reef safe non-agressive suggestions?

[Bandapin]

Hi there. I actually haven't started my aquarium yet, but I have been skimming through different types of fish to go in a 'mini-reef.' I've been having a some trouble finding what I'm looking for, or maybe my list of requirements is just too demanding. I'm looking for non-venomous, non-agressive fish that are reef and anenome safe. Any suggessitons would be appreciated. I have been thinking of a type pf clown, and yellow tang. That's all I've been able to come up with for some that won't grow too big and are firendly. Any help would be much appreciated. thanks!

forgot to mention, I'm planning on a 55 gallons tank

 

[The steven liu]

Whatever you do , do not get a yellow tang. They are unpredictable. I've heard bi-polar stories about them. The nice ones stay off inverts and the mean ones tear up everything. If you must get a tang, get a Kole tang. It is really peaceful and is one of the smallest tang you can find in the trade. In regards to the clowns, Do not get clarki as they can be terrors to other tankmates. My suggestion for fishes that fit into your list and are hardy under proper acclimation and care:
blue/green chromis, Kole Tang, Pajama cardinals, Firefish goby (you must have cover, these guys jump), Algae blenny, one of the sand gobies, Angels from the "Swallowtail" family (the only true reef safe angels), a Dragonet of some sort (make sure your tank is established for a year before you put this guy in), And a small clown (percula and ocellarius usually stay smaller, most others can get quite large and territorial and may become aggressive to other fishes).

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

IMO all tangs and swallowtail angels get too big for a 55. Most cardinals, perc clowns, fairy/flasher wrasse, most gobies and blennies, basslets, and jawfish are all great reef safe fish for a 55.

 

[Blazer88]

I wouldn't get a Kole (or any Tang) for a 55G. I had a Kole for nine months in my 65G before he got ich and died, I just don't feel he had the room he needed to swim. There are plenty of blennies, gobies, clowns, ect, ect, to make an interesting tank without a Tang. I decided to go with a Copperband Butteryfly to replace my Tang.

 

[Bandapin]

thanks a lot

 

[JENnKerry]

Perhaps a royal gramma? A firefish would make a good choice as well.

 

[Blazer88]

I also have some firefish in my reef and enjoy them. Cheap, colorful, and always in view.

 

[Sk8r]

I have a 52. Treat a 55 pretty much as a nano and your fish will have plenty of room...I have one firefish, one blue chromis, one yellow watchman goby, and a mandarin (I've got lots of copepods living in the tank, and she feeds off them.) We can add one or two more fish, which if this (deleted) grape caulerpa doesn't die back may violate my rule: I might get a virgate rabbitfish, hoping to catch it before it's nose-to-tail on front and back glass. Our rule is color (because they have to be small). I rather lust after a midas blenny, but am cautious: I don't want something annoying the yellow watchman. Mine is a predominantly sps coral tank. The fish feed the corals. Do not get a tang or an anthias. They're hyper, very nervous fish, and as I understand it, may die just from the stress of not being able to race for a hundred feet when they feel the need for speed. In the case of the tang, with a max size at 18 inches, they're a problem. And it's a myth that fish only grow to the scale of their tank.

 

[Kahuna Tuna]

Treat a 55 pretty much as a nano and your fish will have plenty of room...

This is great advise.

 

[kysmith]

I get a royal gramma they're great little fish, hardy, and stay out all of the time.

 

[RichConley]

Fairy wrasses would be great for you, avoid the Scotts though, they're probably the biggest of the fairys.

 

[ACBlinky]

Clown gobies are fun, my ycg has a ton of personality in a tiny 1" package. He thinks he's tough, it's hilarious watching him try to give the other fish a hard time
If you like the look of damsels but don't want the headache of all that agression, Talbot's damsels are great. They're pretty (pink/mauve with yellow head and fins), stay small and have a lovely peaceful personality.
If you do go with clowns and want a peaceful tank, I'd go with Ocellaris or Perculas. As the stephen liu said, many others can have nasty attitudes.

 

[garvin90]

And if you do want a talbot's please inquire as to the scientific name of the fish as some LFS are selling honey damsels as talbots. Honeys are very aggresive, I actually had one beating on a triggerfish.