The TOP 3 fish for your saltwater reef aquarium are...

[Obsessed with fish]

Ny damsel fish told me they were offended that you forgot them

 

[Sleepingtiger]

I think everyone here should rethink Butterflyfish and add them to your tank... I have a Margined Coralfish, Copperband, and Yellow Longnose butterfly in my new reef tank. Their movements and abilities to fight aiptasia in a reef tank are very important. Their snouts are also able to clean between rockwork where no other fish can access. In my opinion you are really missing out without Butterflyfish...

If you ever have issues getting a Butterflyfish to feed all you need are some clams or cockles.

Would have to put Regal Angelfish and my baby Emperor Angelfish at #2 spot. Followed by the tangs at #3: Purple, Naso, Blue.

Do you have an issue with your longnose eating corals?

 

[Ro Bow]

Let me start by saying that I want specifics here people! For example if you think a surgeonfish is one of the top 3 fish don't tell me you like tangs, you have to pick a specific tang! Ok now that we have that out of the way let's proceed! Fish, fish, fish oh beautiful reef fish! A reef tank isn't a reef tank without beautiful fish swimming around in it. But which ones are a must have? Better yet which are the TOP 3? Let's talk about it!

What are your TOP 3 Reef Aquarium Fish and why is that? Remember to be specific about your choices!

Ok here is my answer:

Clownfish - Because a reef tank isn't a reef tank without them! The way their body moves as they swim is memorizing! They also have beautiful orange, white and black color patterns. And of course the way that they will make a home in anemones and other corals make them amazing in my book!

Yellow Belly Regal Tang - Because what is Nemo without Dory? No really it's because of the striking blue, yellow and black color pattern of this fish. In my experience the regal is mostly friendly and is super hardy as well. They are great algae eaters and you don't have to sacrifice looks for a good hard working fish! Just don't spoil it too much!

Flame Fairy Wrasse - Going to throw out a curve ball here and pick this wrasse as my third favorite fish for a reef tank for one major reason. They are so beautiful and photos do not do this justice! It's a peaceful wrasse and yes they are jumpers but they are stunningly beautiful fish!

So what are your top 3?

image via @PacificIslandAquatics

flashlight fish are pretty sweet

youtube.com/watch?v=rGaQZqec_JI

 

[cancun]

Angelfish- Passer Angel, one of the 3 Amigos from Baja California to the Galapagos, and the "poor man's" Clarion Angel. Great personality, but not reef safe, watch your corals.

Tangs - I personally love the Red Sea fish, so Red Sea Tangs are no exception. I have a Purple, Dejardini, and Sohol. The Purple and Dejardini do a great job at cleaning the rocks, and the Sohol cleans the back wall and sand.

Wrasses - I love Leopards, Tamarans, Anampses, Coris, and Halichoris Wrasses. All are disease resistant, active, smart, and beautiful!

 

[Flame2hawk]

1-Achilles tang- majestic, stoic, showpiece
2- paddle fin wrasse- multi color, movement, hardy
3- conspic angel- holy grail, trophy, friendly

 

[NabberNate]

my tank
1. copperband: love the coloring. active swimmer (never sleep) and rock picker getting any and all aips that escape the sump.
2. fox face: color. vibrant yellow. fun to watch. fin fanning warning it's mates off. very active swimming and picking at the rocks.
3: lyretail damsel: not many jet black fish that are reef safe. activity (shoaling/schooling) non- agressive

Lyretail...Need to check them out. Was interested in bluefin damsel because they get black when older but alas too much stress in my tank and pecked at coral.

 

[velvetelvis]

my tank
1. copperband: love the coloring. active swimmer (never sleep) and rock picker getting any and all aips that escape the sump.
2. fox face: color. vibrant yellow. fun to watch. fin fanning warning it's mates off. very active swimming and picking at the rocks.
3: lyretail damsel: not many jet black fish that are reef safe. activity (shoaling/schooling) non- agressive

How big do the lyretails get? I was considering getting a small group of the Biota-bred lyretails at one point.

 

[sp1187]

bought mine at 3/4" - 1".
had them for three years.
1" - 2" now.
five in the tank.
two have definitely paired up.

 

[Paston1]

Zebra family tang, dealers choice. Mouth shape helps with rock c

wrasse actually keeps the pest away

blennies help with that algae tangs don’t touch.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Gem Tang.

Copperband butterfly

Marine Betta

 

[shakacuz]

if i were to do it all over again, i would try and go for a: seahorse, pipe fish, dragonet tank.