Not all fish are "reef safe". Many of them will devour corals, consume fish and otherwise destroy other tank inhabitants. The fish species listed here are some (not all, by any means) generally considered by experienced reef tank keepers to be safe for reef tanks.
More: Reef Safe Invertebrates Many innocent looking invertebrates can ruin a beautiful reef tank faster than you might think possible. Here are some interesting critters which are more compatible with corals and other life in your tank.
More: Reef Safe Rock and Glass Cleaners Some critters spend all of their time sifting through sand, looking for food. Rock and Glass Cleaners spend their time browsing for algae on the aquarium walls and rocks, preferring to avoid the substrate. Reef Safe Algae Eaters do it without destroying your corals and other tank inhabitants.
Forums: Reef vs Fish?? ... but in asking further questions was told that the reef tank severely hindered the types of fish I can put in it ...
Photo by Frank Ungaro
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I keep a 55 Gal Reef Tank with 100lbs Fiji Tukani Liverock & 20 Gal Sump with protein skimmer. I have had luck with Clown fish, Naso Tang, Redspotted Goby, Damsels, 5 line Wrasse, Dragon Wrasse, File fish, Orange banded Cardinals, Longleg crag, Blue Hermit Crab, Holoween Hermit Crab, Emerald Crab and Coral Banded Shrimp, Tile Star, Redspiney Star, Sand Star as well as Anemone and several soft coral species. Did not have luck with Blue Tang and Coralbeauty angelfish. Feed with Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, Formula One mix, Emerald mix, and liquid feeds for corals. Have read several blogs cautioning using bloodworms… does not have nutritional value for tangs and is not a natural food found in Ocean. Reef communities are a guessing game, there are Rogue fish in all species who can decimate your tank…. Good Luck = )