What’s your favorite reef safe fish?

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As the title says. I’m planning on upgrading my tank up to a 120g soon, complete w/ sps, lps, and softies. Buuut I’ve had to rehome so many fish who were supposed to be mostly reef safe, who immediately decided to chow down on my zoas and nip my hammers. I’m looking for some opinions on some nice fish who’ve been model citizens in your experience.
 
As the title says. I’m planning on upgrading my tank up to a 120g soon, complete w/ sps, lps, and softies. Buuut I’ve had to rehome so many fish who were supposed to be mostly reef safe, who immediately decided to chow down on my zoas and nip my hammers. I’m looking for some opinions on some nice fish who’ve been model citizens in your experience.
Marine Betta (Thus the profile name)
 
Ocellaris clownfish, royal gramma, dartfish
 
@code4 You have a Purple Masked Angel from them? How’s it doing? Did it take pellets from the start?

Also recall you downsized a bit, IIRC. What do you have currently?

I see the Purple Masked and Multi-Bars being sold at pretty small sizes, 1” or sub-1 inch.
 
Captive bred fish are more likely to behave. Mandarins, clown fish, purple firefish, royal gramma and so far my purple masked angel from Biota.
I don't know if I can agree with that, captive bred fish are not bio-engineered and not cultured in a test tube, they're bred from a male and female naturally just like in the ocean, but in captivity. Those fish have natural instincts, given enough time they will learn to sample things in your tank just like a wild caught fish will. The tigers born at the zoo will eventually eat their keepers if given the opportunity. 😉
 
For ones I’ve had? Yellow watchman goby

If we count ones I don’t have? Blennies would be up there for me
 
I don't know if I can agree with that, captive bred fish are not bio-engineered and not cultured in a test tube, they're bred from a male and female naturally just like in the ocean, but in captivity. Those fish have natural instincts, given enough time they will learn to sample things in your tank just like a wild caught fish will. The tigers born at the zoo will eventually eat their keepers if given the opportunity. 😉
I agree with you to a point. I have had several Regal angels years ago. Small ones were always easier to get to eat. I assumed the older ones were more set in their ways. In my limited experience with the Captive bred ones if kept well fed they haven't begun to eat corals.

I agree that they could. I do assume the risk. And do only purchase those that are less likely to make a meal of my corals. And I believe I have a better chance if they have never eaten corals before and are well fed.

The lions are still fed meat. 🤣
 
Lyretail anthias
+1 for Anthais.
IMG_1387.jpeg
 
@code4 You have a Purple Masked Angel from them? How’s it doing? Did it take pellets from the start?

Also recall you downsized a bit, IIRC. What do you have currently?

I see the Purple Masked and Multi-Bars being sold at pretty small sizes, 1” or sub-1 inch.
The first purple didn't make it and Biota replaced it. Yes it was less than an inch. I placed the second in a fully cycled 20 gallon with sand and rock work. No large fish to scare it. It would eat anything. Pellets were ground up small at first. I almost always feed frozen food though. And gave it several small feedings daily at first.
Bandit is currently close to 3 inches in my display. He picks occasionally at things but nothing much. I have him with a CBB, Yellow Tang a Melanours wrasse and some smaller fish. Not positive how long I have had it. Close to 2 years. Maybe more. Tank went through some bad dinos and is cleaner now.

IMG_5642.jpeg
 
Currently I have a IM 100 gallon.
 
@Zionas here is little Bandit swimming with his tank mates
 

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As the title says. I’m planning on upgrading my tank up to a 120g soon, complete w/ sps, lps, and softies. Buuut I’ve had to rehome so many fish who were supposed to be mostly reef safe, who immediately decided to chow down on my zoas and nip my hammers. I’m looking for some opinions on some nice fish who’ve been model citizens in your experience.
in general, blennies. They have the most personality. I really love my Ocellaris clown pair though. I know clowns are ubiquitous but pound for pound they are terrific.

Best color- wrasses
Most impressive is probably tangs for me. Though a 120 limits you a bit with them. A Tomini, yellow, and maybe 1-2 others would be great in that tank.
 
Royal Gramma.

Might not be reef safe consistently, Flame Angel. I have never considered buy a bigger tank because of one fish. The heart wants what the heart wants. 💙❤️
 

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