Fish Compatibility Chart

May 11, 2011

Some of the experience reefer might have seen this before or the fish compatibility chart is already in their head. I am posting this chart here again for the benefit of the newbie in the saltwater aquarium for easy references so you know what fish can be kept together and what can't.

When we buy a marine fish from any LFS, most fishes are caught from the wide ocean and we are in turn putting it into a closed tank system. This has greatly reduces a fish's ability to flee or hide from predation or increases the competition for food available with other tank mate.

Having a suitable tank mate compatibility is crucial to a successful and healthy marine aquarium since each fish is able to live peacefully together without being bullied or starved to death. Incompatible species will increase stress in the tank which could result in disease and considerable loss. Use the chart below as a guideline when selecting your fish during your next LFS visit.

However nothing is guaranteed, there will always be exceptions to any generalization and the above chart is taken as a general guideline and caution have to be taken with consideration of the fish size , adding sequence , tank size ( Swimming space) and rock scape for the overall successful of a peaceful and healthy tank.