Top 10 Nano Reef Tank Fish

Since space is at a premium in a nano reef tank, it is important to carefully consider which fish you choose.  It is necessary to account for things like adult size, temperment and activity level.  With that in mind, here are Reef Casa’s Top 10 Nano Reef Fish.  The fish on this list all stay reasonably small, are peaceful, reef safe and generally easy to feed.  Here are our top 10 choices.

1. Ocellaris Clownfish

With their unique swimming style and bright colours, clownfish have been a reef tank staple for decades.  There are many different colour morphs available and most are aquacultured, which makes them easy to take care of.  Every reef tank needs Nemo!

2. Tailspot Blenny

This little fish is full of personality, with eyes that seem to always be watching you.  They are predominatnty herbivores, so they should be added to a mature tank with algae for grazing.

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3. Banggai Cardinalfish

This beautiful fish generally will grow to about 2 inches in captivity, making it a great choice for a nano reef tank.  They have a beautiful black, white and silver colouration and are one of the new nano reef fish that can be safely kept in groups

4. Royal Gramma Basslet

The Royal Gramma Basslet is a gorgeous combination of purple and yellow and makes a stunning addition to a nano reef tank.  They grow a little bit larger than some of the other fish on this list, but as long as the tank is not too overstocked with other fish they make a great choice for a nano tank.  They are peaceful and completely reef safe.

5. Purple Firefish

This unmistakeable fish has an elongated body with beautiful blue, purple and red accents.  It prefers to hover in the water column, rather than swim actively throughout the tank, but will be visible for most of the day once it becomes comfortable.  They are known to be jumpers so a lid is a necessity.

6.  Orchid Dottyback

For reefers who want the vivid colours of a dottyback without the aggression of many of the other types, a captive bred Orchid Dottyback makes a beautiful choice.  With its gorgeous purple colour and the fact that it will be visible throughout the day, the Orchid Dottyback makes a great showpiece fish.

7. Yellow Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp Pair

One of the most interesting natural symbiotic relationships that can be recreated in a home aquarium is the bond between a goby and a pistol shrimp.  The shrimp has poor eyesight and will spend its days building and mantaining a burrow for the pair, while the goby keeps watch for danger. It is easy to spend countless hours watching this amusing relationship.

8. Pajama Cardinalfish

This is another slow moving, peaceful nano fish that can be kept in small schools.  This fish looks like a pair of kid’s pajama’s with its bright, whimsical colours.  It gets along with all other fish and is another great choice for reefers looking to keep a group of fish.

9. Court Jester Goby

Also known as the Rainsford Goby, the Court Jester Goby is a beautiful and useful addition to a nano reef tank.  It is a true omnivore and will eat algae from the rockwork as well as pellet food and small crustaceans.  It’s a peaceful fish that will get along well with other tankmates.

10.  Lemon Damselfish

The only damselfish on our list, the Lemon Damselfish has the active personality of other damselfish without the aggressive tendancies.  This fish is an omnivore and will help to keep your rockwork free of algae as well as eating a variety of prepared foods.