Nature is cruel. An ecosystem is, essentially, a bunch of different kinds of organisms trying to eat each other. We might envision this vicious free-for-all as a series of smaller animals getting consumed by progressively larger animals. But it’s not that simple. For instance, even the largest and mightiest of creatures can get taken out by the smallest parasite (at least if there are enough of them).
Coral reef environments are especially cut-throat. Here, more than anywhere else, predators are specialized to hunt and devour their prey. For example, a particular crab may be specially adapted to feed on corals or even very specific types of corals. Maybe even a particular species of coral. For sure, no animal is safe on an actual reef.
Things are not so different in a reef aquarium. Indeed, it’s pretty likely that at some point one of your pets will eat one of its tankmates. That’s Nature.
Hedging bets
Reef aquarium livestock is generally pricey, right? They are either hand-caught in the ocean and transported through long supply chains or they are farmed in technologically advanced facilities by trained professionals. So regardless of their source, they simply are too valuable to use as pawns in “reef tank survival of the fittest” games. Thus, smart aquarists pay close attention to interspecies “compatibility” as they stock their systems. One market-ready designation, “reef-safe,” is applied to those species that usually don’t kill much stuff in an aquarium. But since all reef animals kill and get killed by other animals on a natural reef, what does that term actually mean in practice? Depends on who you ask.
It’s that “depends on who you ask” part that causes problems for poorly informed hobbyists on occasion. Why? For some, “reef-safe” means (and reasonably so) that a particular animal will not eat the reef itself–that is, will not eat corals. A lionfish would fit this description quite well; a lionfish would never, ever, under any conceivable circumstances eat a single coral polyp.
Yet, lionfish are generally regarded as not reef-safe–at least per most hobbyists’ understanding of the meaning of the term. Here, “reef-safe” is taken to mean that an animal is unlikely to harm any desirable tankmates (more about that in a second). As most of us know, a lionfish will happily swallow up any fish or shrimp it can get down its throat.
Unnatural selection
So then consider a wrasse that doesn’t eat corals nor bother other fish/inverts except for certain flatworms that prey on corals. Since this predator is specifically targeting an undesirable organism, it is still deemed reef-safe. Similarly, we like tangs because they eat undesirable algae; but are they not reef-safe simply because they would eat your highly desirable Dragon’s Breath macro?
To make things yet more complicated, in many cases, reef-safeness can be a matter of degree. Sometimes, a popular type of animal will find itself in some shady area of the reef-safe spectrum. Coral beauty angelfish for example are much beloved by reef aquarists despite their habit of occasionally “nipping at” corals. Many of those who covet this species accept the risk of introducing this pretty fish to reef aquaria as “reef-safe with caution.” We all say “caution” out of the sides of our mouths because there’s practically nothing we can do to prevent any bad behavior; we thus won’t know whether or not a particular individual will cause harm until after it’s caused harm!
Aside from mere prettiness, some “reef-safe with caution” species have attributes that can outweigh the risk they pose. For example, a tank that is heavily infested with aiptasia anemones will overall benefit tremendously from the addition of an aiptasia-eating filefish–whether or not the file takes an occasional nip at your bubble coral.
Reef-safe for whose what
Alright, so is there at least some basic, yet authoritative, definition of “reef-safe” to use? Well, if we are to trust Wikipedia, we can all agree to agree that “Reef-safe is a distinction used in the saltwater aquarium hobby to indicate that a fish or invertebrate is safe to add to a reef aquarium. There is no fish that is completely reef safe. Every fish that is commonly listed as reef safe are species that usually do not readily consume small fish or invertebrates. Fish listed as reef safe also do not bother fellow fish unless in some cases, for instance tangs, they do not get along with conspecifics and sometimes fish with similar color or body shape.” Whew!
Maybe “reef-safe” is an outdated term that is in desperate need of revision or clarification? Maybe it was a bad term to begin with; perhaps we should have just started out using more descriptive terms like “coral-safe” or “shrimp-safe” from the very beginning? Problem is, it’s too vague from a practical sense to describe reef aquarium animal compatibility in terms of what specifically can (rather than cannot) go together.
In the end, aquarists should never rely exclusively on simplistic or generalistic terms to guide them when selecting livestock. Instead, it is best to fully research the compatibility of each prospective species using trustworthy sources. Sorry, nothing comes easy in life–especially when reefing!
Ricks Garage says
I always look forward to reading up cause one person’s appinion is different than what a live stock store will tell you
billy.t.williams12 says
I do enjoy hearing peoples opinions on what go well in a tank.
Dennis Ramirez says
I agree lots of opinions in this hobby. There’s different ways to do things sometimes you learn easier way
Robert says
I here so much back and forth of reef safe. What really is”safe” anyways. It’s all in the habit I guess
Matt Armstrong says
lots of different opinions in this hobby.
Andres Uribe says
Going to have to check this out
Cory Schmidt says
I feel like we as a hobby need to designate some sort of better codification then ‘reef safe’, ‘reef safe w/ caution’, etc… Some LFSs use a red, yellow, green type color coding which helps but it’s not standardized across stores with any standards…
Wendy says
Great read! Thanks for the info
dgbsmb says
Good read, informative
gerrynator4 says
“Reef-safe” seems to be a weird term. In my experience, my BTA has touched my corals and nothing happened, although they are considered to be reef-safe with caution. Also, some people have problems with emerald crabs but I never had an issue with them.
Beth S says
I have had a concern with verified reef safe peppermint shrimp, as well as a reef save cowrie that developed a taste for my xenia.
jhoffman says
Great read!
tbrown3589 says
I guess it’s all up to interpretation anyway since sometimes a particular species may be generally reef safe but an individual within that species may destroy your corals. It’s like a chicken that decides it wants to eat eggs.
alenm826 says
Its how ever you interpret it.
alenm826 says
Its how ever you interpret it.
Alexandra Gulledge says
Had the main fish person at Petco tell me that all fish were reef safe one time.
psgolf4fun says
verry cool
ply5757 says
Great article to read.
James Bradshaw says
Imagine if everything was reef safe
CHRIS GODFREY says
Good article
Alan Biddle says
I believe in researching all additions to my tank regardless if it is labeled reef safe.
danielstrahan.11 says
I’m always one to push the limits and hedge those bets
ROBERT SEYFARTH says
I agree that reef safe in one aquarium does not mean reef safe in all aquariums. Likewise, “peaceful” fish, like wrasses, can turn into demons if they decide they don’t like another fish in your tank.
nicole navarro says
Great information
Rick says
Nice
jason_lifted35 says
So many species that get the “with caution” most of the time the colors, patterns and character of the animal far out weigh the cons.
teresaannehand says
That looks like a spider. Creepy.
Raven says
does reef safe even mean reefs good for environment that won’t damage the ecosystems of reefs like over harvest that might effect ocean reefs and reefs that are safe for aquatic animals also reefs that won’t be harmed by other animals pretty informative article
Raven says
does reef safe even mean reefs good for environment that won’t damage the ecosystems of reefs like over harvest that might effect ocean reefs and reefs that are safe for aquatic animals also reefs that won’t be harmed by other animals pretty informative article
Peter says
Great read.
thook30 says
Great read!
drcjperry16 says
Good article
chrisddavis79 says
No. 1 question to ask when buying fish. Unless you like your tank destroyed every morning.
chrisddavis79 says
No. 1 question to ask when buying fish. Unless you like your tank destroyed every morning.
rocco.paul says
Nice Article.
chrisddavis79 says
It is sooo important to vet what you put in the tank.
George S says
great read
sharkbaitsnyder says
very interesting perspective, and always a good read!
sharkbaitsnyder says
very interesting read, and very well worded!
sharkbaitsnyder says
Always love reading your articles.
James Walker says
Like with anything else there are exceptions but Reef Safe should be just that. Safe for your reef. Your own corals may encroach on each other and choke off some. So what is true reef safe?
Cody Reed says
Good read, never even knew this was a creature, I’m learning so much with this hobby
deltaechosix says
This article speaks the truth
kevin.t1680 says
Going to have to check this out
Cristobal Barraza says
Im glad I found all this info, thanks
Cristobal Barraza says
Im glad I found all this info, thanks
Cristobal Barraza says
Awesome
b_burnett90 says
Also some are more reef safe in a larger tank, where smaller tank they may not get along with other fish
kathyl.mitchum says
Iteresting
patscheuplein says
Interesting
Joe Smith says
Reef keeping is an adventure and everyone will have unique experiences. Considering what is reef safe will vary with each hobbyist.
Joe Smith says
Reef keeping is an adventure and everyone will have unique experiences. Considering what is reef safe will vary with each hobbyist.
Jeff Carr says
Ok. Interesting article
gmale789 says
?
titanicwilliam says
Great Info!
Andrew Pellegrino says
Setting up a reef ecosystem
Is one of the most interesting tasks someone can take on
ekersd says
Reef Safe is a worse than useless label.
Everything on the reef eats something…what each animal eats — most of the time is the most useful information.
Jonathan Morera says
I think “reef safe” is a way to attract the newer reefer. If you’ve been in the hobby, after a while, we learn that some things are safer than others and in what conditions and circumstances, but ultimately we redefine what we consider “reef safe”
Jonathan Morera says
Great article!
blackadonai says
I don’t even bother checking if something is listed as reef safe. I just research the animal and decide for myself if it’s diet and behavior will be an issue in my tank or not. So far it’s worked out well for me. So far I’ve only had 1 fish, an orchid psuedochromis, that wanted to chase and nip the fins of the 2 mollies I had. I moved him to my sump for a week and seem to have solved that problem. I’m not positive on that though because the mollies jumped out of the tank about 2 days before my screen tops were delivered. Now the worst thing he does is spit a mouthful of sand at the other fish if they hang around him too long
bmxxmikexx says
nice article
Jessica Ramirez says
Good article
Jessica Ramirez says
Good article
whittaker217 says
I just decide what is best for my tank. I’ve had several live stock that’s consider not reef safe and never had an issue but I do believe it’s because I am heavy feeder with a diverse range of food for my tank. I don’t starve my tank or under feed. I just vacuum my sand more frequently than most.
mariahdavila says
IMO anything is possible. Even as a non reef safe fish there is always the chance you get one that is a model citizen.
mariahdavila says
IMO anything is possible. Even as a non reef safe fish there is always the chance you get one that is a model citizen.
Chris Briggs says
Great read! Thanks for the info
Dallas says
Reef-Safe is a good guide to follow, but I do find that reading up on others experiences is the best guide.
grammy6851 says
Good to know
sourdog22 says
Good read
cranescoop says
I asked a very similiar question when I started reefing.
cranescoop says
I asked a very similiar question when I started reefing.
cranescoop says
I asked a very similiar question when I started reefing.
cranescoop says
I asked a very similiar question when I started reefing.
cranescoop says
I asked a very similiar question when I started reefing.
ernie.alvarez0325 says
Very interesting article. But what’s reef safe to some isnt reef safe to others. Good reading.
Jonathan Luna says
Interesting product
Daniel Olguin says
Great read! Thanks for the info.
Mark's fish tank says
Good read
billandambermags says
Almost everything is actually reef safe with caution
perru380 says
That’s some good info!!
markwdunlap88 says
I love to read through comments! It’s where I learn a lot
mybuddykosar says
Ya reef save is to loose of a term
Steven says
Swallow tail angelfish are reef safe and nice
crplcarott says
Very interesting article.
Griffin A says
my hermits be sketch but wth
Menezes Industries says
good to know
Donald says
I gave up on reef safe designation. I just research each fish carefully before deciding on what to put in my tank. So far for the most part it works.
joshuastevens930 says
Very informative article
Andrea McCue says
“reef-safe” is certainly a loose term at best. I have had reef safe critters that munched on my corals! Mainly the peppermint shrimp – the little devil – loves the torch corals.
sclarke_o says
There are quite a few show pieces that are reef safe
paulmatthewguilliam says
Very good information
dengwilliam96 says
Great piece and analysis of how the marine ecosystem works in our tanks.
tcobosco says
Research lots of research
robert.lowell says
I’ve learned nothing has a reef safe guarantee
fedexman47 says
So cool
Jason Larawan says
i love these!
matthew.k.wyatt says
reef safe is such a broad term in this hobby.
Alan J. Tomasetti says
Working on my first tank and trying to make everything invert and coral safe!
Raven Scholtz says
It makes it easier in the long run when planning ahead and doing research! 🙂
Christopher Hooks says
Great information here
Rob says
No, especially with a Jewel Puffer.
Christopher Johnson says
If i could do it over i would have 2 tanks instead of one massive one. One tank would be fish only and the other coral only (maybe a pair of clowns
KiltedReefer says
The term reef safe is something you can not take to heart. Each fish, invert, nem and coral all have their funny and sometimes frustrating personalities.
scott says
Good To Know!
eric says
Good article
Botzz28 says
Reef safe = a safe reef !
jackbauer24.1 says
You can learn a lot from this article.
Pete Tellers says
interesting perspective… good article!