There are over 20,000 species of fish in the sea out there. However, more than 2,000 of these fish species can be put into your aquarium as your pets at home. You might think that you only can keep these freshwater fish that are perfect for your fish tank, however, you can also keep saltwater fish there.
As a beginner, you have to understand what fish species you can put inside your aquarium. Let’s take a look at each of these fish’s characteristic so that you can start considering which you want to put. These are the top 8 most popular saltwater fish for your aquarium.
- Clownfish
Have you watched Finding Nemo? Then, you must know that it is a clownfish. Known as one of the colorful sea creatures, clownfish is also best known for their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones as they are able to shelter within a sea anemone’s stinging tentacles.
In a fish tank, one of these most colorful animals are best kept in groups of 4 with at least one anemone for each fish. This fish species is friendly for beginners and their food is also easy to find.
Regarding to their characteristic, clownfish are very active and don’t hide as much as their tank mates. Therefore, it is interesting for a beginner’s saltwater aquarium.
- Blue Tang
This fish species can also be found in the movie, Finding Nemo along with the clownfish. The Blue Tang is a member of the surgeonfish family and is named for its sharp spine located on the sides of its caudal fins.
The Blue Tang stands out due to its deep blue and bright yellow colors. However, it actually goes through several color changes throughout its life.
If you plan to keep the Blue Tang as your pet fish, then you should consider putting one Blue Tang per tank. It gets along well with the other species, such as clownfish, Green Chromis and some species of Damselfish.
- Damselfish
The next popular saltwater fish to keep in a fish tank is Damselfish. Damselfish is known to be very hardy and comes in various colors. To have a Damselfish, you only need to prepare a minimum tank of 30 gallons.
Regarding to their characteristics, Damselfish could be a slightly aggressive. Therefore, you need to give them plenty of hiding places and they will be able to keep to themselves.
- Green Chromis
Green Chromis is popular as a mellow fish. It is easy to take care and makes a great companion to the new saltwater fish tank. The Green Chromis is considered as an active schooling fish and enjoys a fish tank which offers plenty of live rock.
The Green Chromis are really colorful and indeed, they are a great combination for the beginner saltwater fish keeper. They get along with most of the saltwater fish, such as clownfish and Damselfish.
- Bicolor Blenny
Not only beautiful, Bicolor Blenny is also a great saltwater fish for a beginner as it is a peaceful fish. It loves spending most of its time hiding among the rocks and plants. It also occasionally peeks out to observe its surrounding.
The Bicolor Blenny has dark brown caudal side with a striking orange on the dorsal side. It is known to be a very useful algae cleaner and prevents algae in your tank.
Bicolor Blenny are known to be able to get along with other fish, but they might fight among themselves. Therefore, it is better to keep one to your fish tank.
- Clown Goby
Another saltwater fish to keep in your fish tank is the Clown Goby. It is a great companion to any saltwater fish tank as it is peaceful and comes in many vibrant colors. It is also inexpensive and hardy.
The Clown Goby loves to be perched on live rock or coral, so it will be better if you can add some colonies of polyp corals. It is also able to get along with other fish, but it might fight with other Clown Goby too, so it is better to keep it with other docile species instead.
After deciding what fish species to keep in your fish tank, there are some other things you need to consider. You must avoid these plants not to put in your fish tank and why as they might be dangerous for your fish. Some plants are even poisonous.
Besides, if you’re a beginner in keeping fish in a fish tank, you need to get some tips about fish tank such as mentioned in fish tank care tips for beginners and essential things for your fish tank.