeFish.jpg

Corythoichthys haematopterus Yes 18 cm (7.1 in)
Janss' pipefish Doryrhamphus janssi Yes 20 cm (7.9 in)
Yellow multibanded pipefish

Banded Pipefish - Doryrhamphus pessuliferus.jpg

Doryrhamphus pessuliferus Yes 18 cm (7.1 in)

Pseudochromis [edit]

Usually only a single specimen can be kept in an aquarium. Sometimes multiple specimens can be kept in larger aquariums, but usually this requires them to be added at the same time or they will be too territorial.[77]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Allen's dottyback Manonichthys alleni May eat shrimps[49] : 106 12 cm (4.7 in)
Australian multicolor pseudochromis Ogilbyina novaehollandiae May eat shrimps 10 cm (3.9 in)
Bicolor pseudochromis

Pictichromis paccagnellae.jpg

Pseudochromis paccagnellae May eat shrimps Resembles royal gramma in coloration. The bicolor pseudochromis is semi-aggressive and will defend its territory against fish several times its size. This fish is fairly hardy, and is a good beginner fish. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Blue flavivertex pseudochromis

Pseudochromis flavivertex.jpg

Pseudochromis flavivertex May eat shrimps Captive bred specimens are sometimes available 8 cm (3.1 in)
Bluelined dottyback

Pseudochromis cyanotaenia juvenile.jpg

Pseudochromis cyanotaenia May eat shrimps[49] : 106 6.1 cm (2.4 in)
Brown dottyback or yellow pseudochromis Pseudochromis aureus May eat shrimps 10 cm (3.9 in)
Cherry dottyback Pholidochromis cerasina May eat shrimps[49] : 96 7.9 cm (3.1 in)
Dilectus dottyback Pseudochromis dilectus May eat shrimps
Dusky dottyback

Pseudochromis fuscus.jpg

Pseudochromis fuscus May eat shrimps 10 cm (3.9 in)
Elongate dottyback Pseudochromis elongatus May eat shrimps[49] : 107 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
Firetail dottyback Pseudochromis flammicauda May eat shrimps[49] : 107 5.6 cm (2.2 in)
Fridmani pseudochromis or orchid dottyback

Pseudochromis fridmani.JPG

Pseudochromis fridmani May eat shrimps Community fish does well in most aquariums. is not nearly as aggressive as other dottybacks. 8 cm (3.1 in)
Longfin dottyback Manonichthys polynemus May eat shrimps[49] : 106 12 cm (4.7 in)
Lyretail dottyback Pseudochromis steenei May eat shrimps 12 cm (4.7 in)
Neon pseudochromis, Arabian dottyback or neon dottyback

Pseudochromis aldabraensis 1.JPG

Pseudochromis aldabraensis May eat shrimps Captive bred specimens are sometimes available 10 cm (3.9 in)
Oblique-lined dottyback

Cypho purpurascens.jpg

Cypho purpurascens May eat shrimps[49] : 91 7.4 cm (2.9 in)
Orangetail dottyback Pseudochromis coccinicauda May eat shrimps[49] : 102 5.8 cm (2.3 in)
Purple stripe pseudochromis or diadema basslet

Pseudochromis Diadema Larry.JPG

Pseudochromis diadema May eat shrimps 6 cm (2.4 in)
Red dottyback

Labracinus cyclophthalmus.jpg

Labracinus cyclophthalmus With Caution Large and aggressive for a dottyback 22 cm (8.7 in)
Sailfin pseudochromis Pseudochromis veliferus May eat shrimps 12 cm (4.7 in)
Splendid pseudochromis

Manonichthys splendens.jpg

Pseudochromis splendens May eat shrimps 13 cm (5.1 in)
Springeri pseudochromis

Pseudochromis springeri.JPG

Pseudochromis springeri May eat shrimps Captive bred species are sometimes available 5 cm (2.0 in)
Striped dottyback

Dottyback in a hole.jpg

Pseudochromis sankeyi May eat shrimps Captive bred specimens are sometimes available 8 cm (3.1 in)
Strawberry pseudochromis or purple pseudochromis

Magenta dottyback, Pictichromis porphyrea.jpg

Pseudochromis porphyreus May eat shrimps A generally hardy fish, resembles the orchid dottyback, in that the body is a solid purple (sometimes pink), but is missing the black line/marking through the eye characteristic of orchids. This fish semi-aggressive in a home aquarium. 6 cm (2.4 in)
Twolined dottyback Pseudochromis bitaeniatus May eat shrimps[49] : 101 6.9 cm (2.7 in)

Rabbitfish and Foxfaces [edit]

Less commonly kept than some other species, many still make hardy and colorful aquarium residents.[78] [79]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Bicolor Foxface

Fiji rabbitfish Siganus uspi (7594109780).jpg

Siganus uspi With Caution 24 cm (9.4 in)
Blue-Lined Rabbitfish

Siganus doliatus edit.jpg

Siganus doliatus With Caution 25 cm (9.8 in)[80]
Foxface

Siganus vulpinus 1 edit.jpg

Siganus vulpinus 23 cm (9.1 in)
Magnificent foxface

Siganus magnificus 1.jpg

Siganus magnificus 24 cm (9.4 in)
One Spot Foxface

Siganus unimaculatus.jpg

Siganus unimaculatus With Caution 18 cm (7.1 in)
Yellow Blotch Rabbitfish

Siganus guttatis 2.jpg

Siganus guttatus With Caution 42 cm (16.5 in)

Rays [edit]

Most rays have a venomous 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 Description Max size
Round stingray

Round stingray.jpg

Urobatis halleri No Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium. Recently purchased individuals can be startled easily by quick movements and loud noises, but they will become quite tame after spending a while in captivity. Unhealthy individuals will become a light grey color and their markings will fade.[70] Occasionally called the Cortez ray and thus misidentified as Urobatis maculatus.[81] 58 cm (22.8 in)[82]
Cortez round stingray

Urobatis maculatus danzante.jpg

Urobatis maculatus No Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium and is hardy and attains a small size[70] although rarely available[ citation needed ]. May be misidentified with Urobatis halleri as that species is occasionally called the Cortez ray.[81] 42 cm (16.5 in)[83]
Bullseye round stingray

Urobatis concentricus pescadero.jpg

Urobatis concentricus No Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium. An occasionally available hardy species.[70] 47.5 cm (18.7 in)[84]
Leopard round stingray

Urobatis halleri.jpg

Urobatis pardalis No Probably is a hardy species.[85] 46.2 cm (18.2 in)[86]
Yellow stingray

Yellow stingray oregon aquarium.jpg

Urobatis jamaicensis No Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium and readily acclimates to suitable captive environments. It is also readily available in the aquarium trade and will eat any small fish that it can catch.[70] 76 cm (29.9 in)[87]
Chilean round ray

Urotrygon chilensis.jpg

Urotrygon chilensis No Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium.[88] It is small and well suited for captivity.[89] 41.9 cm (16.5 in)[90]
Bluespotted ribbontail ray

House reef blue spotted ray 1.jpg

Taeniura lymma No Requires a minimum 260 gallon aquarium. It is notorious for doing terribly in aquarium confines. Many individuals never eat and others may die or stop feeding for no apparent reason. Force-feeding shows promise with this species.[70] Not to confused with the Bluespotted stingray Neotrygon kuhlii. 35 cm (13.8 in)[91]
Bluespotted stingray

Bluespotted Stingray (14280727049).jpg

Neotrygon kuhlii No Requires a minimum 260 gallon aquarium and is quite hardy, however it should not be disturbed as it acclimates to aquarium life (which takes around 2-3 days). Provide it with a 5cm (2in) deep fine sand bed. Do not confuse this species with the much less hardy Bluespotted ribbontail ray Taeniura lymma.[70] 70 cm (27.6 in)[92]
Southern stingray

Dasyatis americana (southern stingray) (San Salvador Island, Bahamas) 7 (16152781622).jpg

Hypanus americanus No Requires a minimum 4,200 gallon aquarium as this ray grows to a very large size. It is quite hardy, yet it will devour any fish or invertebrate it can capture.[70] 200 cm (78.7 in)[93]
Atlantic stingray

Hypanus Sabinus.jpg

Hypanus sabinus No Requires a minimum 135 gallon aquarium. Is relatively small yet may or may not easily adapt to life in an aquarium. It is best kept in saltwater or brackish systems although they can survive in freshwater.[70] 61 cm (24.0 in)[94]
Bluntnose Stingray

Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Las Vegas - 8114508384.jpg

Hypanus say No Requires a minimum 560 gallon aquarium. Well suited to captive life.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[95]
Reticulated whiptail ray

Ray at California Academy of Sciences.jpg

Himantura uarnak No Due to its massive proportions, this occasionally available ray should be avoided.[96] 200 cm (78.7 in)[97]
Red stingray

Japan stingrays.jpg

Hemitrygon akajei No Requires a water temperature of in between 15 °C (59.0 °F) and 25 °C (77.0 °F).[98] 200 cm (78.7 in)[99]
Cowtail stingray

Pastinachus sephen.jpg

Pastinachus sephen No Like other Whiptail stingrays, Pastinachus sephen should be provided with an aquarium containing a sand bed and little aquascaping.[70] 183 cm (72.0 in)[100]
Common stingaree

Stingaree gordons bay2.jpg

Trygonoptera testacea No Seems to be well suited to captive life.[70] 47 cm (18.5 in)[101]
Striped stingaree

Stingaree in seagrass.jpg

Trygonoptera ovalis No? Seems to be well suited to captive life although it should be kept at cool temperatures.[70] 61 cm (24.0 in)[102]
Spotted stingaree

Urolophus gigas museum victoria.jpg

Urolophus gigas No Seems to be well suited to captive life.[70] 70 cm (27.6 in)[103]
Shovelnose guitarfish

Pseudobatos productus Aquarium of the Pacific.jpg

Pseudobatos productus No Requires a minimum 825 gallon aquarium with a 7cm (2.7in) deep sand bed and no rockwork. May live for 8 to 10 years in an aquarium.[70] 119 cm (46.9 in)[104]
Atlantic guitarfish

Rhinobatos lentiginosus panama city.jpg

Pseudobatos lentiginosus No Requires a minimum 200 gallon aquarium preferably with no aquascaping. Uncommon in the aquarium trade.[70] 76 cm (29.9 in)[105]
Speckled guitarfish Pseudobatos glaucostigmus No Like other guitarfish, it should be kept in an aquarium with a sand bed, much open swimming area, and little rockwork.[70] 89 cm (35.0 in)[106]
Eastern shovelnose ray

Aptychotrema rostrata murrays beach.jpg

Aptychotrema rostrata No Like other guitarfish, it should be kept in an aquarium with a sand bed, much open swimming area, and little rockwork.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[107]
Giant shovelnose ray

Glaucostegus typus.jpg

Glaucostegus typus No Like other guitarfish, it should be kept in an aquarium with a sand bed, much open swimming area, and little rockwork.[70] 270 cm (106.3 in)[108]
Bowmouth guitarfish

Rhina ancylostoma okinawa churaumi aquarium.jpg

Rhina ancylostoma No Like other guitarfish, it should be kept in an aquarium with a sand bed, much open swimming area, and little rockwork.[70] Also called the Shark ray and the Mud skate.[109] 300 cm (118.1 in)[110]
Eastern fiddler ray

Trygonorrhina fasciata jervis bay 2.jpg

Trygonorrhina fasciata No Requires a minimum 560 gallon aquarium. It is durable but it may have trouble feeding with more agile bony fish tankmates.[70] 126 cm (49.6 in).[111]
Thornback ray

Platyrhinoidis triseriata at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.png

Platyrhinoidis triseriata No Requires a minimum 360 gallon aquarium without any aquascaping. It may consume benthic fishes and its thorns are tangled in nets easily.[70] 91 cm (35.8 in)[112]
Shortnose guitarfish

Zapteryx brevirostris.jpg

Zapteryx brevirostris No Requires a minimum 200 gallon aquarium with little aquascaping and preferably a sand bed. Given such an environment, it will readily adapt to captive life. It can create a cave by lifting the center of its body off the ground to lure in potential prey.[70] 59.3 cm (23.3 in)[113]
Banded guitarfish Zapteryx exasperata No Requires a minimum 300 gallon aquarium with a sand bed, much open swimming area, and little rockwork, and a ledge under which to hide under. Under such conditions, it is somewhat hardy. It is rarely encountered in the aquarium trade.[70] 97 cm (38.2 in)[114]
Southern banded guitarfish

Zapteryx xyster 2.jpg

Zapteryx xyster No Is rarely available. Like other guitarfish, it should be kept in an aquarium with a sand bed, much open swimming area, and little rockwork.[70] 78 cm (30.7 in)[115]
Leopard torpedo ray

Torpedo panthera , Panther electric ray. DSCF2222BE.jpg

Torpedo panthera No Requires a minimum 180 gallon aquarium with a thick sand bed and little to no decoration. Like other species in the genus Torpedo, Large individuals should be carefully handled as they are capable of shocking their owners. This ray should be kept alone.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[116]
Marbled electric ray

Torpedo marmorata2.jpg

Torpedo marmorata No It is relatively hardy although it usually will only target moving food. Like other species in the genus Torpedo, Large individuals should be carefully handled as they are capable of shocking their owners. It should also be kept in an aquarium with a thick sand bed and little to no decoration.[70] Not to be confused with the Marbled electric ray (Torpedo sinuspersici). 100 cm (39.4 in)[117]
Marbled electric ray

Torpedo musandam.jpg

Torpedo sinuspersici No Occasionally available to European hobbyists.[118] It is relatively hardy although it usually will only target moving food. Like other species in the genus Torpedo, Large individuals should be carefully handled as they are capable of shocking their owners. It should also be kept in an aquarium with a thick sand bed and little to no decoration.[70] Not to be confused with the Marbled electric ray (Torpedo marmorata). 130 cm (51.2 in)[119]
Bullseye electric ray

Bullseye Electric Ray, Diplobatis ommata, Baja California, Mexico.jpg

Diplobatis ommata No Requires a minimum 40 gallon aquarium and is hard to feed. Like the Lesser electric ray, it can be sustained if fed live food including small grass shrimp and annelid worms and should also be provided with a sand bed 6cm (2.3in) deep. Also like the Lesser electric ray, it may shock other tankmates, yet it can be kept with others of its own kind. It is rarely encountered in the aquarium trade.[70] 25 cm (9.8 in)[120]
Lesser electric ray

Fish4345 - Flickr - NOAA Photo Library.jpg

Narcine bancroftii No Requires a minimum 70 gallon aquarium. Like the Bullseye electric ray, it can be kept successfully if fed live food such as annelid worms and provided with a layer of sand 6cm (2.3in) deep. This ray may shock tankmates although they can be kept with other Lesser electric rays.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[121]
Brown numbfish

Narcine brunnea.jpg

Narcine brunnea No Like other rays in the genus Narcine, it is difficult to feed (should be fed annelid worms) and should not be kept with rough surfaced rocks. It can be kept with others of its own kind.[70] 22 cm (8.7 in)[122]
Unknown electric ray Narcine barinnus No Like other rays in the genus Narcine, it is difficult to feed (should be fed annelid worms) and should not be kept with rough surfaced rocks. It can be kept with others of its own kind.[70] ?
Elat electric ray Heteronarce bentuviai No?[123] Also known as the Eilat Sleeper Ray.[124] 17.6 cm (6.9 in)[123]
Spiny butterfly ray

Gymnura altavela.jpg

Gymnura altavela No Requires a minimum 8,750 gallon aquarium. Like most butterfly rays, it usually does not do well in aquarium confines as it is often hard to feed (thus force feeding shows promise with this species). Also like most butterfly rays, it is an active ray that requires much swimming space like some active sharks. It is rarely available.[70] 400 cm (157.5 in)[125]
Smooth butterfly ray

Gymnura micrura .jpg

Gymnura micrura No Like most butterfly rays, it usually does not do well in aquarium confines as it is often hard to feed (thus force feeding shows promise with this species). Also like most butterfly rays, it is an active ray that requires much swimming space like some active sharks. It is rarely available.[70] 137 cm (53.9 in)[126]
California butterfly ray

Gymnura marmorata huntington beach.jpg

Gymnura marmorata No Like most butterfly rays, it usually does not do well in aquarium confines as it is often hard to feed (thus force feeding shows promise with this species). Also like most butterfly rays, it is an active ray that requires much swimming space like some active sharks.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[127]
Bat ray

Myliobatis californica monterey bay aquarium.jpg

Myliobatis californica No Requires a minimum 4,850 gallon aquarium and if given the space, does quite successfully. Unfortunately, they host large amounts of parasites, requiring quarantine and treatments. May jump out of an open aquarium.[70] 180 cm (70.9 in)[128]
Bullnose eagle ray

Myliobatis freminvillii SI.jpg

Myliobatis freminvillei No Requires a large system as it is quite large and active.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[129]
Southern eagle ray

Myliobatis goodei, brown topside, clear body shot facing sideways.png

Myliobatis goodei No Requires a large system as it is quite large and active.[70] 125 cm (49.2 in)[130]
Spotted eagle ray

Aetobatus narinari 001.jpg

Aetobatus narinari No Requires a covered, large system as it is quite large, active, and is capable of leaping out of the water. It can be difficult to feed and is very sensitive to trichlorfon.[70] 330 cm (129.9 in)[131]
Cownose ray

Rhinoptera bonasus Brest.jpg

Rhinoptera bonasus No Requires a large system in which to live in although it does not need to be deep. Is a schooling fish so keeping several of these rays is recommended.[96] It is also quite active.[70] 213 cm (83.9 in)[132]

Scorpionfish [edit]

Because they are relatively inactive fishes, 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.[133] [134]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Ambon scorpionfish

Pteroidichthys amboinensis.jpg

Pteroidichthys amboinensis Not with shrimp or small fish 12 cm (4.7 in)[49] : 46
Decoy scorpionfish Iracundus signifer Not with shrimp or small fish 13 cm (5.1 in)[49] : 48
Eschmeyer's scorpionfish

Rhinopias eschmeyeri JRM.jpg

Rhinopias eschmeyeri Not with shrimp or small fish 19 cm (7.5 in)[49] : 46
Flasher scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis macrochir Not with shrimp or small fish 13 cm (5.1 in)[49] : 48
Lacey scorpionfish

Rhinopias frondosa 3.jpg

Rhinopias aphanes Not with shrimp or small fish 24 cm (9.4 in)[49] : 46
Leaf scorpionfish

Taenianotus triacanthus.jpg

Taenianotus triacanthus With Caution 10 cm (3.9 in)[135]
Mozambique scorpionfish Parascorpaena mossambica Not with shrimp or small fish 10 cm (3.9 in)[49] : 48
Papuan scorpionfish

Papuan Scorpionfish, Bunaken Island.jpg

Scorpaenopsis papuensis Not with shrimp or small fish 20 cm (7.9 in)[49] : 48
Poss's scorpionfish Scorpaenopsis possi Not with shrimp or small fish 19.3 cm (7.6 in)[49] : 48
Rogue scorpion Amblyapistus taenianotus With Caution 10 cm (3.9 in)
Sea goblin

Inimicus didactylus 01.JPG

Inimicus didactylus Not with shrimp or small fish 18 cm (7.1 in)[136]
Stone fish

Stone Fish at AQWA SMC2006.jpg

Synanceja verrucosa No Highly venomous! Have caused human deaths 40 cm (15.7 in)
Weedy scorpionfish

Rhinopias frondosa2.JPG

Rhinopias frondosa Not with shrimp or small fish 23 cm (9.1 in)[49] : 46
Yellowspotted scorpionfish Sebastapistes cyanostigma Not with shrimp or small fish 8 cm (3.1 in)[49] : 48

Seahorses [edit]

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.[137] [138]

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. Description Max size
Brazilian seahorse

Hippocampus reidi by Line1.jpg

Hippocampus reidi Caution ST Usually bright yellow, with a particularly long snout. 17 cm (6.7 in)
Spotted seahorse

Seahorse1.JPG

Hippocampus kuda Caution TR Generally yellow, but can also range from tan to dark black. 30 cm (11.8 in)
Great seahorse

Hippocampus kelloggi by OpenCage.jpg

Hippocampus kelloggi Caution ST Light tan, with some darker specimens. 28 cm (11.0 in)
Pot-bellied seahorse

Hippocampus abdominalis by Zureks.jpg

Hippocampus abdominalis Caution TM Light-colored with dark spots and a large abdomen. 25 cm (9.8 in)
Pygmy seahorse

Hippocampus bargibanti3.JPG

Hippocampus bargibanti Caution TR White with pink (occasionally yellow) knobby protrusions. 2.4 cm (0.9 in)
Short-snouted seahorse

Hippocampus breviceps 1.jpg

Hippocampus breviceps Caution TM Grayish to tan with short snout and a spiny head. 15 cm (5.9 in)
Tiger tail seahorse Hippocampus comes Caution TR Varying colors with dark striped tail. 18 cm (7.1 in)
Lined Seahorse

Seahorse-aquarium.jpg

Hippocampus erectus Caution ST Dark colored with lighter belly and white ridges. 19 cm (7.5 in)
White's Seahorse

Hippocampus whitei 1.jpg

Hippocampus whitei Caution TM Fuller bodied with a comparatively larger head. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Dwarf Seahorse

Hippocampuszosterae.jpg

Hippocampus zosterae Caution ST Similar to H. reidi but much smaller. 5 cm (2.0 in)
Thorny Seahorse

Hippocampus hystrix (Spiny seahorse) yellow.jpg

Hippocampus histrix Caution TR Varying colors with distinctive spines all over body. 17 cm (6.7 in)

Squirrelfish [edit]

Typically are hardy fish that can be kept with a wide variety of tankmates.[139] [140]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Big eye soldierfish

XRF-Myripristis vittatus.png

Myripristis vittata With Caution 25 cm (9.8 in)
Blackbar soldierfish

Monaco.Musée océanographique039.jpg

Myripristis jacobus With Caution 25 cm (9.8 in)
Glass eye squirrelfish

Priacanthus cruentatus.jpg

Heteropriacanthus cruentatus With Caution 30 cm (11.8 in)
Popeye catalufa soldierfish

Pristigenys serrula 01.jpg

Pristigenys serrula With Caution 34 cm (13.4 in)
Scarlet squirrelfish Sargocentron tiere With Caution 33 cm (13.0 in)
Striped squirrelfish

Red Fish at Papahānaumokuākea (cropped).jpg

Sargocentron xantherythrum With Caution 18 cm (7.1 in)

Sharks [edit]

Many sharks will outgrow most home aquariums[141] [142] and/or adapt poorly to captivity.[70] However, numerous coastal and coral reef sharks do well in good aquarium surroundings[70] although you should have experience in keeping other saltwater fish before trying to keep sharks as they are more difficult to care for.[143] In a shark aquarium setup (preferably an oval-shaped tank for more active species), there should be much surface area (wide and long tanks with good gas exchange/more room for biological filtration and room for sharks to swim, glide, and turn with little constraint opposed to tall, thin tanks), fine substrate (coarse substrate can irritate the shark's underside), little décor and rockwork (which should be secure) for swimming space (sharks in the orders Orectolobiformes and Heterodontiformes however, feel more secure in tanks with caves and ledges), excellent filtration (sharks are messy eaters and need good water conditions), protected heaters, filter intakes, etc. by surrounding them in polyurethane foam barriers (unprotected equipment can be dangerous to active sharks), and a secure canopy (sharks can jump out of the water)[70] as well as, strong, steady, linear water flow (10+ x the volume of the aquarium per hour) moving in a gyre circling the aquarium, dissolved oxygen levels of 7-8ppm (slightly more if you are using ozone), low light levels, and no stray electrical currents/amounts of metal in the aquarium water.[118] Many sharks feed on invertebrates to a great degree along with fish (even ones that are larger than themselves), and although they don't eat coral, they can knock them over and rest on them. There are also many fish and invertebrates that can harm/irritate sharks such as Scorpionfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish (large), Filefish, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Suckerfish (over time), Porcupinefish, certain other sharks, large crabs, Hermit crabs, sea anemones, and stinging corals. Also, sharks need iodine which can be provided through regular water changes or supplements for sharks (iodine deficiencies and possibly the buildup of nitrates can result in goiter), and feeding frequency is species-specific.[70] Copper treatments should not be administered to most shark species.[70]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Whitespotted bamboo shark

Chiloscyllium plagiosum head.jpg

Chiloscyllium plagiosum No Requires a minimum 160 gallon aquarium.[70] Does well in home aquaria and will mate/reproduce in larger aquariums.[70] Sometimes called the Marbled Bamboo Cat Shark.[144] 83 cm (32.7 in)

[145]

Brownbanded bamboo shark

Brownbanded Bambooshark 2 (5730521104).jpg

Chiloscyllium punctatum No Requires a minimum 170 gallon aquarium.[70] One of the most common sharks in the North American aquarium trade and does well in home aquaria as it will easily acclimate to captivity and will mate/reproduce in aquariums.[70] Juveniles may take a while to begin feeding if newly acquired.[70] Sometimes called the Banded catshark.[70] 132 cm (52.0 in)[146]
Epaulette shark

Epaulette shark camden.jpg

Hemiscyllium ocellatum No Requires a minimum 260 gallon aquarium.[70] One of the best sharks for home aquaria as it will easily acclimate to captivity and will mate/reproduce in aquariums.[70] Adult males might behave aggressively to other male sharks including male Epualette sharks, and harass females.[70] 107 cm (42.1 in)[147]
Horn shark

Heterodontus francisci catalina cropped.jpg

Heterodontus francisci No[148] Requires a minimum 240 gallon aquarium.[70] A sub-tropical species of shark.[118] The most common bullhead shark in the North American aquarium trade.[70] 122 cm (48.0 in)[149]
Port Jackson shark

Heterodontus portusjacksoni wilsons promontory.jpg

Heterodontus portusjacksoni No Requires a minimum 750 gallon aquarium.[70] A sub-tropical species of shark which may be a host to numerous parasites.[118] It will also eat small fish at night.[118] 165 cm (65.0 in)[150]
Coral catshark

Atelomycterus marmoratus 2.jpg

Atelomycterus marmoratus No Requires a minimum 110 gallon aquarium.[70] Active during the night and will try to eat fish housed with them (even ones that are too big to swallow).[70] Two color variants are commonly found in fish stores in the US.[70] Also called the Marbled catshark[151] which is a different species of shark (Atelomycterus macleayi). 70 cm (27.6 in)

[152]

Marbled catshark

Atelomycterus macleayi.gif

Atelomycterus macleayi No[153] Requires a minimum 70 gallon aquarium.[70] Uncommon in the aquarium trade although it is an ideal aquarium species of shark.[70] Commonly confused with the Coral catshark (Atelomycterus marmoratus).[153] Unlike the Coral catshark which is black with white spots and bars, the Marbled catshark is pale with black spots and seven grey saddles and is smaller and more docile.[70] [153] 60 cm (23.6 in)[154]
Nurse shark

Nurse shark with remoras (cropped).jpg

Ginglymostoma cirratum No Requires a minimum 4,800 gallon aquarium.[70] Although durable, the Nurse shark will grow too large for most home aquariums.[70] It is an aggressive feeder which will make it harder for you to feed more reclusive sharks and it can knock over/rearrange aquarium decorations in a small aquarium.[70] 430 cm (169.3 in)[155]
Zebra shark

Zebra Shark Baby.jpeg

Stegostoma fasciatum No[156] Requires a minimum 6,200 gallon aquarium.[70] The Zebra shark will grow too large for most home aquariums.[70] Sometimes the juveniles of this shark (20–36 cm or 7.9–14.2in long[157]) are sold[70] and require a minimum 100 gallon aquarium.[156] A juvenile Zebra shark is shown in the picture while adults are much larger and have pale coloration with black spots.[157] [ circular reference ] Also called the Leopard shark which is a different species of shark[70] (Triakis semifasciata). 354 cm (139.4 in)[158]
Leopard shark

Triakis semifasciata Gratwicke.jpg

Triakis semifasciata No[159] Requires a minimum 4,500 gallon aquarium.[70] A sub-tropical species of shark[118] and may live a long time in captivity (there are reports of over 20 years).[70] 198 cm (78.0 in)[160]
Banded houndshark

Triakis scyllium himeji.jpg

Triakis scyllium With Caution[161] Requires a minimum 750 gallon aquarium.[161] Markings on the shark fade with age but not completely.[161] 150 cm (59.1 in)[162]
Gray smooth-hound

Smoothhound5.jpg

Mustelus californicus No[163] Requires a minimum 1,700 gallon aquarium.[70] A sub-tropical and active species of shark that requires a tank with plenty of room to swim which will do better in circular and oval shaped tanks rather than rectangular ones.[70] It will jump out of uncovered aquariums.[70] 116 cm (45.7 in)[164]
Brown smooth-hound

Mustelus henlei SI.jpg

Mustelus henlei No[70] Requires a minimum 1,200 gallon aquarium.[70] A sub-tropical and active species of shark that requires a tank with plenty of room to swim.[70] This shark will do better in circular and oval shaped tanks where they can have an uninterrupted swimming pattern rather than rectangular tanks.[70] It will jump out of uncovered aquariums and it is more likely to suffer from shipping stress than its less active relatives.[70] 100 cm (39.4 in)[165]
Tasselled wobbegong

Eucrossorhinus dasypogon.jpg

Eucrossorhinus dasypogon No[70] Requires a minimum 360 gallon aquarium.[70] Will eat any fish or crustacean housed with it that can be swallowed entirely.[70] Slow-growing when not overfed.[70] 125 cm (49.2 in)[166]
Japanese wobbegong

Orectolobus japonicus oita.jpg

Orectolobus japonicus No[70] Requires a minimum 170 gallon aquarium.[70] Rare in the North American aquarium trade.[70] 118 cm (46.5 in)[167]
Ornate wobbegong

Orectolobus ornatus 01 Pengo.jpg

Orectolobus ornatus No Requires a minimum 3,150 gallon aquarium.[70] The Ornate wobbegong will grow too large for most home aquariums and will eat other elasmobranchs.[70] It is the most common wobbegong in the North American aquarium trade.[70] 290 cm (114.2 in)[168]
Spotted wobbegong

Orectolobus maculatus cod ground.jpg

Orectolobus maculatus No Requires a minimum 3,150 gallon aquarium.[70] Although durable, the Spotted wobbegong will grow too large for most home aquariums and will eat other elasmobranchs.[70] 320 cm (126.0 in)[169]
Northern wobbegong

Orectolobus wardi torquoise bay.jpg

Orectolobus wardi No Requires a minimum 110 gallon aquarium.[70] The Northern wobbegong has a passive personality and a small maximum size, and may not eat initially when it has been added to an aquarium and is rarely collected.[70] An aquarist can handle this shark without a lot fear of getting bitten.[70] 63 cm (24.8 in)[170]
Blacktip reef shark

Carcharhinus melanopterus mirihi.jpg

Carcharhinus melanopterus No[70] Requires a minimum 5,750 gallon aquarium.[70] Easily startled by quick movements and the sudden entry an aquarist in their aquarium which may cause them to jump out of an open tank or hit the walls of their aquarium, leading to death.[70] Must keep swimming in order to breath[171] thus requiring a very large aquarium.[172] 200 cm (78.7 in)[173]
Whitetip reef shark

Triaenodon obesus at Red Sea Aquarium by Hatem Moushir 9.JPG

Triaenodon obesus No[70] Requires a minimum 8,400 gallon aquarium.[70] Can destroy aquarium decorations when moving through the décor to find food.[70] Often has goiter.[70] 213 cm (83.9 in)[174]
Bonnethead shark

Sphyrna tiburo boston.jpg

Sphyrna tiburo No[70] Requires a minimum 2,600 gallon aquarium.[70] Occasionally available and requires expert care.[70] When newly added to an aquarium, the Bonnethead shark will often swim at the surface of the water and lift the front of its head above the surface. When it has settled in, the shark will stop this activity or begin to do it less often.[70] Must keep moving in order to breath.[175] [ circular reference ] 213 cm (83.9 in)[174]
Shark egg case

Chiloscyllium punctatum egg sunshine international.jpg

Shark egg capsules.jpg

Selachimorpha sp. Egg case (Chondrichthyes) N/A May take 70-90+ days to hatch.[70] Chiloscyllium shark egg cases are hardy and available.[176] Heterodontus,[177] Scyliorhinidae,[178] and Stegostoma[70] shark egg cases are also available. Mixed[179] [ circular reference ]

Snappers [edit]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Black snapper, black and white snapper

Macolor niger.JPG

Macolor niger No 76 cm (29.9 in)
Emperor snapper

Lutjanus sebae.jpg

Lutjanus sebae No 114 cm (44.9 in)
Threadfin snapper

Monaco.Musée océanographique050.jpg

Symphorichthys spilurus No 58 cm (22.8 in)
Yellowback fusilier

XRF-Caesio xanthonota.png

Caesio xanthonota No 38 cm (15.0 in)
Yellow-Banded Snapper, Hussar Emperor Snapper

Luade u0.gif

Lutjanus adetii No 50 cm (19.7 in)

Tangs [edit]

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'.[180]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Achilles tang

Acanthurus achilles1.jpg

Acanthurus achilles Yes 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

Blue Tang.jpg

Acanthurus coeruleus Yes Less aggressive than Achilles or Powder Blue 16 in
Blue eyed tang

KokutenSHGya.jpg

Ctenochaetus binotatus Yes
Blue lined surgeonfish

Acanthurus nigroris by NPS.jpg

Acanthurus nigroris Yes
Bristletooth tang

Ctenochaetus striatus.jpg

Ctenochaetus striatus Yes
Chevron tang

Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis - Hawaii-Borstenzahndoktorfisch.jpg

Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis Yes Bright orange when young and dark olive green when transitioned fully to juvenile.
Clown tang

Acanthurus lineatus Flynn Reef crop.jpg

Acanthurus lineatus Yes One of the most aggressive tangs 15 inches
Convict tang

Acanthurus triostegus and Labroides phthirophagus.jpg

Acanthurus triostegus Yes
Desjardini tang

Zebrasoma desjardinii 1.jpg

Zebrasoma desjardinii Yes
Doctorfish

Achanturus chirurgs.jpg

Acanthurus chirurgus Yes
Dussumieri tang

Acanthurus dussumieri 1.jpg

Acanthurus dussumieri Yes 53 cm (20.9 in)[181]
Eibli mimic tang Acanthurus tristis Yes
Gold rim tang

Acanthurus nigricans by NPS.jpg

Acanthurus nigricans Yes
Regal / Hippo tang

Blue tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) 02.jpg

Paracanthurus hepatus Yes Very prone to Cryptocaryon irritans. More tolerant of other tangs than most other species.
Kole tang

Ctenochaetus strigosus 1.jpg

Ctenochaetus strigosus Yes
Lavender tang

Acanthurus nigrofuscus by NPS.jpg

Acanthurus nigrofuscus Yes
Lopezi tang Naso lopezi Yes
Mimic tang, Chocolate tang

Chocolate tang - Acanthurus pyroferus.jpg

Acanthurus pyroferus Yes
Naso tang, blonde naso tang

Naso lituratus 2.jpg

Naso lituratus Yes
Orange shoulder tang

Acanthurus olivaceus 1.jpg

Acanthurus olivaceus Yes
Powder blue tang

Acanthurusleucosternon-Weißkehl.jpg

Acanthurus leucosternon Yes Very prone to Cryptocaryon irritans.
Powder brown tang

Acanthurus japonicus.jpg

Acanthurus japonicus Yes
Purple tang

Zebrasoma xanthurum pair.jpg

Zebrasoma xanthurum Yes
Sailfin tang

Zebrasoma veliferum by NPS.jpg

Zebrasoma veliferum Yes
Scopas tang

Zebrasoma scopas.1 - Aquarium Finisterrae.JPG

Zebrasoma scopas Yes Similar to the yellow tang in shape and feeding.[182]
Sohal tang

Acanthurussohal-ArabischerDoktor.jpg

Acanthurus sohal Yes One of the larger more aggressive tangs 40 cm (15.7 in)
Tennent tang

Acanthurus tennenti Kreisdorn-Doktorfisch3.jpg

Acanthurus tennenti Yes
Thompson's surgeonfish

XRF-Acanthurus thompsoni.png

Acanthurus thompsoni Yes 28 cm (11.0 in)
Tomini tang

Ctenochaetus tominiensis 3.JPG

Ctenocheatus tominiensis Yes This fish requires ample swimming room and is difficult to feed.
Unicorn tang

Nasounicornis-Blauklingen.jpg

Naso unicornis Yes
Vlamingi tang

Acanthuridae - Naso vlamingii.jpg

Naso vlamingii Yes
White freckled surgeon Acanthurus maculiceps Yes
Yellow tang

Zebrasoma flavescens Luc Viatour.jpg

Zebrasoma flavescens Yes
Yellowfin surgeon

Acanthurus xanthopterus by NPS.jpg

Acanthurus xanthopterus Yes

Tilefish [edit]

Though often categorized as gobies, tilefish are a separate species.[183] [184]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Blue-headed tilefish

Bluehead tilefish.jpg

Hoplolatilus starcki 10 cm (3.9 in)
Purple tilefish Hoplolatilus purpureus 15 cm (5.9 in)
Yellow tilefish Hoplolatilus luteus 15 cm (5.9 in)
Redlined tilefish Hoplolatilus marcosi

Triggerfish [edit]

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.[185] [186] [187]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Assasi trigger

Rhinecanthus assasi - Rotmeer-Picassodrueckerfisch 0532a.jpg

Rhinecanthus assasi No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Blue jaw trigger / blue throat trigger

2005-03-01 - Gilded triggerfish.jpg

Xanthichthys auromarginatus Widely regarded as the only reef safe trigger. 30 cm (11.8 in)
Blue line trigger

Trigger2a.jpg

Pseudobalistes fuscus No 55 cm (21.7 in)
Bursa trigger

Rhinecanthus verrucosus.jpg

Rhinecanthus verrucosus No 23 cm (9.1 in)
Clown trigger

Clown Triggerfish Balistoides conspicillum Side 1888px.jpg

Balistoides conspicillum No 50 cm (19.7 in)
Crosshatch trigger Xanthichthys mento No A shy reserved fish when first added to the aquarium, comes into its own when it associates itself with the aquarist. Infrequently available[188] 29 cm (11.4 in)
Goldenback trigger Xanthichthys caeruleolineatus No Rarely available 35 cm (13.8 in)
Golden heart trigger

Balistespunctatus.jpg

Balistes punctatus No 61 cm (24.0 in)
Halfmoon trigger

Sufflamen chrysopterum.jpg

Sufflamen chrysopterum No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Hawaiian black trigger

Melichthys niger on Kona.jpg

Melichthys niger No 50 cm (19.7 in)
Lei trigger

Sufflamen bursa.jpg

Sufflamen bursa No 25 cm (9.8 in)
Indian black trigger

Black triggerfish.jpg

Melichthys indicus No 25 cm (9.8 in)
Niger trigger

Redtoothed triggerfish.jpg

Odonus niger No Among the more peaceful of triggers, can usually be kept in a community tank 50 cm (19.7 in)
Picasso trigger

Picasso.triggerfish.arp.jpg

Rhinecanthus aculeatus No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Pinktail trigger

Pink Tail Triggerfish in kona.jpg

Melichthys vidua No 40 cm (15.7 in)
Queen trigger

4987 aquaimages.jpg

Balistes vetula No A large fish that should only be kept in very large aquariums. 60 cm (23.6 in)
Rectangular trigger

Reef Triggerfish 1.JPG

Rhinecanthus rectangulus No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Sargassum trigger

Sargassum triggerfish Xanthichthys ringens.jpg

Xanthichthys ringens No 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.jpg

Abalistes stellatus No 60 cm (23.6 in)
Titan trigger

Titan triggerfish (Balistoides viridescens).jpg

Balistoides viridescens No Can only be housed in the largest of marine aquariums 75 cm (29.5 in)
Undulated trigger

Balistapus undulatus (Nausicaä).jpg

Balistapus undulatus No Probably the most aggressive fish kept in marine aquariums. Older specimens should be housed alone. 30 cm (11.8 in)
Whitetail trigger

Bluethroat triggerfish (274017608).jpg

Sufflamen albicaudatum With Caution 22 cm (8.7 in)

Wrasse [edit]

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.[189] [190]

Common name Image Taxonomy Reef safe Description Max size
Banana wrasse

Thalassoma lutescens.jpg

Thalassoma lutescens No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Bicolor cleaner wrasse

Labroides bicolor.jpg

Labroides bicolor Yes
Bird wrasse

Bird Wrasse.jpg

Gomphosus varius No 28 cm (11.0 in)
Bluehead wrasse

Blue-headed wrasse det.jpg

Thalassoma bifasciatum With Caution 28 cm (11.0 in)
Bluestreak cleaner wrasse

Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse (6997583331).jpg

Labroides dimidiatus Yes
Carpenter's flasher wrasse

Paracheilinus carpenteri.jpg

Paracheilinus carpenteri Yes; feeds on tiny organisms 8 cm (3.1 in)
Cheeklined maori wrasse Cheilinus diagrammus No 36 cm (14.2 in)[191]
Christmas wrasse

Thalassoma trilobatum by NPS.jpg

Thalassoma trilobatum No 15 cm (5.9 in)
Cortez rainbow wrasse

Thalassomalucasanumcropped.JPG

Thalassoma lucasanum No 15 cm (5.9 in)
Dragon wrasse

Cleaning station konan.jpg

Novaculichthys taeniourus No 30 cm (11.8 in)
Eight line wrasse

Wrasse55.jpg

Pseudocheilinus octotaenia Yes; feeds on tiny organisms
Exquisite fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus exquisitus Yes; feeds on tiny organisms 10 cm (3.9 in)
Fine-spotted fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus punctatus Yes; feeds on tiny organisms 10 cm (3.9 in)
Flame wrasse

Cirrhilabrus jordani.jpg

Cirrhilabrus jordani Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)
Formosa wrasse

XRF-Coris formosa.png

Coris formosa No 61 cm (24.0 in)
Four line wrasse

Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia.jpg

Pseudocheilinus tetrataenia Yes; feeds on tiny organisms
Goldbar wrasse

Wrasse Seychelles.jpg

Thalassoma hebraicum With Caution 23 cm (9.1 in)
Greenback fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus scottorum Yes; feeds on tiny organisms 15 cm (5.9 in)
Harlequin tusk

Choerodon fasciatus.jpg

Choerodon fasciatus Generally, yes, but may eat shrimp
Hawaiian cleaner wrasse

Hawaiian cleaner wrasse.jpg

Labroides phthirophagus Yes
Hoeven's wrasse

Halichoeresmelanurus1.jpg

Halichoeres melanurus With Caution 13 cm (5.1 in)
Jansen saddle wrasse

YansenNBR.jpg

Thalassoma jansenii No 20 cm (7.9 in)
Labout's fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus laboutei Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Leopard wrasse

Macropharyngodon meleagris.jpg

Macropharyngodon meleagris Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)[192]
Lineatus fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus lineatus Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Longfin fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus rubriventralis Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Lyretail wrasse/Moon wrasse

Thalassoma lunare.jpg

Thalassoma lunare No 25 cm (9.8 in)
Marble wrasse

Halichoeres hortulanus 1.JPG

Halichoeres hortulanus No 28 cm (11.0 in)
McCosker's flasher wrasse Paracheilinus mccoskeri Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Multicolor lubbock's wrasse

Labre de Lubbock (Cirrhilabrus lubbocki).jpg

Cirrhilabrus lubbocki Yes; feeds on tiny organisms 8 cm (3.1 in)
Multicolor velvet wrasse

Bluehead Fairy Wrasse – Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura crop.jpg

Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura Yes; feeds on tiny organisms
Mystery wrasse

MysteryWrasse.jpg

Pseudocheilinus ocellatus Yes
Orange-back fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus aurantidorsalis Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Pastel-green wrasse

Halichoeres chloropterus.jpg

Halichoeres chloropterus With Caution 20 cm (7.9 in)
Pinkface wrasse

Labridae - Thalassoma quinquevittatum-001.JPG

Thalassoma quinquevittatum With Caution 15 cm (5.9 in)
Potter's wrasse

Shortnose Wrasse.jpg

Macropharyngodon geoffroyi Yes; feeds on tiny organisms
Red coris wrasse

Coris gaimard real.jpg

Coris gaimard No 36 cm (14.2 in)
Red-head fairy wrasse

Cirrhilabrus solorensis-2.jpg

Cirrhilabrus solorensis Yes; feeds on tiny organisms 13 cm (5.1 in)
Red velvet wrasse Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Scarlet pin stripe wrasse

Pseudocheilinus evanidus.jpg

Pseudocheilinus evanidus Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Six line wrasse

Six-line wrasse.jpg

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia Yes Small pink fish with six purple horizontal lines. Sometimes added to help control flatworms or parasitic snail populations. Semi-aggressive and may pick on shy fish.[193] 8 cm (3.1 in)
Radiant wrasse

Halichoeres iridis 2.jpg

Halichoeres iridis Yes 15 cm (5.9 in)
Rhomboid fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus rhomboidalis Yes Golden body with purple horizontal stripes on head. 13 cm (5.1 in)
Whip fin fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus filamentosus Yes 9 cm (3.5 in)
Yellow wrasse

Halichoeres chrysus-Yellow Wrasse.jpg

Halichoeres chrysus Yes 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 13 cm (5.1 in)
Yellowband wrasse Cirrhilabrus luteovittatus Yes 13 cm (5.1 in)
Yellow fin fairy wrasse

Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis.jpg

Cirrhilabrus flavidorsalis Yes 8 cm (3.1 in)
Yellow-flanked fairy wrasse Cirrhilabrus lyukyuensis Yes 10 cm (3.9 in)

See also [edit]

  • List of fish common names
  • List of marine aquarium invertebrate species
  • List of marine aquarium plant species
  • List of aquarium fish by scientific name
  • List of freshwater aquarium fish species
  • List of brackish aquarium fish species

References [edit]

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Circular Black and White Fish Drawing

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_marine_aquarium_fish_species

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