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In going about putting together a stocking plan for one’s captive reef,
a prominent question is “what will likely “get along” with what?” My
working definition for “reef safe” are organisms that ninety some
percent plus of the time will not consume “corals”, nor stocked
crustaceans (e.g. Hermits), nor Mollusks or purposeful worms (for
instance, Featherdusters) Whereas there are fishes and invertebrates
that live on little else than “corals”, there are others that for the
most part avoid consuming these.
For neophytes, folks new to the reef aquarium hobby especially, it’s
especially important to give guidance, narrow selection of new livestock
to species that are likely for one to live, and secondarily to “live and
let live”. There are whole families of fishes that eat “other” organisms
for you to select from (Zooplanktivores, macroalgae consumers,
whole-fish predators…). Here is a brief review of better choices, more
likely “reef safe” fishes to choose amongst. System Size, Decor Matters:
An important component of “reef safe ness” should be stated; and that is
the issue of how much room and décor there is in a system. There’s a
positive correlation, strong in some cases, between volume,
environmental “break-up” and the likelihood of tank-mates peacefully
co-existing. Basically this is the same olde argument that “bigger is
better”. More space not only reduces aggression, but anomalous chewing,
eating behavior. Investigate the space requirements of your livestock
and only place what can fit at likely full size. Reef Safe Damsels:
Most Damselfish genera are too territorial, scrappy, just plain mean to
suggest for home reefs, but there are some kinder, gentler shoaling ones
that are staples. The best is the genus Chromis. Kept in small odd
numbers (5, 7, 9…) they make gorgeous displays, and will not harm
corals… In fact, they live within the branches of stony corals in the
wild.
Blennioids/Gobioids:
As space is limited, I’ll limit my mention to only a favorite genus
here; though many, if not most of the thousands of species in these two
sub-orders are quite reef-safe (with some notable exceptions, e.g.
Exallias brevis).
Ecsenius blennies, like the Midas and so many more, are great animals
for reefs, staying small, hardy, being colorful and well-marked, comical
and quite active once settled in. These intelligent fishes mostly
consume smallish zooplankton in the wild; not much algae as given by
many references.
Basses, Small and Large:
Fancy Basses, subfamily Anthiinae are almost all shoaling/schooling
species; some much easier to keep than others. In particular w/ ones
living in groups, the onus is on you to secure healthy, not-too-thin
individuals, mostly female and sexually undifferentiated, w/ at most one
alpha male per system.
An exception in this subfamily is the Fathead or Sunburst Anthias,
Serranocirrhitus latus.
Larger basses and groupers, the rest of the family
Serranidae are reef safe in terms of leaving stinging-celled life alone.
They may inhale tasty crustaceans and mollusks however. Butterflyfishes:
Though there are some obligate corallivorous Butterfly fish species
(ones basically ONLY eating coral polyps) there are a number of
relatively “reef safe” species as well. Two most popular Henis, Heniochus acuminatus
and H. diphreutes are zooplanktivorous, spending a good deal of the
moving current time in mid water, catching foods.
Genus Hemitaurichthys; not super-popular, the
Pyramid Butterflyfish, H. polylepis, and the more drab H. Prognathodes, Roaops… these more rare genera,
species are good bets for reef systems of size as well.
Seahorses and Pipefishes:
Though they’re not good choices to keep w/ fast-moving
aggressive-feeders that will out-compete them these tube-mouthed fishes
are fine w/ corals, small/er crustaceans, mollusks and worms. Other than
having to be trained on other than small zoo-plankton foods, they’re
undemanding in terms of water conditions. My strongest urging is for
you to look for and purchase tank bred and reared specimens. These are
FAR hardier and well-conditioned to accept frozen/defrosted foods.
<Clay, I’ve included a few pix for you to choose from, but have MANY
more if you’d like more selection>
Small to Large Anglerfishes, Family
Antennariidae:
Though decidedly not active swimmers, this family has some gorgeous
members, and all species are great conversation/character items. Some
grow to no more than a couple inches and others to more than a foot.
Here I’ll share a couple of images of a mid-sized species, Antennarius
pictus; like most Anglers, occurring in a myriad of colours and
patterns, depending on its immediate environment.
Cloze: This is but a brief scan of what’s available in the way of reef safe fish life; there are thousands of fishes suitable for our “small slices of the reef” in actuality. Think about this… most fishes that we keep as hobbyists, are collected on their natural reef habitats. Certainly there are species that capitalize of the many “corals” to be found there, as well as other common aquarium specimens such as shrimps, snails, tube-worms. But, assuredly there are whole fish groups and species within families that don’t ingest them at all. Your job as the creator of your marine system is to investigate which species are more likely to get along with your “A” choices that you’ve placed or intend to add. Think and search for fishes that principally feed on zooplankton, attached algae, whole other fishes...
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