- This group includes Surgeonfishes and Tangs, and some Blenny species.
Herbivores are the true algae eaters. They will consume various types of microalgae or decorative macroalgae growth in an aquarium, depending on what species you may have. Although not a usual trait of herbivores, in captivity sometimes an individual may nibble at tank fed meaty fares suitable for carnivores.
Generally herbivores are safe to keep in a reef tank with crustaceans and invertebrates, because these things are not on their diet preference list. They usually do not bother corals, but on a rare occasion, if underfed an individual may decide to nip at large stony and soft coral polyps, and possibly other sessile invertebrates. A prime example of this is when a hobbyist emailed to us concerned that his tang had eaten his feather dusters. Again, not a usual trait of tangs, but apparently it was hungry enough to do so.
Next Page > Omnivores - Meat and Algae Eaters
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