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Reef Tank Safe Angelfish

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The smaller Angelfish species work well in larger reef tanks, however the larger species, such as the Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) will eat corals and shrimp and should be avoided. Even the smaller (Dwarf) Angels will occasionally pick at corals in a small tank unless they are well fed. The beautiful Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish is one of the few truly reef tank safe Angelfish which does not bother corals or other invertebrates.

Swallowtail Angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos)

Species: Genicanthus melanospilos© Debbie and Stan Hauter

The Swallowtail Angelfish is truly a reef safe fish, and is number one at the top of our list. This angel is naturally a planktivore, and often browses on diatom and filamentous algae in aquariums. Having this fish in our 92g reef tank, it has never bothered any of our soft and stony corals. Learn more by reading the "Personal Notes From Your Guides" section we have included in this fish's profile.

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Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosus)

Centropyge bispinosusby Keoki and Yuko Stender

The Coral Beauty is a favorite Genus Centropyge Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish species for aquariums due to its brilliant colors, hardiness, low price and ready availability. This fish is normally not as aggressive as many other Angelfishes, but some individual specimens may be territorial in smaller aquariums, particularly if they have been in the tank for a while.

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Fisher's Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri)

Keoki Stender

One of the smallest Genus Centropyge Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish species, the Fisher's Angel is normally not as aggressive as many other Angelfishes, but some individual specimens may be territorial in smaller aquariums, particularly towards more docile fish.

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Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissimus)

Photo by Keoki Stender
It is possible to keep a male-female pair or even a trio (one male-two females) of Lemonpeel Angelfishes in the same tank together, provided that it is a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places, and they are introduced into the aquarium at the same time. This species is well known for picking at ...
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Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)

Photo by Dan Amelung
This beautiful Angelfish is considered to be semi-aggressive, particularly in a smaller tank where its territory is challenged. Considered reef tank safe with caution, it may nip at clam mantles and stony and soft corals. A larger tank may help mitigate damage.
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Orangelined or Eibl's Angelfish (Centropyge eibli)

C. Martin
One of the larger Genus Centropyge Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish species, the Eibl's Angelfish adapts well to a peaceful aquarium environment with plenty of hiding places, but individuals may act aggressively towards smaller fish, particularly when confined in a small aquarium.
Read Full Orangelined or Eibl's Angelfish Profile

Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)

Image by Keoki and Yuko Stender
One of the more docile of Angelfish species, it does have a tendency to be aggressive towards other fish that have been introduced into the aquarium once it has become established. Although touted by aquarists to be a fairly good reef safe fish, it may nip at large polyped stony corals, Zoanthids, Tridacnid Clam mantles, and even some soft coral polyps. Therefore ...
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