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Carnivores

Many tropical fish are meat-eaters and nothing is more frustrating than dropping some choice morsels in the tank only to have them categorically ignored. It's important to learn whether your carnivores are predators or scavengers. Many predators only eat their fill every few days, taking feeding breaks in between. Scavengers eat predators' leftovers. Lionfish, triggerfish and squirrelfish are all carnivores.

Herbivores

Herbivores spend their days cruising around looking for tasty plants and algae. Many herbivores are actually omnivores and require a mix of animal and plant life for proper nutrition. Tangs, surgeonfish and some blennies are herbivores.

Omnivores

Omnivores often eat a mix of corals, crustaceans, invertebrates and plants. Most are not at all predatory but they often scavenge for predators' leftovers. Be sure to get a clear understanding of your tropical fish's needs as nutritional needs and preferences vary greatly even within the same species. Clownfish, damsels and gobies are omnivores.

Suspension or Filter Feeders

Sessile creatures remain attached to the substrates and feed through a filtering system, requiring highly specialized food sources. Some fish and invertebrate species are sand sifters. These categories include corals, sponges, starfish and mandarins. Maintaining a healthy population of tiny crustaceous copepods and amphipods for them to feed on is your challenge. Having a tropical aquarium filled with fascinating and varied creatures is your reward.