Deniz akvaryumu balık türleri listesi

Bir Kraliçe Melekbalığı

Bu tür büyüklüğü ile göz doldurur ve oldukça dayanıklı bir balık türü olarak kabul edilir. Ancak boyutları önemli bir sorundur. Çünkü en az 180 galon yani 681 litre civarında büyük tanklar gerektirir. Bu tür büyük tanklarda ömrünü rahatça geçirebilir.[1] İki büyük melekbalığı aynı akvaryum içerisinde beslenebilir. Büyük bir akvaryumda bakılmaları şartıyla ve gerekli ortam sıcaklığı sağlandığında farklı renk ve vücut şekilleri rahatlıkla görülebilir.[2] Ancak asıl önemli olan melekbalıklarının bakımında sebze diyetleri önemli bir yer tutar. Akvaryumlarında gerektiğinde saklabilecekleri büyük kayalar ve bitkiler olması gerekmektedir. Oldukça korkak olan bu balık türü için bu tür yerler hem olgunlaşmaları hem de yavrulama zamanlarında büyük önem taşırlar. Balıklar gelişmeye devam ettiği süre içerisinde de önemli renk değişikliklerini uğrarlar.[3][4][5]

Yaygın adı	Görüntü	Taksonomi	Reef uyumu	Bakım seviyesi	Tanım	Maksimum boyut
Mavi halkalı Melek balığı, Annularis Melek balığı, Bluering Melek balığı [6]		Pomacanthus annularis	Uyumsuz	Orta seviye	En az 500 litre tanklarda iyi bakımla yaklaşık 15-20 yıl yaşar.	6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
Arap Melek balığı, Asfur Melek balığı		Pomacanthus asfur	Uyumsuz	Kolay		6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)
Bellus Melek balığı		Genicanthus bellus	Evet	Orta seviye	Her yanında açık mavi tonları hakimdir. Seksüel dimorfizm: dişilerde geniş siyah bantlar, erkeklerde ise turuncu bantlar bulunur.	6999180000000000000♠18 cm (7,1 in)[7]
Mavi Melek balığı, Atlantik Blue		Holacanthus bermudensis	Uyumsuz	Orta seviye	Balığın yüzgeçlerinde bulunan pulların sarı kenarları sayesinde yüzerken suya sarı bir ışıltı yayar. 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.	6999450000000000000♠45 cm (17,7 in)[8]
Bluespotted angelfish		Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus	No	Difficult		6999210000000000000♠21 cm (8,3 in)
Blueface angelfish		Euxiphipops xanthometopon	No	Moderate		6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)
Cortez angelfish		Pomacanthus zonipectus	No	Moderate	Darkly hued with yellow stripes.	6999460000000000000♠46 cm (18,1 in)[9]
Emperor angelfish		Pomacanthus imperator	No	Moderate	Juveniles are black with blue-white spiraling; adults are blue with yellow stripes, accented with white and black and a blue mask. Will easily be the dominate angelfish if housed with other angels.	6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)[10]
French angelfish		Pomacanthus paru	No	Difficult	Juveniles are black with 3 yellow vertically running stripes, may also display blue on pelvic fins. Adults lard black with white vertical stripes.	6999410000000000000♠41 cm (16,1 in)[11]
Gray angelfish		Pomacanthus arcuatus	No	Easy to Moderate	Light grey with dark spots and bluish/grey mask over face. Closely related to French Angelfish.	6999600000000000000♠60 cm (23,6 in)[12]
Griffis angelfish		Apolemichthys griffisi	No	Moderate		6999250000000000000♠25 cm (9,8 in)
Half-moon angelfish		Pomacanthus maculosus	No	Easy	Blue with yellow splotch-like marking on side.	6999500000000000000♠50 cm (19,7 in)[13]
Koran angelfish		Pomacanthus semicirculatus	No	Moderate	Grey towards the face, becoming a navy blue towards the caudal fin with striking iridescent blue accents throughout.	6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)[14]
Majestic angelfish or blue girdled angelfish		Pomacanthus navarchus	No	Moderate	Yellow dorsal and caudal fins connecting to "saddal" with dark blue dots. Dark blue underside and anal fin. Electric blue separating yellow and dark blue.	6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)[15]
Passer angelfish or King angelfish		Holacanthus passer	No	Moderate	Very dark blue with yellow caudal fin and distinctive white stripe.	6999360000000000000♠36 cm (14,2 in)[16]
Personifer angelfish		Chaetodontoplus meridithii	No	Moderate		6999370000000000000♠37 cm (14,6 in)
Queen angelfish		Holacanthus ciliaris	No	Moderate	Tan coloured with yellow caudal fin and neon blue outlined fins. This species has been known to reproduce with the Blue Angelfish, making a half breed that looks like a mixture between the two species.	6999450000000000000♠45 cm (17,7 in)[17]
Royal angelfish		Pygoplites diacanthus	No	Expert	Orange and blue striped with dark blue dorsal fin and lemon yellow caudal fin.	6999250000000000000♠25 cm (9,8 in)[18]
Scribbled angelfish		Chaetodontoplus duboulayi	No	Moderate		6999250000000000000♠25 cm (9,8 in)
Japanese swallow angelfish		Genicanthus semifasciatus	Yes	Moderate	Black and tan striped back with yellow blaze beginning at the mouth and tapering off towards the centre of the side, with light blueish grey underside. Has distinctively shaped tail resembling that of a swallow.	6999210000000000000♠21 cm (8,3 in)[19]
Sarı Kuyruklu Hint Melek Balığı - Krema Melek Balığı[20]		Apolemichthys xanthurus	Hayır	Kolay		6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)[21]

A Flame angelfish

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.[22] 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.[23][24]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Barred angelfish		Centropyge multifasciata	With caution	Difficult	White fish with vertical black stripes that change to yellow at the belly	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)[25]
Bicolor angelfish		Centropyge bicolor	With caution	Moderate		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Brazilian flameback angelfish		Centropyge aurantonotus	With caution	Moderate		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Coral beauty angelfish		Centropyge bispinosa	With caution	Easy to Moderate	Reddish body with blue back and orange fins. A shy fish that prefers multiple hiding locations.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)[26]
Cherubfish or Pygmy angelfish		Centropyge argi	With caution	Easy To Moderate	Blue colored body with an orange yellow head.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)[27]
Eibli angelfish		Centropyge eibli	With caution	Moderate	Tan coloured body with vertical brown stripes and large distinctive black splotch covering the back of the fish, including the caudal fin.	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)[28]
Flame angelfish		Centropyge loricula	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Vivid orange-red with vertical black stripes and blue patches toward the end of the dorsal and anal fins.	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)[29]
Half-black angelfish		Centropyge vroliki	With caution	Difficult	Anterior is gray to pearly white with orange accent around eye, posterior is deep black.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)[30]
Herald's angelfish		Centropyge heraldi	With caution	Moderate	Completely lemon yellow, with a brown marking around the eye.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)[31]
Keyhole angelfish		Centropyge tibicens	No	Easy	Centropyge type species. Overall black with an elongate vertical black blotch on the middle of the upper sides. When small, mainly black with a white bar. Dorsal and anal fins with submarginal blue line; most of the pelvic and the anterior portion of the anal fin yellow. Caudal fin with submarginal blue line.	6999190000000000000♠19 cm (7,5 in)
Lemonpeel angelfish		Centropyge flavissima	With caution	Moderate	Bright yellow with distinctive dark semicircle by operculum.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)[32]
Multicolor angelfish		Centropyge multicolor	With caution	Moderate		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Orange-back angelfish		Centropyge acanthops	With caution	Moderate	Dark blue with golden yellow blaze running from the face down the dorsal fin, with a colourless caudal fin.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)[33]
Pacific pygmy angelfish		Centropyge flavicauda	With caution	Moderate		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)[34]
Potter's angelfish		Centropyge potteri	With caution	Difficult	Similarly coloured to the Coral Beauty, but with a blue body and reddish fins.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)[35]
Rusty angelfish		Centropyge ferrugata	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Tan coloured body with dark spots and a reddish tint around the anal fin.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)[36]
Venustus angelfish		Sumireyakko venustus	With caution	Moderate

A Squareback anthias

Although Anthias resemble damsels in shape and size, the two should never be confused. Where damsels are the goats of the Saltwater world, Anthias (also called "Fairy Basslets in) are finicky and many starve to death in captivity. In the wild, they eat zooplankton, and will not accept anything but in the aquarium. They also need to be fed nearly constantly, three times a day at least. The best way to ensure the health and longevity of an Anthias is to attach a refugium where you can grow copepods to "drip" into the display tank. Unlike many other saltwater aquarium inhabitants, they can be kept in groups.[37]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Bartlett's anthias		Pseudanthias bartlettorum	Yes	Moderate	Back and face light yellow, underside pink with a swallowtail-shaped caudal fin.	6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Bicolor anthias		Pseudanthias bicolor	Yes	Difficult	Similarly shaped and coloured to Bartlett's Anthias, but with a slightly more rounded back.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Cooper's anthias		Pseudanthias cooperi	Yes	Difficult	Orange back and finnage with white patch below the mouth running down toward the anal fin with pink sides.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Diadem anthias		Pseudanthias parvirostris	Yes	Difficult	Pink fish with yellow streak on top of head running along the lateral line. Caudal fin is red with yellow tips.	6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Orangehead anthias		Pseudanthias heemstrai	Yes	Difficult	Pink underside with orange back and mask, dark red splotch on caudal fin, along with iridescent blue anal and pelvic fins.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Redbar anthias		Pseudanthias rubrizonatus	Yes	Difficult	Tannish-pink with a single vertical red stripe and a dorsal fin with the skin between the rays pulled back like on a lionfish.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Lyretail anthias, Sea Goldie		Pseudanthias squamipinnis	Yes	Difficult	Females are orange with lyre-shaped caudal fin. Males are fuchsia with red markings on fins	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Squareback anthias		Pseudanthias pleurotaenia	Yes	Difficult	Red back and pink underside with distinctive blue square shaped marking and blue fins.	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Stocky anthias		Pseudanthias hypselosoma	Yes	Difficult	Orange back with cream colored underside. As its name suggests, slightly stockier than other Anthias.	6999190000000000000♠19 cm (7,5 in)
Threadfin anthias		Pseudanthias huchtii	Yes	Difficult	Olive green with black caudal fin and red stripe running from the eye to the pectoral fin.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)

A Blue Dot Grouper

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.[38][39][40][41][42]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
African grouper		Cephalopholis taeniops	No	Easy		6999690000000000000♠69 cm (27,2 in)
Vermillion seabass		Cephalopholis miniata				6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)
Blacktip grouper		Epinephelus fasciatus	No	easy	The tips of the spines of the dorsal fin are black, and it may have a dark red cap above the eyes. There is a variant with a uniformly pale body except for the frontal part.	6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)
Blue and Yellow grouper		Epinephelus flavocaeruleus	No	Moderate		6999900000000000000♠90,0 cm (35,4 in)
Blue dot grouper		Cephalopholis argus	No	Moderate	Deep black to tan fish with blue spots throughout.	6999500000000000000♠50 cm (19,7 in)
Blue line grouper		Cephalopholis formosa	No	Moderate	Dark tan with horizontal blue stripes that are not particularly straight. The caudal fin has more of these stripes, and they radiate from the base of the fin out to the tips.	6999340000000000000♠34 cm (13,4 in)
Chalk bass		Serranus tortugarum	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Blue iridescent body with distinctive black topside that is interrupted by small vertical blue stripes.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Coney grouper		Cephalopholis fulva	No	Moderate		6999410000000000000♠41 cm (16,1 in)
Golden grouper		Mycteroperca rosacea	No	Moderate		6999860000000000000♠86 cm (33,9 in)
Golden stripe soapfish		Grammistes sexlineatus	No	Moderate	Chocolate brown with light yellow horizontal stripes. Similar in patterning to C. argus (with exception to the coloration).	6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
Harlequin bass		Serranus tigrinus	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Very striking black and white checkerboard pattern all over, with very long tapering nose.	6999290000000000000♠29 cm (11,4 in)
Leaflip grouper		Pogonoperca punctata	No	Moderate	Sports a large, hinged mouth and is tan with little spots. Has brown triangle shaped markings down the spine.	6999350000000000000♠35 cm (13,8 in)
Marine beta		Calloplesiops altivelis	Yes	Easy		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)[43][44]
Miniatus grouper or Vermillion seabass		Cephalopholis miniatus	No	Moderate	Orange to red with large blue spots throughout.	6999450000000000000♠45 cm (17,7 in)
Orange spot grouper		Cephalopholis panamensis	No	Easy		6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
Panther grouper		Cromileptes altivelis	No	Difficult	Gorgeous pure white fish with black spots and a distinctive "hump" on the head, leading to a popular common name, "Humpback Grouper".	6999750000000000000♠75 cm (29,5 in)
Painted comber		Serranus scriba	No	Easy to Moderate	Large fish with classic Bass body, Silvery in colour with vertical tan stripes and a blue underside.	6999360000000000000♠36 cm (14,2 in)
Polleni grouper		Cephalopholis polleni	No	Moderate		6999430000000000000♠43 cm (16,9 in)
Red flag grouper		Cephalopholis urodeta	No	Moderate	Very similar to C. miniatus, but the caudal fin is dark.	6999280000000000000♠28 cm (11,0 in)
Lyretail grouper		Variola louti	No	Moderate	Silver back changing to red around the underside, darkening toward the caudal fin, which is lyre-shaped with neon green edging.	6999800000000000000♠80 cm (31,5 in)
Saddle grouper		Plectropomus laevis	No	Easy		7000125000000000000♠125 cm (49,2 in)
Spotted grouper		Epinephelus summana	No	Moderate	Dark black fish with many light green spots all over body, increasing in number toward the posterior.	6999520000000000000♠52 cm (20,5 in)
Strawberry grouper		Cephalopholis spiloparaea	No	Moderate		6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
V tail grouper		Cephalopholis urodelus	No	Easy-Moderate		6999280000000000000♠28 cm (11,0 in)

A Royal Gramma

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.[45]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Black cap gramma		Gramma melacara	Yes	Moderate	Purple with a black mask beginning at the mouth and ending at the base of the dorsal fin.	6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Blue assesor		Assessor macneilli	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Entirely navy blue with white edging of the dorsal fin.	6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Royal gramma		Gramma loreto	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Purple head and anterior, abruptly changing to yellow about halfway down the body. Has black marking through eye and another on the dorsal fin. Do not confuse with the Brazilian Gramma or the Bicolor Dottyback.	6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Brazilian gramma		Gramma brasiliensis	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Very similar to the royal gramma, however the change from purple to yellow occurs farther down the body and the black markings are absent.	6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Yellow assessor		Assessor flavissimus	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Bright lemon yellow with peach fringing of the dorsal fin and around the eye.	6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)[46]

A Dusky Batfish

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

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Orbiculate batfish		Platax orbicularis	No	Difficult	Brown with generally random black markings resembling a rotting leaf.	6999500000000000000♠50 cm (19,7 in)
Dusky batfish		Platax pinnatus	No	Difficult	Dark black body completely edged by distinctive yellow and orange.	6999450000000000000♠45 cm (17,7 in)
Teira batfish		Platax teira	No	Difficult	Silver with black fins and a black stripe across the face.	6999700000000000000♠70 cm (27,6 in)

A Lawnmower Blenny

Blennies are popular aquarium fish, and for good reason. They are peaceful, colorful, and many are downright helpful. For example, the aptly named Lawnmower Blenny will keep your green algae well trimmed and presentable. With the exception of Fang Blennies, Blennies are totally reef safe- in fact a reef environment is really best for them because they can be shy and the intricate rockwork of a reef provides ample hiding spaces. They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of frozen or live foods and plant matter. Blennies do not have teeth or functional jaw, so food must be small enough for them to swallow whole.
Blennies are often confused with Gobies, but there is an easy way to tell the difference. Gobies have two distinct dorsal fins, Blennies have a single dorsal fin that runs the length of their body. Also, Gobies' pelvic fins are fused to form a sucker, similar to Remoras.[47]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Spinyhead blenny		Acanthemblemaria spinosa	Yes	Moderate	Brown checkered body with distinctive yellow frills on head.	6998200000000000000♠2 cm (0,8 in)
Bicolor blenny		Ecsenius bicolor	Yes	Easy to moderate	Characterized by the striking contrast of a blue head and upper torso followed by a yellow orange lower torso.	6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Black combtooth blenny		Ecsenius namiyei	Yes	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Blackline fang blenny		Meiacanthus nigrolineatus	No	Easy to moderate	Yellow bodied with bright blue mask and dark black line running from the eye to the caudal fin.	6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Black sailfin blenny		Atrosalarias fuscus	Yes	Moderate		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Blue & gold blenny		Enchelyurus flavipes	Yes	Easy		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Bundoon blenny		Meiacanthus bundoon	No	Easy to moderate	Black with lighter patch over caudal fin. Very distinctive swallowtail caudal fin.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Canary fang blenny		Meiacanthus oualanensis	No	Easy to moderate	Similarly shaped to M. bundoon, but canary yellow.	6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Diamond blenny		Malacoctenus boehlkei	Yes	Moderate	Gray with black splotches, and a yellow mask. Shaped more like hawkfish than a blenny.	6998650000000000000♠6,5 cm (2,6 in)
Ember blenny		Cirripectes stigmaticus	No	Moderate		6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Lawnmower blenny		Salarias fasciatus	Yes	Moderate to difficult	Tan and brown striped and spotted with iridescence. Requires Mature Tank.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Linear blenny		Ecsenius lineatus	No	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Midas blenny		Ecsenius midas	Yes	Easy to moderate	Although often seen yellow, this fish has the ability to change its color to match the surroundings. It has a very distinctive swallowtail shaped caudal fin.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Molly Miller blenny		Scartella cristata	Yes	Easy to moderate	Mottled tan, white, and black covering the body and fins.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
One spot blenny		Crossosalarias macrospilus	No	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Red lip blenny		Ophioblennius atlanticus	Yes	Easy to moderate	Black to grayish yellow with red patch over mouth.	6999190000000000000♠19 cm (7,5 in)
Red Sea mimic blenny		Ecsenius gravieri		Moderate	Sky blue anterior fading to yellow towards the tail, with a black stripe running the eye to the base of the caudal fin.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Sailfin blenny		Emblemaria pandionis	Yes	Moderate	Very similar to Salarias fasciatus but slightly darker and with a much larger dorsal fin.	6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Segmented sailfin blenny		Salarias segmentatus	Yes	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Starry blenny		Salarias ramosus	Yes	Easy		6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Striped blenny		Meiacanthus grammistes	Yes	Moderate		6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Tail spot blenny		Ecsenius stigmatura	Yes	Moderate	Drab tan all over with dark spot at the base of the caudal fin and a light yellow line through eye.	6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Two-spot blenny		Ecsenius bimaculatus	Yes	Moderate	The top half of this fish is black towards the front and fades to white closer to the tail. The bottom half is white with two distinctive black spots right under the pectoral fins.	6998450000000000000♠4,5 cm (1,8 in)
Convict blenny		Pholidichthys leucotaenia	Yes	Moderate	Not actually a blenny but from closely related family Pholidichthys. Juvenile has black eel-shaped body with a distinctive white stripe running down the body. Adults are yellow and black striped.	6999340000000000000♠34 cm (13,4 in)

A Dogface Pufferfish

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.[48]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Golden puffer		Arothron meleagris	No	Easy		6999480000000000000♠48 cm (18,9 in)
Hawaiian blue puffer		Canthigaster papua	No	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Hawaiian saddle puffer		Canthigaster coronata	No	Easy		6999140000000000000♠14,0 cm (5,5 in)
Hawaiian spotted puffer		Canthigaster jactator	No	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Helmet cowfish		Tetrasomus gibbosus	Caution	Expert	Tan with dark speckles and brown spots at the base of the caudal fin.	6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
Immaculate puffer		Arothron immaculatus	No	Moderate		6999280000000000000♠28 cm (11,0 in)
Longhorn cowfish		Lactoria cornuta	Caution	Expert	Grayish tan with very distinctive "horns" near the eyes and under the caudal fin.	6999460000000000000♠46 cm (18,1 in)
Scribbled boxfish		Ostracion solorensis	Caution	Moderate	Dark navy blue with iridescent "scribbling" and spots.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Dogface pufferfish		Arothron nigropunctatus	Caution	Moderate	Tan with a brown mask over eyes and other over mouth. Also has yellow markings on the pectoral and dorsal fins.	6999330000000000000♠33 cm (13,0 in)
Map puffer		Arothron mappa	No	Moderate		6999650000000000000♠65 cm (25,6 in)
Porcupine pufferfish		Diodon holocanthus	No	Moderate	Tan with slightly darker spots throughout and very conspicuous spines that lay flat against the body. When puffed up, the spikes stand up and make the fish completely inedible.	6999500000000000000♠50 cm (19,7 in)
Spotfin porcupinefish		Diodon hystrix	No	Moderate	White and covered in small black spots.	6999910000000000000♠91 cm (35,8 in)
Sharpnose pufferfish		Canthigaster rostrata	Caution	Difficult	Cream, with reddish purple topside and underside, and yellow on the caudal fin.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Star puffer		Arothron stellatus	No	Easy		7000120000000000000♠120 cm (47,2 in)
Stars and stripes puffer		Arothron hispidus	No	Moderate		6999500000000000000♠50 cm (19,7 in)
Striped dogface puffer		Arothron manilensis	No	Moderate		6999310000000000000♠31 cm (12,2 in)
Valentini pufferfish		Canthigaster valentini	Caution	Moderate	Tan with giraffe-like spots and dark brown markings that resemble saddles over the back. Has distinctive bright green eyes.	6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Whitebelly puffer		Canthigaster bennetti	No	Moderate		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Yellow boxfish		Ostracion cubicus	Caution	Expert	Usually seen as a juvenile, bright yellow with little black spots. When it reaches maturity it is gray with yellow lines and pink lips.	6999450000000000000♠45 cm (17,7 in)

A sickle butterflyfish

Butterflyfish, when properly cared for, can make beautiful and distinctive additions to fish only marine aquariums. Often large and usually not suited for those with smaller aquariums, nor those of the faint of heart. Nevertheless, when fed a varied diet and kept in pristine conditions, Butterflyfish will usually thrive. That is, if you choose the right species. With Butterflyfish, usually a fish is going to survive, or it's not. Many species simply cannot be kept in captivity, and potential keepers must take care to only purchase those species that have a fighting chance. Also, be very picky about which specimen you choose- any sign of mishandling should be taken as a red flag.
The following species are relatively hardy and an experienced aquarist should have no trouble with them, so long as they are diligent.[49]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Copperbanded butterflyfish		Chelmon rostratus	Caution	Difficult	Silver with black edged gold stripes, a long nose, and a black eyespot on the dorsal fin.	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Schooling bannerfish		Heniochus diphreutes	No	Moderate	Sometimes referred to as the "Poor Man's Moorish Idol" because of the resemblance. White and black striped with yellow caudal fin and a dorsal fin that forms a long, thin banner.	6999210000000000000♠21 cm (8,3 in)
Longnose butterflyfish		Forcipiger flavissimus	No	Moderate	From the pectoral fins forward, black above the eye and silver below, with an exceptionally mouth. Past the pectoral fins, bright yellow with an eyespot on the anal fin.	6999220000000000000♠22 cm (8,7 in)
Raccoon butterflyfish		Chaetodon lunula	No	Moderate	Very distinctive and complexly colored. Is mostly yellow with a darker saddle and a black and white mask.	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Redback butterflyfish		Chaetodon paucifasciatus	No	Moderate	White with black stripes that form chevrons on the side and a bright red patch on the posterior.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Merten's butterflyfish		Chaetodon mertensii	No	Moderate	White with fuzzy black stripes and a yellow posterior. Also has a black line through the eye.	6999125000000000000♠12,5 cm (4,9 in)
Teardrop butterflyfish		Chaetodon unimaculatus	No	Moderate	Completely yellow with the exception of black stripes at the base of the caudal fin and through the eye, and an eyespot directly below the dorsal fin.	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Latticed butterflyfish		Chaetodon rafflesii	No	Moderate	Very similar to C. unimaculatus, but with scales that are brighter than the body, forming a lattice-like pattern, and lacking the eyespot.	6999180000000000000♠18 cm (7,1 in)
Pacific double saddle butterflyfish		Chaetodon ulietensis	No	Moderate	Silver with two dark saddles over the body (plus a dark mask) and yellow dorsal and caudal fins.	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Sickle butterflyfish		Chaetodon falcula	No	Moderate	Often confused with C. ulietensis, but easily distinguished. The saddles are wedge shaped rather than stripes and do not reach the underside. Overall more yellow coloring.	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Threadfin butterflyfish		Chaetodon auriga	No	Moderate	White anterior with thin black stripes at 45 and 120 degree angles from the head. Posterior is yellow, but with a black wedge shape where the stripes meet the yellow coloring.	6999230000000000000♠23 cm (9,1 in)
Tinker's butterflyfish		Chaetodon tinkeri	No	Moderate	White with small black spots, a yellow mask, and a black dorsal fin.	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Masked butterflyfish		Chaetodon semilarvatus	No	Moderate	Bright lemon yellow with subtle vertical orange stripes and a black splotch behind the eye.	6999230000000000000♠23 cm (9,1 in)

One of the few groups of shoaling fish commonly available to marine aquarists, Cardinalfish are nocturnal and tend to be quite shy. They require meaty foods and will often not take prepared foods such as flakes and tablets. For the best chance of success, keep a wide variety of frozen foods on hand. In the event of a hunger strike, they will almost always take adult brine shrimp. As far as other care requirements they are similar to damsels: not picky. So long as they are properly acclimated, they tolerate a wide range of parameters. A marine aqaurist should watch the ammonia/nitrite levels of the environment, as cardinalfish are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.[50]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Fragile cardinalfish		Apogon fragilis	Yes[51]:133	Moderate[51]:133		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Banggai cardinal		Pterapogon kauderni	Yes	Moderate	Black and silver striped with very tall fins and many white spots. Wild populations have been decimated, consider captive bred specimens.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Blackstripe cardinalfish		Apogon nigrofasciatus	Yes	Moderate	Body completely covered in horizontal yellow and black stripes, with red fins.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Bluebarred cardinalfish		Apogon flores	Yes[51]:133	Moderate[51]:133		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Bluestreak cardinalfish		Apogon leptacanthus	Yes[51]:133	Moderate[51]:133		6998650000000000000♠6,5 cm (2,6 in)
Flamefish		Apogon maculatus	Yes	Moderate	Bright red with black spots at the base of the caudal fin, under the second dorsal fin, and on the operculum.	6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Frostfin cardinalfish		Apogon hoeveni	Yes[51]:133	Moderate[51]:133		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Gilbert's cardinalfish		Apogon gilberti	Yes[51]:133	Moderate[51]:133		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Girdled cardinalfish		Archamia zosterophora	Yes[51]:133	Moderate[51]:133		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Orange-striped cardinalfish		Apogon cyanosoma	Yes	Moderate	A thin, dark vertical 'waistband' with scattered dark spots toward the tail.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Orbic cardinalfish		Sphaeramia orbicularis	Yes	Easy	Light yellow with iridescent yellow horizontal stripes.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Pajama cardinalfish		Sphaeramia nematoptera	Yes, caution with small shrimp[51]:132	Easy[51]: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.	6998850000000000000♠8,5 cm (3,3 in)
Ochre-striped cardinalfish		Apogon compressus	Yes	Moderate	Almost identical to A. nigrofasticus, but with blue eyes.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Ringtailed cardinalfish		Apogon aureus	Yes	Moderate	Yellow body with a black stripe (ring) at the base of the caudal fin and iridescent blue streaks across the eye.	6999145000000000000♠14,5 cm (5,7 in)

A Chromis viridis

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.[52]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Ambon chromis		Chromis amboinensis	Yes[51]:192	Moderate[51]:192		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Barrier reef chromis		Chromis nitida	Yes	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Black and gold chromis		Neoglyphidodon nigroris	Yes	Difficult	Mostly silver, but with a large patch of yellow around the caudal fin and a distinct black line on the operculum.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Half and half chromis		Chromis iomelas	Yes[51]:190	Moderate[51]: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.	6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Black bar chromis		Chromis retrofasciata	Yes[51]:191	Easy[51]:191	Yellowish with bright blue iridescent pelvic fins and a distinct black bar at the base of the caudal fin.	6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in).
Blue chromis		Chromis cyanea	Yes[51]:188	Moderate[51]:188	Bright blue all over, although lighter toward the front.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Damselfish		Chromis chromis	Yes	Easy	Completely black. Despite the name, this is actually a chromis, in fact, it is the chromis.	6999250000000000000♠25 cm (9,8 in)
Green chromis		Chromis viridis	Yes	Easy	Generally bluish green, but some specimens may be spring green.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Limbaughi chromis		Chromis limbaughi	Yes	Moderate	Dark navy blue with bright yellow spot that covers the dorsal fin and much of the posterior.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Lined chromis		Chromis lineata	Yes[51]:192	Moderate[51]:192		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Paletail chromis		Chromis xanthura	Yes[51]:192	Moderate[51]:192		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Black-axil chromis		Chromis atripectoralis	Yes	Easy
Spiny chromis		Acanthochromis polyacanthus	Yes	Easy	Dark chocolate brown, slightly lighter around the pectoral fins.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Sunshine chromis		Chromis insolatus	Yes[51]:189	Moderate[51]:189	Rather drab tannish-orange throughout.	6999160000000000000♠16 cm (6,3 in)
Yellowspotted chromis		Chromis flavomaculata	Yes[51]:192	Moderate[51]:192		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)

A false percula

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.[53][54]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Cinnamon anemonefish		Amphiprion melanopus	Yes	Easy to moderate	Dark orange body becoming black towards the caudal fin, with a bright white stripe running from the front of the dorsal fin to the pectoral fins and golden colored fins.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Clarkii anemonefish		Amphiprion clarkii	Yes	Easy to moderate	Black or dark brown with bright yellow finnage and two thick white stripes running perpendicular to the body.	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Ocellaris		Amphiprion ocellaris	Yes	Easy	Bright orange or yellow body with white stripes. Fins are orange, rimmed with black. A. ocellaris from northern Australia are black.	6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Maroon clownfish		Premnas biaculeatus	Yes but aggressive	Easy	Maroon to bright red with three very thin white stripes.	6999170000000000000♠17 cm (6,7 in)
True Percula		Amphiprion percula	Yes	Easy	Nearly identical to A. ocellaris, but the white stripes are edged with black.	6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Pink skunk anemonefish		Amphiprion perideraion	Yes	Moderate	Pink to orange body with one white stripe over the operculum and another running from the tip of the snout, along the back to the dorsal fin. All fins are white.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Tomato clownfish		Amphiprion frenatus	Yes	Easy	Bright red with a single white stripe running from the front of the dorsal fin to the bottom of the head.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Saddleback anemonefish		Amphiprion polymnus	Yes	Moderate	Similar to A. ocellaris and percula, but the second stripe does not extend the full with of the body and instead resembles a saddle.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Sebae anemonefish		Amphiprion sebae	Yes	Moderate	Black or dark brown body from above the pectoral fin, yellow below. Has two white stripes, the second resembling that of A. polymnus.	6999160000000000000♠16 cm (6,3 in)

Blue and gold damsel

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.[53][55][56]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Ambon damsel		Pomacentrus amboinensis	Yes[51]:216	Easy[51]:216		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Azure damsel		Chrysiptera hemicyanea	Yes	Easy	A beautiful fish with neon blue on its body and a gold underside and caudal fin. Easy to care for and does best on a good diet. Fairly aggressive so choose tankmates carefully.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Black and gold damsel		Neoglyphidodon nigroris	Yes	Easy		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Blackmargined damsel		Pomacentrus nigromarginatus	Yes[51]:216	Easy[51]:216		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Blue damsel, Orangetail damsel		Chrysiptera cyanea	Yes	Easy	An orange tail indicates breeding success. The males have orange on their tails while the females do not. This fish is hardy and aggressive.	6998850000000000000♠8,5 cm (3,3 in)
Blue and gold damsel		Pomacentrus coelestis	Yes[51]:215	Easy[51]:215		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Blue velvet damsel		Paraglyphidodon oxyodon	Yes			6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Blueback damsel		Pomacentrus simsiang	Yes[51]:216	Easy[51]:216		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Blueline demoiselle, Yellowfin demoiselle		Chrysiptera caeruleolineata	Yes[51]:202	Easy[51]:202		6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Bluefin damsel		Neoglyphidodon melas	Yes	Easy		6999180000000000000♠18 cm (7,1 in)
Caerulean damsel		Pomacentrus caeruleus	Yes[51]:215	Easy[51]:215		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Canary deep water damsel		Chrysiptera galba	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Cloudy damsel		Dascyllus carneus	Yes	Easy		6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Cross' damsel		Neoglyphidodon crossi	Yes[51]:202	Easy[51]:202		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Domino damsel		Dascyllus trimaculatus	Yes	Easy	also known as the three spot damsel, this fish is easy to care for, but is also very aggressive. The fish is black except for three distinct white spots that fade as the fish ages.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Fiji blue devil damsel		Chrysiptera taupou	Yes	Easy	This striking blue damsel is one of the most popular beginner fish. Like other damsels, it is very hardy, and very aggressive when mature.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Four stripe damsel		Dascyllus melanurus	Yes	Easy	The four stripe damsel is a perfect beginner marine fish as it is very hardy. This fish is highly territorial and is best suited for a semi-aggressive to aggressive tank.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Garibaldi damsel		Hypsypops rubicunda	Yes	Easy to Moderate	These are temperate fish and require cooler water. They are much larger than most other damsels.	6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
Honey head damsel		Dischistodus prosopotaenia	Yes	Difficult		6999170000000000000♠17 cm (6,7 in)
Hawaiian Dascyllus		Dascyllus albisella	Yes	Easy		6999125000000000000♠12,5 cm (4,9 in)
Jewel damsel		Microspathodon chrysurus	Yes	Easy	Among the largest and most aggressive Damsels	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
King demoiselle		Chrysiptera rex	Yes[51]:198	Easy[51]:198		6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Lemon damsel		Pomacentrus moluccensis	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Longfin gregory		Stegastes diencaeus	Caution[51]:216	Easy[51]:216	Turns brown, and becomes highly territorial as it ages	6999125000000000000♠12,5 cm (4,9 in)
Marginated damsel		Dascyllus marginatus	Yes	Easy	The marginated damsel is noted for blue fins as well as the yellow head and white body. This fish is hardy like most damsels and is also highly aggressive when mature.	6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Neon damsel		Pomacentrus alleni	Yes			6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Ocellate damsel		Pomacentrus vaiuli	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Pavo damsel		Pomacentrus pavo	Yes[51]:215	Easy[51]:215		6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Pink Smith damsel		Pomacentrus smithi	Yes	Easy		6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Rolland's demoiselle		Chrysiptera rollandi	Yes[51]:202	Easy[51]:202		6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Sergeant major damsel		Abudefduf saxatilis	Yes	Easy		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Speckled damsel		Pomacentrus bankanensis	Yes[51]:216	Easy[51]:216		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Springer's damsel		Chrysiptera springeri	Yes	Easy		6998550000000000000♠5,5 cm (2,2 in)
Stark's damsel		Chrysiptera starcki	Yes	Easy		6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Talbots damsel		Chrysiptera talboti	Yes	Moderate	This damselfish is somewhat a little more delicate than other. It does best in small groups in large tanks with good water quality and an SG of 1.026. Feed on a good diet for best results. Fairly peaceful.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Three stripe damsel		Dascyllus aruanus	Yes	Easy	Highly aggressive and territorial. Will harass fish many times its size. Best kept in an aggressive/semi-aggressive tank.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Three Spot damsel		Stegastes planifrons	Yes	Easy		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Tuxedo damsel		Chrysiptera tricincta	Yes			6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Two stripe damsel		Dascyllus reticulatus	Yes	Easy	the two stripe damsel is a very hardy fish. This fish is perfect for the beginner marine aquarist, as it can tolerate substandard water quality. This fish is highly aggressive, and requires many hiding places.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Yellow damsel		Amblyglyphidodon aureus	Yes			6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Yellow threespot Dascyllus		Dascyllus auripinnis	Yes[51]:205	Easy[51]:205		6999145000000000000♠14,5 cm (5,7 in)
Yellowbelly damsel		Pomacentrus auriventris	Yes	Easy		6998550000000000000♠5,5 cm (2,2 in)
Yellowtail Dascyllus		Dascyllus flavicaudus	Yes			6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Yellowtail damsel		Chrysiptera parasema	Yes	Easy	The yellowtail damsel possess an all blue body with a striking yellow tail. This damsel is a good beginner fish as it is very hardy and can tolerate substandard water quality. This damsel is also less aggressive than some other damsel species.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Yellowtail demoiselle		Neopomacentrus azysron	Yes	Easy		6998750000000000000♠7,5 cm (3,0 in)

A Purple Fire Fish

Most should be kept as pairs or small groups where all individuals are added at once.[57][58]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Blue gudgeon dartfish		Ptereleotris hanae	Yes	Easy		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Fire fish		Nemateleotris magnifica	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Purple fire fish		Nemateleotris decora	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Scissortail dartfish		Ptereleotris evides	Yes	Easy		6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Zebra barred dartfish		Ptereleotris zebra	Yes	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)

A Mandarinfish

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.[59][60]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Mandarinfish		Synchiropus splendidus	Yes	Difficult; attach a refugium to the tank	A brightly colored member of the dragonet family. Eats only copepods and will die in captivity without an adequate supply, which can only be had in very large, well established reef tanks	6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)[61]
Starry Dragonet		Synchiropus stellatus	Yes	Moderate; attach a refugium to the tank	Also known as Red Scooter Blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eat live copepods and amphipods.	6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Ocellated Dragonet		Synchiropus ocellatus	Yes	Moderate; attach a refugium to the tank	Also known as Scooter Blenny though not a true blenny. Will often only eat live copepods and amphipods.	6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Spotted mandarin		Synchiropus picturatus	Yes	Difficult; attach a refugium to the tank	Often only eats live copepods and amphipods.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)

A tessalata eel

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.[62][63]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Banded snake eel		Myrichthys colubrinus	No	Easy		6999970000000000000♠97 cm (38,2 in)
Banded eel		Echidna polyzona	No	Intermediate		6999690000000000000♠69 cm (27,2 in)
Black edge moray eel		Gymnothorax saxicola	No	Moderate		6999600000000000000♠60 cm (23,6 in)
Blue ribbon eel, black ribbon eel		Rhinomuraena quaesita	No	Difficult		7000130000000000000♠130 cm (51,2 in)
Chainlink moray eel		Echidna catenata	No	Easy	Can be kept with fish too small to swallow	7000165000000000000♠165 cm (65,0 in)
Dragon moray eel		Enchelycore pardalis	No	Easy	A fish eater that will eat anything it can fit in its mouth. When available is typically quite expensive[64]	6999920000000000000♠92 cm (36,2 in)
Golden dwarf eel		Gymnothorax melatremus	Yes	Moderate	Rarely available, among the smallest of the moray eels	6999260000000000000♠26 cm (10,2 in)
Golden moray eel		Gymnothorax miliaris	May eat fish and shrimp	Easy to moderate	These fish should only be kept in fish-only tanks as any small invertebrates will be looked on as food. Keep with fish large enough not to be eaten. Feed on a diet of whitefish, cockles, cod roe, haddock and frozen foods.	6999700000000000000♠70,0 cm (27,6 in)
Green moray eel		Gymnothorax funebris	No	Difficult	Requires a 180 gallon tank with tight fitting lid. Compatible with rays, sharks, and other large fish.	7000250000000000000♠250 cm (98,4 in)
Jeweled moray eel		Muraena lentiginosa	No	Easy		6999610000000000000♠61 cm (24,0 in)
Kidako moray eel		Gymnothorax kidako	No	Easy		6999910000000000000♠91 cm (35,8 in)
Peppered moray		Gymnothorax picta	No	Moderate		7000135000000000000♠135 cm (53,1 in)
Snowflake eel		Echidna nebulosa	May eat shrimp if underfed	Easy	A pebble-tooth moray that generally eats crustaceans and similar. Safer in reef aquariums than other species but be prepared to remove it in case it starts to eat desired invertebrates.	7000100000000000000♠100 cm (39,4 in)
Spotted garden-eel		Taenioconger hassi	With Caution	Difficult	Rarely available, best avoided by inexperienced aquarists	6999400000000000000♠40 cm (15,7 in)
Spotted Snake eel		Myrichthys maculosus	No	Moderate	Requires at least six in of substrate	7000100000000000000♠100 cm (39,4 in)
Tessalata eel, or laced moray		Gymnothorax favagineus	No	Easy		7000300000000000000♠300 cm (118,1 in)
Yellowhead moray eel		Gymnothorax fimbriatus	No	Easy		6999800000000000000♠80 cm (31,5 in)
Yellow mouth moray eel		Gymnothorax nudivomer	No	Intermediate		7000178000000000000♠178 cm (70,1 in)
Whitemouth moray eel		Gymnothorax meleagris	With Caution	Intermediate		7000120000000000000♠120 cm (47,2 in)
Carpet eel-blenny		Congrogadus subducens	No	Easy	Actually a Dottyback, but has the body shape of an eel.	6999450000000000000♠45 cm (17,7 in)
Zebra moray		Gymnomuraena zebra	No	Easy	One of the easier moray eels to keep, is usually safe with most fish but will eat most invertebrates.	7000150000000000000♠150 cm (59,1 in)

A Orangespotted Filefish

Less often kept than their relatives the Triggerfish and Puffers there are many filefish that make good aquarium residents, and a few that require specialized diets making it hard to sustain them in an aquarium.[65][66]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Clown filefish		Cantherhines dumerili	Caution	Easy		6999380000000000000♠38 cm (15,0 in)
Colored filefish		Pervagor melanocephalus	Caution	Easy		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Fantail orange filefish		Pervagor spilosoma	No	Easy		6999180000000000000♠18 cm (7,1 in)
Horseshoe filefish		Meuschenia hippocrepis	No	Intermediate		6999510000000000000♠51 cm (20,1 in)
Jade filefish		Paramonacanthus japonicus	No	Intermediate		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Mimic filefish		Paraluteres prionurus	No	Intermediate		6999110000000000000♠11 cm (4,3 in)
Orangespotted filefish		Oxymonacanthus longirostris	No	Expert		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Tassle filefish		Chaetodermis penicilligerus	Caution	Easy		6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)

See Rabbitfish

A Giant Anglerfish

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.[67]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Longlure frogfish		Antennarius multiocellatus	No	Difficult
Giant anglerfish		Antennarius commerson	No	Intermediate		6999380000000000000♠38 cm (15,0 in)
Sargassum frogfish		Histrio histrio	No	Difficult		6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Striated frogfish		Antennarius striatus	No	Moderate		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Wartskin frogfish		Antennarius maculatus	No	Moderate	Has the ability to change color to match its surrounding.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)

A Yellow Goatfish

While not as common a choice for aquariums as many other species, they are typically hardy and brightly colored[68]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Bicolor goatfish		Parupeneus barberinoides	With Caution	Moderate		6999250000000000000♠25 cm (9,8 in)
Goldsaddle goatfish		Parupeneus cyclostomus	With Caution	Difficult		6999510000000000000♠51 cm (20,1 in)
Manybar goatfish		Parupeneus multifasciatus	With Caution	Moderate		6999300000000000000♠30 cm (11,8 in)
Yellow back goatfish		Parupeneus barberinus	With Caution	Easy		6999410000000000000♠41 cm (16,1 in)

Typically are hardy and do not harm invertebrates which makes them a good choice of fish for a reef tank.[69][70]

A Hi Fin Red Banded goby

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Black barred convict goby		Priolepis nocturna	Yes	Easy		6998400000000000000♠4 cm (1,6 in)
Black clown goby		Gobiodon acicularis	Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue	Moderate	Similar to Yellow clown goby, but black
Bluespotted watchman goby		Cryptocentrus pavoninoides	Yes	Easy		6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Catalina goby		Lythrypnus dalli	Yes	Moderate	A cold water species	6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Cave transparent goby		Coryphopterus glaucofraenum	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Citron clown goby		Gobiodon citrinus	Mostly; can destroy unhealthy Acropora by laying its eggs in the coral's tissue	Moderate		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Court jester goby		Amblygobius rainfordi		Easy		6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Diagonal bar prawn goby		Amblyeleotris diagonalis	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Diamond watchman goby		Valenciennea puellaris	Yes	Easy	"Sleeper gobies"; burrow and sift sand constantly; very good algae eaters	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Dracula goby		Stonogobiops dracula	Yes	Moderate		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Engineer goby		Pholidichthys leucotaenia	Yes	Easy to Moderate	Not actually a goby but from closely related family Pholidichthys. Small burrowing goby but they can get large.
Gold neon eviota goby		Eviota pellucida	Yes	Easy		6998300000000000000♠3 cm (1,2 in)
Green banded goby		Elacatinus multifasciatus	Yes	Moderate	Small burrowing goby with green vertical stripes	6998350000000000000♠3,5 cm (1,4 in)
Green clown goby		Gobiodon atrangulatus	Yes	Easy		6998400000000000000♠4 cm (1,6 in)
Hector's goby		Amblygobius hectori	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Hi fin red banded goby		Stonogobiops nematodes	Yes	Easy		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Neon goby		Elacatinus oceanops	Yes	Easy	A Caribbean cleaner species that sometimes eats larger parasites from other fish.
Orange marked goby		Amblygobius decussatus	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Orange spotted goby		Amblyeleotris guttata	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Orange stripe prawn goby		Amblyeleotris randalli	Yes	Easy		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Pinkspotted shrimp goby		Gobius melanopus	May eat ornamental shrimp	Easy	White fish with pink bands around the body and pink spots on face and fins. One of the most handsome members of the group.	6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Pinkbar goby		Cryptocentrus aurora	Yes	Easy		6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Red head goby		Elacatinus puncticulatus	Yes	Easy	A small goby that can clean like the neon goby but is easily frightened. Often said to 'disappear' in a larger tank, as it never swims out into view.	6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Red striped goby		Trimma cana	Yes	Easy		6998300000000000000♠3 cm (1,2 in)
Sleeper banded goby		Amblygobius phalaena	Yes	Easy		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Sleeper blue dot goby		Valenciennea sexguttata	Yes	Easy		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Sleeper gold head goby		Valenciennea strigata	Yes	Moderate		6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Sleeper railway glider goby		Valenciennea helsdingeni	Yes	Easy		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Sleeper striped goby		Valenciennea longipinnis	Yes	Easy		6999150000000000000♠15 cm (5,9 in)
Steinitz goby		Amblyeleotris steinitzi	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Tangaroa goby		Ctenogobiops tangaroai	Yes	Easy		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)
Tiger watchman goby		Valenciennea wardii	Yes	Easy		6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Two spot goby		Signigobius biocellatus	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Wheeler's watchman goby		Amblyeleotris wheeleri	Yes	Easy		6998800000000000000♠8 cm (3,1 in)
Yellow watchman goby		Cryptocentrus cinctus	Yes	Moderate	A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that can form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp	6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Yasha goby		Stonogobiops yasha	Yes		A species of "watchman" or "shrimp" goby that will form a symbiotic relationship with the red and white banded pistol shrimp, Alpheus randalli.	6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Yellow clown goby		Gobiodon okinawae	Yes	Moderate	Small yellow fish that likes branching corals	6998350000000000000♠3,5 cm (1,4 in)
Yellow priolepis goby		Priolepis aureoviridis	Yes	Easy		6998600000000000000♠6 cm (2,4 in)
Yellow stripe clingfish		Diademichthys lineatus	Yes	Easy		6998500000000000000♠5 cm (2,0 in)

A spotted hawkfish

Attractive and relatively small, Hawkfish make excellent additions to fish only or FOWLR aquariums. With extreme caution taken, they could be kept in reef aquariums, but because of their propensity to eat small ornamental shrimps and other mobile invertebrates (usually leaving sessile invertebrates alone) they are not considered reef safe. Lacking a swim bladder, Hawkfish can often be found resting in crevices of rocks or among the branches of corals or gorgonians. Hawkfish are easy to care for and not picky at all about water quality. A varied diet, including spirulina and small meaty foods like Mysis is recommended.[71]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Arc eye hawkfish		Paracirrhites arcatus	Caution; will eat shrimp[51]:127	Easy[51]:127	Brown to yellow body with reddish dorsal fin, distinctive white caudal fin, and small semicircular marking behind eye.	6999200000000000000♠20 cm (7,9 in)
Blood red hawkfish		Cirrhitichthys fasciatus	Caution; will eat shrimp[51]:123	Easy[51]:123		6999127000000000000♠12,7 cm (5,0 in)
Coral hawkfish		Cirrhitichthys oxycephalus	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:122	Easy[51]:122		6998850000000000000♠8,5 cm (3,3 in)
Falco's hawkfish		Cirrhitichthys falco	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:122	Easy[51]:122		6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)
Flame hawkfish		Neocirrhitus armatus	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:125	Easy[51]:125	Striking red body with black on fin tips and yellow lips.	6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Freckled hawkfish		Paracirrhites forsteri	Caution; will eat shrimp[51]:128	Easy[51]:128		6999225000000000000♠22,5 cm (8,9 in)
Golden hawkfish		Paracirrhites xanthus	Caution; will eat shrimp[51]:128	Easy[51]:128		6999120000000000000♠12 cm (4,7 in)
Longnose hawkfish		Oxycirrhites typus	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:126	Easy[51]:126	White with red lattice-like markings resembling a grid. Nose is elongated and tissue between the spines of the dorsal fin is missing.	6999130000000000000♠13 cm (5,1 in)
Lyretail hawkfish		Cirrhitichthys polyactis	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:124	Easy[51]:124		6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Redspotted hawkfish		Amblycirrhitus pinos	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:120	Easy[51]:120		6998950000000000000♠9,5 cm (3,7 in)
Spotted hawkfish		Cirrhitichthys aprinus	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:122	Easy[51]:122	Bright red with distinctive diamond shaped markings down back, becoming darker towards the topside of body.	6999125000000000000♠12,5 cm (4,9 in)
Whitespot hawkfish		Paracirrhites hemistictus	Caution; will eat shrimp[51]:128	Easy[51]:128		6999290000000000000♠29 cm (11,4 in)
Yellow hawkfish		Cirrhitichthys aureus	Caution; may eat small shrimp[51]:122	Easy[51]:122		6998700000000000000♠7 cm (2,8 in)

A Yellowhead jawfish

Jawfish are burrowers and require a sandy substrate of sufficient depth.[72]

Common name	Image	Taxonomy	Reef safe	Care Level	Description	Max size
Black cap jawfish		Opistognathus lonchurus	Almost always	Moderate	Requires a 30 gallon tank and 3 inç (7,6 cm) substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded. May eat small shrimp.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)
Blue dot jawfish		Opistognathus rosenblatti	Yes	Moderate		6998900000000000000♠9 cm (3,5 in)
Dusky jawfish		Opistognathus whitehurstii	Yes	Moderate	Requires a 30 gallon tank and 3 inç (7,6 cm) sand substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded.	6999140000000000000♠14 cm (5,5 in)
Yellowhead jawfish		Opistognathus aurifrons	Yes	Moderate	Requires a 30 gallon tank and 5-7 inç (13-18 cm) soft substrate. Tank should remain tightly lidded.	6999100000000000000♠10 cm (3,9 in)

A radiata lionfish

"Lionfish" specifically refer to the genus Pterois within the family Scorpaenidae. They have venomous spines and should be treated with caution.[73] Other species within Scorpaenidae but outside Pterois may also have "lionfish" in their common names.