Care
Feb 2, 2026
What Fish Are Safe to Keep with Corals?
Quick Answer
Most clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, and wrasses are reef-safe. Avoid butterflyfish, large angelfish, triggers, and puffers as they often eat corals.
The term "reef safe" means a fish won't harm your corals, clams, or other invertebrates. However, no fish is 100% guaranteed—individual behavior varies.
Best Reef-Safe Fish
These species are widely considered safe for coral tanks:
- Clownfish - The quintessential reef fish. All species are safe.
- Gobies - Watchman, firefish, clown gobies are all excellent choices
- Blennies - Midas, tailspot, and starry blennies add personality
- Cardinalfish - Peaceful schooling fish, great in groups
- Wrasses - Fairy wrasses and flasher wrasses are safe; avoid large species
- Chromis - Hardy schooling fish with minimal coral risk
- Anthias - Colorful schoolers for larger tanks
- Tangs - Most are reef-safe and help control algae
Proceed with Caution
These fish are sometimes reef-safe, but require careful selection:
- Dwarf Angelfish - Some nip at corals (flame angels are hit-or-miss)
- Hawkfish - Safe with corals but may eat shrimp
- Dottybacks - Can be aggressive to tankmates
Fish to Avoid in Reef Tanks
These fish will likely eat or damage your corals:
- Butterflyfish - Most species eat coral polyps
- Large Angelfish - Emperor, queen, and similar species graze on corals
- Triggers - Will eat invertebrates and rearrange your rockwork
- Puffers - Eat coral, shrimp, snails, and crabs
- Filefish - Most species pick at coral polyps
Tips for Success
- Research each species before buying—don't trust store labels alone
- Keep fish well-fed to reduce grazing behavior
- Watch new additions closely for the first few weeks
- Browse reef-safe fish on ReefBay from trusted sellers
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