Top 8 Fish You'll Regret (And 11 Great Alternatives)

[@ReefDork]

Got a nano tank? How about these fish?? kzbin.info/www/bejne/i57Zd3aCjrmrr6c

[@krazymuncher2288]

What about dragonets?

[@csouza1977]

KrazyMuncher they are a bit harder to keep as they need a lot of copepods in the tank

[@erikcoetzee3231]

Could you do one on fish to keep in a 15 gallon 🤔 like to take care of algea ect

[@Theycallmeblueplayz]

U will probably regret the purple tang alternative is the sailfin tang

[@mo9158]

@@Theycallmeblueplayzgr

[@emerymorgan4389]

I have two freshwater tanks that are thriving and I know nothing about reef tanks. But I’m gonna watch this anyways.

[@TheHappySmileyFace12]

Ever since I got into saltwater I lost my interest in my freshwater planted tank, doesn’t even compete

[@suzannecook9840]

Ooooook

[@russellgrant4544]

I kept a neon dottyback as a lone specimen in a nano reef tank and it was one of my favorite fish I've ever kept because of its bold nature and bright colors. I eventually moved it into a large community tank with fish much larger than it (large Koran angel and a yellow tang) to avoid it being a bully. Definitely wouldn't keep it with anything close to it in size though!

[@mothsocks4082]

I’ve literally just ordered my first marine tank! A Red Sea reefer XL! I’ve just found your channel and I’m absolutely hooked. You’re so informative to novice marine keepers like me! X

[@wayneevery2176]

I have been doing this hobby for about 4 years and, I find your videos to be spot on with the time I have been doing this. with the tang and, some of the other fish and, they help me know more about the good fish I want in the future.

[@eiurgretarsson9884]

had a pair of flame angels for years that didnt touch anything , and a flame hawkfish aswell , ..however the copperband never worked out for me ,fun video and nice to show alternatives.

[@shelbym6460]

This guy is just out here releasing A+ content like it's no big deal

[@ReefDork]

😅🙏

[@brettbarrett2533]

One of the most honest breakdowns of fish destined to die slowly and proper alternatives to try. Reef Dork is truly one of the hidden gems and a great added value to any list of youtube / Marine Biologists/ Hobbyists who are honest.

[@CescaTheDarkHorse]

Have all these fish in my reef. My copperband has been in the reef for 4 years Lucky I have a lot of coral. :)

[@chrish6659]

Watching this as I drive to the fish store to actually buy more fish for my tank! Great video, it’s a really thoughtful mindset to do this!

[@rob431]

😂 I think I have 5 of them fish on the list, it’s like you looked at my tank before you made this video, but I’m fish only

[@ReefDork]

🤣

[@animetronic6689]

5:00 There is TWO exception though for the zebrasoma tangs. The dejardini and sail fin tangs get bigger than the blue tang. But most of the others are good.

[@krazymuncher2288]

For a chromis alternative, you could keep pyjama cardinalfish. They school and are around the same size but imo aren't as active and stick to the rock work more.

[@mandrew20111]

I’m thinking about a small group of fire fish. Beautiful colors and they swim together

[@StudioGhibletz]

Banggai's are great too and I think they're captive bred now

[@magalimckay4685]

I got very lucky with my yellow tailed damsel. He's entirely peaceful. Admittedly he's the exception to the rule. Thank you for the suggestions! :)

[@Bullzor121]

Great informative video! i like how you care and prioritise the health of fish before the keepers desire for colour and aesthetics :)

[@ReefDork]

Easy to do in a hobby so full of colour 🙂

[@Birdofthetacklebox]

I was wondering I’ve heard a lot of people say snowflake eels are good beginner fish, and in my opinion snowflake eel are my FAVORITE fish so do you think there good beginner fish?

[@ReefDork]

I have no experience with them I'm afraid

[@alfst5546]

Brilliant video, wish I could have seen it a few years ago, because several of fish you mentioned, I have had in the past, and yes, I experienced exactly what you described, I had a bunch of Anthias all female, when one decided to turn into a male and boy did he rule the tank, sounds funny, but sad to see how it affected all the other fish.

[@emmareyes8114]

thought clownfish were the only ones able to produce sgender change

[@pelagicswimmer]

I think one of the best shoaling fish are Ghost cardinals, if kept with larger fish like tangs they really do keep in a decent shoal. Some interesting alternatives put forward, I think success with a copperband is selecting the right tank mates and having a well established tank.

[@erikawilson1154]

Thanks for this. Changed my mind on all the fish on my wish list 😆. Do you have a video about starter marine fish and clean up crew that can all be kept together? Thanks.

[@ReefDork]

How about a list of fish EVERY reef tank should have?? kzbin.info/www/bejne/enzUiGaNn710hJI

[@ReefDork]

And a list of awesome inverts... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4DHi2p9nN98hrM

[@erikawilson1154]

@@ReefDork thanks im a total newby. Never had a marine tank before. Are marines harder to keep than discus? (I was unsuccessful) but have successfully kept other cichlids with ease.

[@ReefDork]

From what I hear, Discus are a nightmare. If you just want to keep saltwater fish, they're not much harder than freshwater tropicals. Corals can be tricky but there are plenty of easy to keep corals to try out.

[@erikawilson1154]

@@ReefDork Amazing thanks. Do you have a facebook page i can follow and bug you more when the time comes when i get my marine tank. Erika

[@ImitationKrab99]

Great video! Can someone tell me what that device that one spot foxface is eating off of @ 5:16 ??

[@ReefDork]

It's the wet side of a Tunze Care algae magnet

[@therageheartshow2099]

How come dragonets are not on the list? They starve easily without enough pods and even with a well established tank with pods hey can eat pods in the tank at a rate they will disappear from the display

[@ReefDork]

Yep, 100% agree 👍

[@stephend7]

They will eat frozen fish eggs!!! I’m not experienced enough to really know, but I think you will still need pods because they pick and eat all day so they probably aren’t set up for once a day feedings.

[@lordnems997]

They pretty easy to train and I do a decent job.

[@stephend7]

I bought pods after losing a couple. I bought them well before I bought him to let a stable population to grow. It wasn’t until later that I found out about the frozen fish eggs. Mine now eats fish food pellets.

[@JosvanMeer]

They are actually quite easy to train on frozen food or pellets (my mandarin ate pellets), It requires only discipline and patience. Once they eat frozen or pellets they are set for life. Unless they suicide by anemone. RIP Queen Margaret.

[@Not_Hans]

What an awesome video thanks for the Info I've wanted to get a reef tank going for some time now I've got a 180g aquarium already picked.

[@rustyshackleford234]

I used to have a blue sapphire damselfish in my old 15 gallon nano reef. It lived peacefully with my two clownfish for over an entire year!

[@Jaaaaayyy]

Flame hawk fish can be very aggressive towards other fish , I have one in my 40 gallon nuvo and can’t put any other fish with him or he will kill them in less then a day . Even tries to attack my snails and conchs . Could be just mine is just a nightmare also I guess but that’s my experience .

[@bradsimpson8724]

Flame wrasses are a peaceful red aquarium fish that I could recommend, even if they are a bit pricey.

[@brettmattison4136]

What is the One Spot Foxface eating off of and eating at 5:18? Thanks

[@ReefDork]

Tunze Care Magnet

[@brettmattison4136]

Reef Dork what are they eating? Thanks.

[@razorreef6552]

A schooling fish you might want to look at is the neon blue rainbow fish ( pseudomugil cyanodorsalis). It is small and reef safe. Inappropriate reefer has a video on them.

[@Tronex333]

0:33 can someone tell me what species the small fish on the far left and on the bottom of the tank is?

[@ReefDork]

A sixline wrasse swam into shot, but I think you're talking about the red dragonet (sometimes erroneously called a red scooter blenny).

[@Tronex333]

@@ReefDork YEA YEA YEA THE RED DRAGONET holy sh- thank you

[@JeriDro]

2:13 Tang: "Worship me!" Chromis: "Yes, lord!"

[@BigGuyAl007]

Nice video Alex. You choose all the lovely fish that's not reef safe lol. Your tank is looking good and a empire would look good! Keep going and what's next !

[@fellowreefer]

Absolutely love this info and have made me feel that I have definitely done my research to pick up what I should and shouldn’t have in my new 180 coming up soon.

[@lilolmecj]

Salim Parmar one fish he didn’t mention for schooling is flame fish. They are generally peaceful, although I would get 2 or 5. And they are ridiculous jumpers so a secure tank lid is a must. I do have a blue Tang, it was at Petco and suffering from tail rot. I got it for a give away price, quarantined for a month and now four months later it looks great. Now that is a pretty short time. I also have a Lavender Tang, I call it a girl. Her name is Trixie, and her colors are not bold, but she is beautiful, and she swims constantly when the lights are on. She adds a cool element to my 120 gallon tank.

[@petercashell4834]

Hi, Why can we see your wallpaper through the tank? Why no black background? What’s the thinking behind clear glass on both sides please? Peter

[@falcolf]

Thanks for this video, it concreted my plan to get a Royal Gramma instead of an Orchid Dottyback!

[@zafishguy5166]

I have a yellow coris wrasse a great fish to have but a note of their ability to disapear for 2 to 3 weeks when you add larger fish.

[@billybassman21]

I’ve had good luck with Dottybacks. I will have to say the Damsel fish is one to avoid. I had one and it was a ruthless bully that wouldn’t back down even with fish that fought back. They are good to establish an aquarium and then you get rid of them, if you can catch them.

[@seabedoasis]

Absolutely love sunburst anthias although I have had trouble getting them to eat in copper power

[@opethmike]

I think that they only time I'd get a sixline wrasse would be for pest control in a frag grow out tank.

[@ReefDork]

I'd love one for that

[@annebartells777]

I have the rare six line wrasse. It leaves it's take mates alone

[@EDKsurly]

Thanks for the info. I'll research these alt fish. Especially the butterfly

[@davidreeves644]

I would do angels in a tank with weedy corals such as xenias if I were to try them.

[@atmoz_]

I tried the pyramid butterflyfish... they both died very fast. Another store told me they are pretty difficult to keep as well.

[@zachdemitro7875]

what kind of fish is that at the end with the yellow belly and black and white striping?

[@gungbojog6030]

Any wrasse suggestion that won't eat my shrimps or feather duster worms? Yellow wrasse wouldn't be a good suggestion

[@moistrobot7901]

Emporer angelfish didn’t eat coral and we had him a good 2 weeks or 1 month but then ick got in our aquarium and it was wraps for the angel

[@catpowers7339]

I have a flamehawk and chromis on my list. I wonder if just keeping a chromis or two would be okay.

[@ReefDork]

If you really have to, I'd go for one. But they're a fish that are much better in theory than reality!

[@catpowers7339]

@@ReefDork but the color... hmm.

[@chrishardy8937]

Just found your channel. Thanks for the knowledge. Im looking at switching a 100l tropical to marine so getting as much info as possible. Want a pair of clowns(shock) cardinal and watchman goby to see how i get on with marine

[@animetronic6689]

I think that a Pink streaked wrasse is an awesome alternative to six lines!

[@davidhudick3347]

What about Mono Fish for a reef tank? 300 gallons. I have 4 Tangs. Yellow, Blue, Mimic, and Ocean. 3 Clowns. 6 line wrasse. 4 PJ Cardinals. 4 Bang Cardinals. 1 Flame Hawkfish. Will the Mono’s work. I have 2.

[@ReefDork]

I've never had one or seen one. You don't see them very often in reef tanks - there's probably a good reason for that...

[@davidhudick3347]

@@ReefDork they are doing fine. I want to add Green Reef Chromis. I like the way they school. How many do you recommend?

[@ReefDork]

@@davidhudick3347 they don't tend to school particularly well and usually kill each other in I'm afraid

[@ljs487]

What tang is that at 2:55?

[@ReefDork]

Looks like a lemon peel mimic tang.

[@keithstie]

When your talking about small tanks, like for your angel alternatives, how would you categorize a 140 gal? Spacifialy a Red Sea Peninsula 650.

[@ReefDork]

Big tank that - not a lot of fish you can't keep in a 5 footer.

[@kevinclasher3160]

I have a dotty back orchid and there not aggressive to other tank mates at all and reef friendly. They love playing in the rocks and always curious of everything.

[@ReefDork]

Yeah, I should have said it's not all dottys - the orchid is fine 🙂

[@gunschl1715]

My orchid dottyback is a model citizen. He does stick up for himself, but totally ignores all the gentle fish.

[@jeffjeff5895]

My first 3 fish i got: 2 damselfish and 1 of that purple with yellow tail. The purple one claimed my only rock and is bullying one of them and keeping him in a corner and it seems like the other damselfish is a good buddy with this purple one but they still do fight a bit

[@travisrichardson1515]

Kinda wish I had seen this vid before buying the sixline that I have subsequently nicknamed "The Wrassehole". Still probably the most colorful addition to my reef though :)

[@ReefDork]

🤣

[@pauldeacon8764]

Great video Alex! keep up the good work my friend! 😀👍

[@maddoctor99]

I miss my flame hawkfish. If I ever get back into the hobby it would be the first fish back in my tank. So much personality.

[@TheDesertraptor]

My 6 line is pretty calm. The most aggressive fish in my tank are the blue/green Chromis and sleeper goby who just has to take from from the mandarin when feed her

[@jamesprescott1577]

I actually don't have an aquarium. Just doing a bit of research.

[@keithstie]

You have a nack at busting my chops! Some of the obvious ones I knew, like the angels, and the dory (that I'm going to try small, with my 140, but plan on selling when it gets too big), but the damsels were a surprise. And what do you have against tangs?! 🤨 I've heard that the order you load your tank helps with shy or territorial fish. Awesome, helpful video!

[@verdantgrottobarbell5279]

How about Banghai Cardinals for a schooling fish ?

[@shineheretic]

Pacific blue eye rainbow fish is a good marine peaceful schooling fish I’d suggest

[@pae913]

...Are Damselfish the betta fish of saltwater tanks?

[@donknotts2880]

I agree with dottybacks. Although, i have 1 that has been very nice to the other fish

[@cordyceps7531]

I've had good luck with both the flame angel and blue tang. Agreed on damsel fish though, bullied the hell out of my royal gramma to the point it that it hid under the filter unless it was feeding time.

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

yup. Damsels are shit

[@enzoalmeidadasilva5513]

I don't know if I got lucky, but my orchid dottyback is the most peaceful fish in my system, and it's quite a small tank 25 gallons with 5 fish. He attracts the attention of all visits and eats bristleworms every once in a while. Not to say they're always peaceful, but IMO it's the only dottyback that's always worth a try.

[@ReefDork]

Orchid dottys are actually quite peaceful - I should have said it's not all dottys 🙂

[@enzoalmeidadasilva5513]

@@ReefDork Do you think an orchid dottyback is compatible with a royal Gramma? I imagine the similar colors may cause agression.

[@ReefDork]

@@enzoalmeidadasilva5513 I think they'd probably be OK in a reasonable sized tank (say 4 foot). They both have similar behaviour though - cave dwellers so in a small tank, I wouldn't risk it.

[@ronbeatty516]

An Orchid Dottyback is a great reef fish, but it is the exception in the dottyback family, of course.

[@atfinthehouse8631]

Nice job! We definitely end up narrowing down our fish choices and tanks with fish all end up having same fish! Lol

[@tanbashir8690]

What wrassse do you recommend to get rid off flatworm/fireworms

[@ReefDork]

For flatworms, any of the Halichoeres genus will be fine - silver belly would be my go to. But they won't eat fireworms/bristleworms (which are good CUC anyways...)

[@tanbashir8690]

@@ReefDork thanx mate watch you every week flatworms have got too big and are killing my fish now

[@tanbashir8690]

Any particular type you recommend

[@phoenixamaranth]

This is a good, no bs list of fish to not keep. We all want those beautiful ones like the angels or the blue tangs but yeah, they just don't work in smaller tanks and reef tanks.

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

tangs absolutely work in reef tanks. what are oyu talking about?

[@phoenixamaranth]

@@arsenioseslpodcast3143 Did you miss the "smaller tanks" part? Blue tangs get quite large and should not be kept long in small tanks as they outgrow them quickly. Sure lots of people don't care and have no issue torturing fish, but that's not me. It may not have been clear from my sentence structure but I meant small reef tanks as well. Was trying to distinguish both fish only and reef tanks of small size.

[@Peterrdee]

I’ve had 4 flame angels and my 4th is alive and it’s doing perfect with my potters, they do pick at eachother a bit but they aren’t dominant so it’s not a issue, I also have had a yellow tang for 4 years, and a fox face for 2

[@Peterrdee]

They are all still alive tho, I’m not saying they died 💀💀😂😂😂🐠🐠🐠🐠🐠

[@ReefDork]

Beautiful fish - I'd absolutely love one 😍. The potters is a beaut too 👍

[@russellguyver7746]

Love the flame angel and were affordable last year but my lfs has 2 each at £230 ! I'll have to wait on those lol

[@arsenioseslpodcast3143]

I'm so happy to live in Thailand. Green Chromis are just $3 and Tangs could be anywhere from $11 to $40 for the massive ones

[@lunes-1]

I had a purple dottyback and took over attacking everyone for two weeks. Mysteriously disappeared, i guess the others fish couldn't take it anymore and eat the dottyback on the night

[@andyprem]

WOW a potential coup detat?

[@pgm521]

can you list the 11 alternative here to make sure ive got them right please

[@qizmo88]

What kind of clownfish is in 7:14 ???????

[@ReefDork]

Longfin clown

[@jasong375]

Hey great video. How are you getting that great shimmer in your tank with the T5s on? What’s your fixture/ bulb setup?

[@ReefDork]

It's a hybrid with a Kessil ap700. 2x blue plus and 2x coral plus

[@guzzisan21]

As an alternative to Chromis I suggest fusilier damsels. They look almost anthia like and are peaceful schoolers

[@jonpinkerton5401]

Great job offering some alternatives

[@greenshades1234]

Wish I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say Chromis kill each other off. I’ve had 7 in a 90 gallon tank for over a year and they do great haven’t lost a single one. They definitely have a pecking order and I’ve seen few cases of battery and assault but no murders.

[@ronbeatty516]

I agree with you general statement about dottybacks being little terrorists. However, the Orchid Dottyback is an exception of the family. I have had several over the years that have fit well into community reefs.

[@hendrix38659]

Your right, if you go with captive bread they are every more docile.

[@Peterrdee]

I have a flame angel, got him with a potters angel and they are doing amazing for me I love them 100%

[@budpaw8852]

Do you have any tips on keeping a box fish?

[@ReefDork]

Never had one I'm afraid - Prestige Reef has though so check out his channel 🙂

[@77MyEsha]

I don't keep fish anymore, but I used tp some years ago. My one regret was introducing Angel fish to the tank with my other fish. Trust me, they look angelic but they don't live up to their name!! they started attacking and killing all my other fish. At first I couldn't track down who the culprit was, until one day I caught them at it!! If I ever decide to get fish again, I would stay well clear of Angles, unless they were on their own of course.

[@shirtdirt1874]

My six line only fights with my green chromis, which I have 7. He'll chase one and get confused and give up. That's about the only aggression I get with him.

[@kylemendoza8860]

How was number 2 an alternate? I still absolute beautiful fish and then suggested alternative was bland. Definitely sold on the tang though.

[@mittro7097]

i think the pyramid butterfly fish is a great substitute for powder blue tangs than the copperbanded butterfly

[@atmoz_]

I have a red sea 750 and have a blue tang (yellow belly) got him as a baby tiny fish. He is growing super fast, not sure what aggression but he is the softy of the tank and by now outgrown his then much bigger purple tang. He and my Naso tang (so much personality) are the biggest softies in my tank. I needed to get ride of my yellow fox face, he was an absolute terrorist. Got now a smaller Fuji Fox Face but he is also dominant but nothing like the much smaller dwarf angelfish (not eating corals) just a bully to all new fish.

[@patterdalezipsuzilil]

I got marshal island wrass half yellow and pale blue grew to 12 inch and killed everything in a fish only 8ft tank

[@StudioGhibletz]

wow that's one mean fish

[@klowranc]

Wow glad I clicked on this video, thanks!

[@paulcohen2394]

Great video! You are very funny! 😂

[@quartercajun71]

I went with the flame hawkfish. Little bastard killed everything. Thanks dork.

[@RogueAquariums]

My CBB has been with me now for two years and has eradicated the aiptasia in my system .

[@EricWoodyVariety59]

i have a 55 gallon is that considered a small tank

[@ReefDork]

I wouldn't say it's small, but it's also not particularly big. LiveAquaria is a great place to see what fish suit what size tanks.

[@harrisonvader8166]

2:06 blue green chromis are ok if you only have 1

[@StigaZ]

sir can we use direct ocean water for reef tank

[@ReefDork]

Yep 🙂

[@el_guapo1318]

You really do love those Flame Hawkfish, as I have noticed they are on almost every fish list you have.

[@ReefDork]

😁

[@Tetrastructural]

Hawkfish are fun to watch. It's like they are gliding between your rockscape

[@lilolmecj]

Daniel St-Jean yes, and they are very curious, always checking everything out. Mine did develop a taste for cleaner shrimp though so at present he lives alone.

[@TanganyikaBbq]

he the Hemitaurichthys polylepis, do they also eat aiptasia ?

[@ReefDork]

What's that?

[@hypanusamericanus9058]

@@ReefDork Pyramid butterflyfish

[@artificialecosystems5874]

What’s your thoughts on a raccoon butterfly? Yay or nay in a reef? Are they hard to keep?

[@ReefDork]

Absolutely not - definite coral munchers I'm afraid. Great for aips though!

[@freddy9233]

Your videos are amazing and thank you! Yellow tang was one of the main reasons which made me transfer from planted tanks to reef tanks. I am planning on a 75 gallon with a sump, lengthening 120cms x 50 cms x 50 with lots of rock work. Is he going to be happy enough? He will ofcourse be my only tang along with some other small fish (clown , gobies etc ) The main king in the tank :) Literature is a little bit confused with some say that 55 gallons are fine and others talking about 100 gallons.

[@ReefDork]

Ideally all tangs would have big tanks, but in my opinion you'll be absolutely fine. Worth adding last to avoid aggression to new fish, and feed nori regularly. Then you're good to go. You might need to move him on in the long term if he gets too big/aggressive. I think people are less 'Tang Police-y these days'

[@freddy9233]

@@ReefDork I will may tell to the guy who is going to build the tank to increase the width by 10cm , making it 120 x 60 x 50 in order to increase capacity by 60 liters and give a little more depth. Truth is that I do not want a huge tank to make my life easier with water changes and general maintenance but if that is better and closer to the appropriate size then why not .. To be honest though , nothing is appropriate for a fish that lives in such depths in its natural environment:)

[@theholt2ic219]

I had a copperband that was full of life but all of a sudden my scopas tang turned on him and started to beat him up. He eventually got killed by him when i was work. Idk fish are sometimes unpredictable.

[@BlizzardTheK9]

What was the one spot foxface eating?

[@ReefDork]

Some kind of wiry algae that was growing on my algae magnet.

[@uuncebret]

Indeed, my 6 line wrasse already exported! 😁

[@johngalactus4014]

Mandarin Dragonet has to be one of those fishes to avoid (unless tank bred/raised)! They are challenging and I mean really challenging to get them eating unless you feed them live food such as copepods/brine but even so, they rarely eat until 'satisfied'. They usually lose their body fats & and die after a few months. I tried a couple but failed to get them eating. I even tried using the Paul Baldassano feeder method but the fish just refused to eat.

[@thecoolestreefdude]

Is there a difference between the one spot Foxface and Foxface Lo?

[@ReefDork]

Yep, the one spot stays smaller as far as I'm aware

[@martyg374]

I have had blue tangs with no problems in my 90 gal.