Utilitarian Fish - Fish You MUST Consider Stocking!
When building a reef tank, most aquarists focus on stunning corals and colourful fish. But every healthy aquarium needs more than beauty — it needs balance. That’s where utilitarian fish come in.
These hardworking species are often called the cleanup crew of the fish world, providing vital services like algae control, sand sifting, and even parasite removal. Adding the right utilitarian fish not only reduces maintenance but also creates a healthier and more natural marine ecosystem.
Below is what we think are the best utilitarian fish for saltwater aquariums and how they can help your reef tank thrive.
Tang / Surgeonfish – The Ultimate Algae Eaters
Popular choices: Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) Two Spot Bristletooth Tang (Ctenochaetus binotatus) Powder Blue Tang (Acanthurus leucosternon)
Why they’re great: Tangs are some of the best algae eating fish for reef tanks. They graze constantly on nuisance algae, preventing outbreaks before they get out of control. Bristletooth tangs such as the Tomini Tang are especially effective at cleaning rocks and glass.
Tank tip: These active swimmers need space. A 250 litre tank or larger is recommended.
Wrasse – Natural Pest Control
Popular choices: Six-Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) Melanurus Wrasse (Halichoeres melanurus) Cleaner Wrasse (Labroides dimidiatus)
Why they’re great: Wrasses are fantastic saltwater pest control fish. They hunt flatworms, nudibranchs, and other pests that can damage corals. Cleaner wrasses even set up “cleaning stations” to remove parasites from other fish.
Tank tip: Always keep a tight lid — wrasses are known jumpers!
Blennies – Quirky Algae Grazers
Popular choices: Lawnmower Blenny (Salarias fasciatus) Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura)
Why they’re great: Blennies are peaceful, full of personality, and excellent at controlling film algae and microalgae. The Lawnmower Blenny in particular lives up to its name, tirelessly grazing rocks and glass.
Tank tip: Provide plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding.
Gobies – Sand Sifters and Cleaners
Popular choices: Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) Diamond Goby (Valenciennea puellaris)
Why they’re great: Gobies are sand-cleaning fish for saltwater aquariums. They sift sand through their mouths and gills, removing detritus while keeping the substrate aerated and white.
Tank tip: Best kept with fine sand substrates and a peaceful tank environment.
Rabbitfish – Algae Control Specialists
Popular choices: Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) Magnificent Foxface (Siganus magnificus)
Why they’re great: Rabbitfish are hardy, adaptable, and excellent at controlling tougher algae like bubble algae and macroalgae that tangs may avoid.
Tank tip: Handle with care — they have venomous dorsal spines.
Things To Consider
Before adding these utilitarian fish, you should consider the following:
Tank size – Tangs and rabbitfish need larger aquariums, so make sure to factor that in when choosing appropriate tank mates.
Compatibility – Some fish may be territorial with similar species.
Reef Safety – Most fish listed here are reef-safe, but always double check the species.
Supplemental Feeding – Even hardworking utilitarian fish need a proper diet. Algae eaters may need nori or algae based pellets/flake supplemented into their diet.
Utilitarian fish are more than just attractive tank mates — they’re the unsung heroes of a healthy reef. Whether it’s tangs keeping algae in check, wrasses removing pests, or gobies keeping your sand bed pristine, these species provide essential ecosystem services.
By adding the right mix of utilitarian fish, you’ll spend less time battling algae and pests — and more time enjoying your reef.
