IDs and reef compatibility with corals and inverts

[JosephNg]

Hi folks, can you please name these two circled anthias? Are they reef safe as well? Because one of the local members sent us a video of the lighter colored one picked up on softies but I heard anthias were supposed to be reef safe and beginner-friendly.
Cheers!

 

[Isopod80]

Neither fish is an Anthias. The lighter is a Bluefin damsel the other appears to be a Caerulean damsel. Both are territorial and agressive. Some damsels are known to pick at polyps as well. While they're generally considered reef safe they aren't necessarily community safe.

 

[JosephNg]

Neither fish is an Anthias. The lighter is a Bluefin damsel the other appears to be a Caerulean damsel. Both are territorial and agressive. Some damsels are known to pick at polyps as well. While they're generally considered reef safe they aren't necessarily community safe.

Thank you for the clarification.

 

[Isopod80]

You're welcome. If you're a beginner then you're better off starting out with a few smaller, peaceful community fish for now.

 

[HeyLookItsCaps]

I would also, from personal experience anyway, say that anthias are not beginner friendly fish. I’ve always struggled to keep them and have given up.

 

[JosephNg]

I’ll keep that in mind. The tank has already occupied with 2 tangs and a pair of clowns so I thought it would be ideal to add a few more small ones. Seems like these damsels have to go haha.
Anyway, thank you, guys.

 

[fachatga]

Yeah. Plenty of small ones are still bullies.