When we say a marine fish is “reef safe,” we usually mean that it won’t eat the corals or other sessile invertebrates that we keep in reef systems. Using that definition, we can easily determine that, for example, the peaceful, planktivorous purple dartfish (Nemateleotris decora) is completely reef safe but the exquisite butterflyfish (Chaetodon austriacus), an obligate corallivore, is most decidedly not reef safe. But sometimes fishes fall into more of a gray area with respect to reef-appropriateness. Depending on the particular setup and invertebrate livestock kept, some species (or individuals within a species) may cause problems in reef systems. Here are just a few examples: Coral/clam nippers Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)Fish don’t always have to outright eat coral polyps in order to prove problematic in a reef tank. Some have the proclivity to just nip at fleshy invertebrates, such as LPS corals and the mantles of giant clams, which irritates them and can cause them to remain contracted. More: 5 Types of Marine Fish that are Reef Safe with Caveats… More:
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