24- Scissortail Dartfish
Ptereleotris evides
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5½"
Color Form: Blue, Purple, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, Vanuatu
Family: Gobiidae (Microdesmidae)
The Longnose Hawkfish has a white body with red striping that runs both horizontally and vertically. They have great personalities and are very interesting to watch. They are also the only Hawkfish reported to have spawned in captivity.
A 30 gallon or larger aquarium is acceptable, and should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent escape. The Longnose Hawkfish is a hardy, semi-aggressive fish but other larger hawkfish will overpower it. Although it eats small fish and shrimp, it makes an excellent reef inhabitant under the proper conditions. It likes to be perch on and be camouflaged by the Red Gorgonian Sea Fan or other similar decor.
The Longnose Hawkfish diet should include a variety of marine meats, frozen preparations, and live feeder shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4" to 2-3/4"; Large: 2-3/4" to 4"
23- Longnose Hawkfish
Oxycirrhites typus
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Central America, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Sumatra
Family: Cirrhitidae
The Scissortail Goby, also known as the Scissortail Dartfish, has a white head and blue body with large dorsal and anal fins.
It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out of the tank. It requires ample swimming room and a sand bottom for burrowing. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
The Scissortail Goby diet should include chopped or shaved seafood, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4"
25-Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus carpenteri
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Cebu, Sumatra
Family: Labridae
The Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse, also known as the Carpenter's Wrasse, or Redfin Flasher Wrasse, is orange with blue vertical stripes as a juvenile. As the fish matures and becomes an adult, the coloration becomes yellow with a series of broken blue horizontal stripes. The dorsal fin features three elongated rays and is red in color accented with yellows and blues. The colors of the adult males intensify when in courtship, whereas the females coloration and overall appearance are more subdued. The females also do not feature the large dorsal and anal fins.
The Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse requires a 55 gallon or larger aquarium with a tight-fitting lid since it is a jumper. A grouping is acceptable and often recommended, since the females will encourage the male to perform colorful displays. The females should be introduced into the tank first. It is often harassed by other fish so the Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse should be the first species introduced into the aquarium. It is best to keep it with peaceful tank mates.
The Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile/Female: 1-1/2" to 2"; Yong Male: 2" to 2-1/2" Male: 2-1/2" to 3"
26- McCosker's Flasher Wrasse
Paracheilinus mccoskeri
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Australia, Bali, Maldives, Sumatra, Vanuatu
Family: Labridae
The McCosker's Flasher Wrasse is an attractive reef-safe wrasse sure to be the star of your aquarium. This hardy wrasse species adapts well to established home aquariums, making it a beautiful and active addition. The vibrantly colored male McCosker's Flasher Wrasse is predominantly red/orange with blue, horizontal stripes that complement its yellow stomach. The orange dorsal fin is accented with red, yellow, and blue and features a single elongated ray. A gorgeous, red band across the orange anal fin creates an impressive and bold color palette. The female coloration and overall appearance is more subdued. The females also do not feature the large dorsal and anal fins.
The McCosker's Flasher Wrasse requires a 55 gallon aquarium (or larger) with a tight-fitting lid since it is a jumper. Often found along reef slopes and rubble zones, the McCosker's Flasher Wrasse will often swim near the bottom and tends to form small groups where a male swims back and forth between groups of females. The colors of an adult male intensifies during courtship and he may flare or "flash" his fins to attract females. We recommend only one male per aquarium display.
The McCosker's Flasher Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4" Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2" Large: 2-1/2" to 3"
27- Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus solorensis
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Labridae
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is also known as the Tricolor Fairy Wrasse, Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, or Red-eyed Fairy Wrasse. Some aquarists consider it to be another color form of the Blueside Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura). The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse has a blue body with bright red running along the dorsal edge and a shining yellow-orange face. Colors may vary to other blues and purples depending on the fish's mood. When courting, the male will display an increased color intensity.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse will thrive in either a fish-only or reef aquarium of 75 gallons or larger. It needs a shaded area away from the bright lights. They will not bother corals or invertebrates, making them an ideal fish for the reef aquarium. These wrasse like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2' Medium: 2" to 3" Large: 3" to 4"
28- Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse
Cirrhilabrus cf cyanopleura
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Coral Sea
Family: Labridae
The Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse is a peaceful fish that will make a beautiful addition to your aquarium. The Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse has a blue body with red/orange running along the dorsal edge and a shining red face. Colors may vary to other blues and purples depending on the fish's mood. When courting, the male will display an increased color intensity.
The Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse will thrive in either a fish-only or reef aquarium of 90 gallons or larger. It needs a shaded area away from the bright lights. They will not bother corals or invertebrates, making them an ideal fish for the reef aquarium. These wrasse like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.
The Ruby Head Fairy Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2' Medium: 2" to 3" Large: 3" to 4"; XLarge: 4” to 5”
29- Six Line Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Kenya, Maldives
Family: Labridae
The Six Line Wrasse is both beautiful and active. With its six distinct, horizontal blue lines overlaid against an orange body, this member of the Labridae family brings a zip of color to any marine reef aquarium. This is especially true when a courting male Six Line Wrasse displays an increased color intensity. However, it is the active darting amongst rock outcroppings and corals that most attracts the Six Line Wrasse to any onlooker.
Also known as the Sixline or Sixstripe Wrasse,Pseudocheilinus hexataenia is native to reefs of the Indo-Pacific and the coast of Fiji. Here, the Six Line Wrasse forages amongst corals and rocks for foods, mainly keeping to itself. In the home aquarium, the Six Line Wrasse requires a peaceful environment with a generous supply of hiding places and live rock on which they can forage for food. Here, the Six Line Wrasse will search for live foods in the form of small crustaceans such as pyramidellid snails (clam parasites), urchins, and commensal flatworms. The Six Line Wrasse is also known to feed on unwanted pests on live rock, such as bristleworms.
Though generally peaceful, the Six Line Wrasse may act aggressively towards peaceful Wrasses and other easily-intimidated fish, especially if inadequately fed or if its habitat is void of places in which it can hide.
The Six Line Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 1" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
30- Chalk Bass
Serranus tortugarum
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Purple
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
Family: Serranidae
The Chalk Bass, from the Caribbean, is one of the smaller bass within this family, and is a great fish for beginners. The body is orange in color with a purple mid-section. Electric blue vertical bands, which add to their appeal, accentuate these fish.
A 30-gallon aquarium, with plenty of live rock for hiding, is ideal for the Chalk bass. They are not aggressive towards other fish, and multiple specimens can be added to the aquarium, as long as it is at the same time. They will not pick at corals or sessile invertebrates, and are a great fish for the reef aquarium. Larger specimens may attack small shrimps, especially those within the Periclimenes genus.
An extremely hardy fish, the Chalk Bass requires a diet consisting of a variety of chopped meaty items, vitamin enriched brine and mysis shrimp and flake foods.
31- Lantern Bass
Serranus baldwini
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4½"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Red, Tan
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean, Tropical Western Atlantic
Family: Serranidae
The Lantern Bass, from the Caribbean, is one of the smaller bass within this family, and is a great fish for beginners. The body is mottled with orange, black and brown markings, and is elongated in form. These fish are very disease resistant, and should not be kept in an aquarium with small shrimp or fish.
A 30-gallon saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding is ideal for the Lantern bass. They can be aggressive towards other smaller fish, and multiple specimens can be added to the aquarium, as long as it is at the same time. They will not pick at corals or sessile invertebrates, and are a great fish for the reef aquarium that does not contain small fish or shrimp.
An extremely hardy fish, the Lantern Bass requires a diet consisting of a variety of chopped meaty items, vitamin enriched brine and mysis shrimp and flake foods.
Approximate purchase size: Small 3/4" to 1 1/4" Medium 1 1/4" to 2" Large 2" to 3"
32- One Spot Foxface
Siganus unimaculatus :
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 7"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Eastern Asia
Family: Siganidae
The graceful One Spot Foxface features a distinct "eyespot" on its body. Also called the Blotched Foxface, the One Spot Foxface is extremely similar in appearance to the Foxface Lo, except for the aforementioned spot. Natural variation of this dark spot can range from an almost symmetrical circle to a "free-formed" blotch to give each fish a unique and individual appearance.
House the One Spot Foxface in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The One Spot Foxface may be housed with more aggressive fish since predators and aggressors will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, they may nip at or consume some species of LPS and soft coral polyps.
The diet of the One Spot Foxface should include fresh vegetables and algae. Provide a variety of prepared herbivore foods rich in vegetable matter and supplement diet with algae sheets to help reduce potential nipping damage to soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Sm 1-1/2" - 2" Md 2" - 2 1/2" Lg 2 1/2" - 3"
33- Exquisite Firefish
Nemateleotris exquisita
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Purple, Red, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Maldives
Family: Gobiidae
The Exquisite Firefish, is the Western Indian Ocean relative of the more common and similar looking Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) but is brighter yellow than the Western Pacific Purple Firefish. The Exquisite Firefish is also known to inhabit deeper water and grow slightly larger than the Western Pacific Purple Firefish. Other distinguishing characteristics of the Exquisite Firefish include being a bit more slender, having a shorter face and first dorsal fin.
It requires a 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble as part of the aquascape, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out of the tank. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
The Exquisite Firefish will feed mostly on prey suspended in the water column, but will pick food off the substrate. Its varied diet should consist of enriched mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped or shaved seafood, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. The vibrant coloring may fade under intense illumination and if the diet is not fortified with vitamin supplements.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-3/4" to 2-3/4"
34- Humu Picasso Triggerfish
Rhinecanthus aculeatus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Maldives, Tahiti
Family: Balistidae
The Humu Picasso Triggerfish, also known as the Humuhumu Triggerfish or Picasso Triggerfish, has a wacky, painted appearance. It has a tan body with gradient dark bands, and vibrant blue and black stripes on the top of the head, with a yellow stripe from cheek to cheek and deeply set-back eyes.
A 180 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves provides a good habitat. It will rearrange the landscaping and rocks as it wanders in and out of the caves. It vocalizes using a "grunting" sound. The Humu Picasso Triggerfish makes a great conversation piece.
The Humu Picasso Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium/Large 3" to 3 3/4"; Large: 3 3/4" to 4 1/2"; X Large 4 1/2" to 5 1/2"
35- Niger Triggerfish
Odonus niger
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Blue, Green, Purple
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Balistidae
The Niger Trigger or Redtooth Trigger is a striking fish for the home aquarium. The exact color of the Niger Triggerfish varies in this species of fish, and can also change from day to day between purple, blue and blue/green with a striking, lighter blue highlight on the fins and long tail lobes. The color temperature of the lighting also plays a role in the coloration of any fish in the home aquarium. As an adult, they acquire bright red teeth, and are normally dark purple in color with a blue/green highlight around their face making them quite interesting to watch when they eat.
The Niger Triggerfish requires a 180 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves for hiding, and may rearrange the landscaping and rocks. It vocalizes using a "grunting" sound. They are a great active fish for the more aggressive, fish-only display.
The Niger Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Medium/Large: 3" to 4"; Large: 4" to 5"; X Large: 5" to 7"
36- Foxface Lo
Siganus vulpinus
Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Siganidae
The Foxface Lo, also known as the Foxface Rabbitfish, has a very unique body color. It has a mottled yellow-brown body with a dark chest. The face is very light in color and speckled on the lower half. They are a very hardy fish, and are great additions to the newly-established tank.
It may reside in a 125 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Foxface Lo may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The Foxface Lo diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and undesirable species of algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 2-3/4" to 4"; Large: 4" to 7"
37- Blue Spotted Rabbitfish
Siganus corallinus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Color Form: Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Siganidae
The Blue Spotted Rabbitfish, also known as the Blue Spotted Spinefoot, usually travels in pairs among the reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. It has an oblong shape to its body which is yellow, as the fish matures a beautiful series of blue spots will begin to appear that will cover the entire body.
It requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Blue Spotted Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines which it can raise when disturbed. Care must be taken when handling this fish to avoid the possibility of being stung by its venomous spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"
38-Two Barred Rabbitfish
Siganus virgatus
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 11"
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Central Pacific, Fiji
Family: Siganidae
The Two Barred Rabbitfish, also known as the Barred Spinefoot, usually travels in pairs among the reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. It has an oblong shape to its body and has a beautiful series of blue markings with a yellow back and tail. The eyes of this fish are masked by a black stripe that extends from the bottom of the mouth to the top of the head, and has a matching black stripe behind the gill plate.
It requires a 180-gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other Rabbitfish. The Two Barred Rabbitfish may be housed with more aggressive fish and can be kept in pairs. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines, which it can raise when disturbed. Care must be taken when handling this fish to avoid the possibility of being stung by its venomous spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed, and they will eat all kinds of macro-algae and even bubble algae. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
Its diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 5"
Videos about Marine Fishes for beginners :