At SaltwaterReefCo, we love helping our clients create thriving aquatic environments, and few groups of fish bring as much incredible diversity, unique personality, and stunning color to a reef tank as the "miscellaneous" or assorted reef fish. This broad category includes many popular species such as the energetic Wrasses, the elegant Angelfish, and the vibrant Tangs, each with their own special appeal and care requirements.
While these fish have unique traits, they all thrive in a stable, well-maintained system. Their varied behaviors, from the wrasse’s sleeping habits to the tang’s constant grazing, make them a truly rewarding addition to a mature aquarium. Here's what you need to know about keeping these magnificent creatures:
Tank Requirements
The needs for these fish vary greatly by species. It is essential to research the specific fish you are interested in, but some general guidelines apply.
Minimum Tank Size: This varies significantly. Many smaller wrasses and dwarf angelfish can thrive in a 50-gallon tank, while larger tangs and majestic angelfish require tanks of 125 gallons or more to provide adequate swimming space and prevent stress.
Aquascaping: Provide ample live rock with plenty of stable caves, crevices, and overhangs. Wrasses, in particular, need a thick sand bed to bury themselves in at night for sleeping. Tangs, on the other hand, require plenty of open swimming space to remain healthy.
Filtration & Flow: Robust filtration (sump, protein skimmer, refugium) is crucial for maintaining pristine water quality, especially with the high bio-load of many of these fish. Flow requirements vary, with tangs appreciating strong currents and other species preferring more moderate flow.
Water Parameters
Assorted reef fish are marine fish and demand stable, high-quality saltwater conditions, typical of a healthy reef tank.
Temperature: Maintain a consistent water temperature between 74-80°F (23-27°C).
pH: A stable pH range of 8.1 to 8.4 is ideal.
Water Changes: Regular partial water changes (10-20% weekly or bi-weekly) are essential for replenishing trace elements and preventing nutrient buildup.
Diet and Feeding
Feeding requirements for this group are highly diverse. It is crucial to know the specific dietary needs of your fish.
Varied Diet:
Wrasses: Primarily carnivores, they thrive on a meaty diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
Tangs: Primarily herbivores, they require a diet rich in vegetable matter, such as algae sheets (nori), spirulina, and high-quality herbivore pellets.
Angelfish: Generally omnivores, they need a mix of high-quality angelfish formulas, meaty foods, and marine algae. Some species may nip at corals.
Feeding Frequency: Feeding 2-3 times a day is generally sufficient, but the type of food and frequency should be tailored to the specific fish in your tank.
Tank Mates
The compatibility of these fish varies widely and depends heavily on the specific species and the size of your aquarium.
Good Tank Mates: Generally, other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish of a similar size. Good options include:
- Other peaceful tangs and wrasses
- Clownfish
- Cardinalfish
- Damsels
- Gobies
Avoid:
Overly Aggressive Fish: While some of these fish can hold their own, avoid mixing species with very different temperaments in smaller tanks.
Corals (for some species): Be aware that some angelfish and other species may nip at or eat corals, making them unsuitable for certain reef tanks.
Incompatible Species: Avoid keeping multiple tangs or angelfish of the same genus together unless you have a very large tank and they are known to be compatible.
Common Health Concerns
Maintaining optimal water quality and a consistent, nutritious feeding schedule is the best defense against disease.
Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans): A common parasitic infection, especially in Tangs and other fish that are highly susceptible to stress.
Marine Velvet (Amyloodinium ocellatum): A highly contagious parasitic infection, often appearing as a dusty coating.
Stress: Inappropriate tank size, incompatible tank mates, or a lack of proper diet can lead to stress, making them susceptible to disease.
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE): Often seen in Tangs and Angelfish, this condition is thought to be linked to a poor diet and water quality issues.
Prevention is key! Always quarantine new fish for 4-6 weeks, maintain pristine water conditions, and provide a species-appropriate diet. If you notice any signs of illness, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
At SaltwaterReefCo, we understand the incredible diversity and unique needs of these assorted reef fish and offer specialized aquarium maintenance services to ensure their health and vibrant beauty. From comprehensive water testing and advanced filtration solutions to tailored feeding regimens and disease prevention, we're here to support your passion for these spectacular marine jewels.
Ready to add the vibrant energy of a wrasse, the elegance of an angelfish, or the beauty of a tang to your reef, or need expert care for your existing group? Contact us today for a consultation in Highland Park, Illinois, and surrounding communities!