FISH 101: SR GUIDES

Serious Reefs Fish 101 is the resource for understanding saltwater fish in marine and reef tanks. The goal is to build a clear, practical compendium of care guides covering both the most popular saltwater aquarium fish and the most challenging expert-only species. Each guide focuses on the essentials for long-term success, including detailed reef-safe notes, ideal tank size, feeding and diet, quarantine and acclimation guidance, compatibility and introduction strategies, and natural habitat insights to help every fish thrive in the reef aquarium.


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Leopard Wrasse: Fish 101

We love showing off fish that make a tank sing, and the leopard wrasse is one of those species. Whether you keep reef aquaria for color, personality, or microfauna control, leopard wrasses add activity and curiosity that few other fish match. If you own an Achilles Tang and want a more hands-on, rubble-loving companion, the leopard wrasse can be a perfect addition when handled correctly. Throughout this guide we will walk through diet, reef safety, habitat, quarantine tips, and practical steps to get them eating and thriving.

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Powder Blue Tang: Fish 101

We love the Powder Blue Tang for its stunning color and striking yellow stripe. The Powder Blue Tang is a standout reef fish—beautiful, active, and a little bit challenging. In this guide we cover everything we do to keep Powder Blue Tang healthy: reef compatibility, diet, tank setup, common health issues, quarantine strategies, sourcing tips, and our honest take on who should keep one.

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Purple Tang: Fish 101

We fell in love with the Purple Tang the same way many hobbyists do: it felt aspirational. The deep indigo to purple body with those bright yellow fin tips makes the Purple Tang a showstopper, and it doubles as a hardworking algae eater. In this guide we cover diet, reef safety, tank design, introductions, common pitfalls, and practical tips so we can care for this fish and keep it healthy for years.

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Heniochus Butterflyfish: Fish 101

The Heniochus butterflyfish is that striking, streamered black white and yellow beauty that often gets called a false Moorish idol. It gives us the look of a Moorish idol without the steep price tag or the finicky care requirements. If you want that dramatic color and long dorsal streamer in your tank but prefer something hardier and more affordable, this is a great option.

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Blue Hippo Tang: Fish 101

We keep coming back to one of the most iconic reef fish: the Blue Hippo Tang. If you want that saturated, almost violet-blue color in your tank and an energetic swimmer with quirky behavior, the Blue Hippo Tang is a top contender. In this guide we cover name origins, color forms, reef compatibility, diet, tank requirements, common health issues, and sourcing so you can decide whether the Blue Hippo Tang belongs in your aquarium.

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Dragon Eel: Fish 101

Dragon eels are one of those aquarium animals that instantly become the centerpiece of a tank. They look dangerous, toothy, and spooky in the best possible way. We admit some specimens are almost too creepy for us; those huge teeth and that cave-dwelling stare make them feel like something out of a horror movie. That said, if you like a dramatic, predatory showpiece that prowls its territory at night, this is the eel for you.

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Emperor Angelfish: Fish 101

We are captivated by the Emperor Angelfish. This is one of those species that stops you in your tracks and makes you stare—because it is simply stunning. If you are considering adding an Emperor Angelfish to a large saltwater aquarium, here is everything we think you need to know: why it is so popular, how it changes as it grows, what it eats, how reef safe it really is, and the practical husbandry choices that make the difference between a stressed fish and a thriving one.

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Achilles Tang: Fish 101

The Achilles Tang is hands down one of the most iconic reef fish. Its deep black body with a bright red teardrop at the tail makes it a showstopper, and pulling one off in your system is an instant flex in the reef community. That beauty, however, comes with a reputation. The Achilles Tang is challenging to keep, often requiring strict quarantine, precise husbandry, and a bit of luck. If you love a challenge and want the best chance of success, read on.

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Regal Angelfish: Fish 101

We think the Regal Angelfish is one of those fish that instantly elevates a reef tank. It is visually striking and, frankly, a little brag-worthy when you get one to thrive. But beauty comes with challenges. We’ll walk through everything you need to know to keep a Regal Angelfish healthy and happy: what it eats, how to set up habitat, quarantine best practices, compatibility with corals, and practical tips that raise your odds of success.

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Mandarin Fish: Fish 101

Mandarin Fish are one of those fish that almost everyone calls "super cool" and "psychedelic" the first time they see one. We get it. Their color and behavior make them instant favorites. But beyond the looks, Mandarins are interesting because what makes them challenging for some hobbyists also makes them surprisingly easy for others. In this guid,e we cover everything we would tell a friend about keeping a Mandarin healthy and happy.

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Harlequin Filefish: Fish 101

From its striped turquoise eye to the bold color contrast across the body, the Harlequin Filefish is one of the most striking reef fish we can imagine. They are uncommon in everyday home tanks, not because they are necessarily impossible to keep, but because they have a unique set of dietary needs and behaviors that many hobbyists are unfamiliar with. Once you know how they feed and interact with corals, these fish become far less intimidating.

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Pyramid ButterflyFish: Fish 101

The Pyramid Butterflyfish (Hemitaurichthys polylepis) is a reef-safe standout — a butterflyfish that breaks the rules. Unlike most of its cousins, it won’t pick at corals or invertebrates, making it a true exception in the butterflyfish world. This makes it a top choice for reef tank owners looking for the elegant swimming style and striking appearance of a butterflyfish without the worry of them eating corals or invertebrates.

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