which fish would not be reef safe but would be ok in a macro algae tank?

[NicolasFSS]

As the title says, which fish would pick at or eat corals but leave macro algae alone, if any?
I assume most non algae eating reef safe fish would also be macro tank safe, but I am specifically interested in species that would only be safe in a macro tank but not in a reef tank.

 

[vetteguy53081]

As the title says, which fish would pick at or eat corals but leave macro algae alone, if any?
I assume most non algae eating reef safe fish would also be macro tank safe, but I am specifically interested in species that would only be safe in a macro tank but not in a reef tank.

Tangs
Algae eaters such as tail spot blenny
Dwarf angels

 

[McCarrick]

Non reef safe wrasses come to mind, some "Reef safe with caution" incuding: Copperband butterfly, Coral Beauty, Flame Angel, most other angels

 

[i cant think]

As the title says, which fish would pick at or eat corals but leave macro algae alone, if any?
I assume most non algae eating reef safe fish would also be macro tank safe, but I am specifically interested in species that would only be safe in a macro tank but not in a reef tank.

It depends on the tank size.

 

[Slocke]

I disagree with angels. I find they love eating algae. And of course tangs and rabbit fish are out.
Most butterflies will eat algae too I believe but some are more carnivorous like the CBB @Fishfreak2009

Obvious answer are the not reef safe fish that eat shrimp and other CUC like wrasse, triggers, etc but I feel like you are asking for fish that eat coral but not algae and I find most fish that eat coral also eat algae. If so then all I can think of are very highly adapted coralivores like tubelip wrasse but then good luck keeping them alive without SPS corals as that all they eat.

I’ll also add that even obligate carnivores will supplement their diet with algae so you’ll be hard pressed to find any fish who won’t nibble on your algae occasionally.

 

[Fishfreak2009]

I disagree with angels. I find they love eating algae. And of course tangs and rabbit fish are out.
Most butterflies will eat algae too I believe but some are more carnivorous like the CBB @Fishfreak2009

Obvious answer are the not reef safe fish that eat shrimp and other CUC like wrasse, triggers, etc but I feel like you are asking for fish that eat coral but not algae and I find most fish that eat coral also eat algae. If so then all I can think of are very highly adapted coralivores like tubelip wrasse but then good luck keeping them alive without SPS corals as that all they eat.

I’ll also add that even obligate carnivores will supplement their diet with algae so you’ll be hard pressed to find any fish who won’t nibble on your algae occasionally.

Yeah, most angels will devour macroalgae, both large and dwarf. Even the Genicanthus Genus will chew on some if provided, especially species like grape caulerpa.

As far as other fish, my butterflies tore apart 5 different varieties of macroalgae I tried to grow with them, and most other fish will at least pick at it.

As @Slocke said earlier, even a lot of carnivorous fish like puffers, triggers, and wrasses will happily consume macroalgae to supplement their diet. My predator tank goes absolutely nuts for nori, live caulerpa, even some of the tougher algae like red pom pom, Dragon's breath, and Halimeda.

Realistically I can only think of small planktivores like chromis, anthias, fairy and flasher wrasses, mandarin dragonets, gobies, sygnathids, eels, and ambush predators like scorpionfish, lionfish, groupers, and anglerfish that leave it alone. Fish like squirrel and soldierfish, cardinals, and sweepers would be fine as well. I've seen people do shark and stingray macroalgae tanks as well, but even they will take a bite here or there periodically, and it would need to be a massive aquarium with plenty of space for them to move.