Best saltwater fist for your fish tank

Choosing the most beautiful and suitable fish for an aquarium can  very easy  become complicated, especially for beginner aquarists. The world of an aquarium is as diverse as its inhabitants are. There are dozens of fish species available on the market, but not all of them are equally suitable for your home aquarium. The requirements for food, plants, lighting and water quality and temperature vary depending on the species of fish and should be taken into consideration when choosing aquarium roommates. In addition, you need to make sure that the selected fish will live well with each other.

Farming ornamental fish is becoming the passion of more and more animal lovers: No wonder, after all, the sight of the extremely colorful underwater world of sea creatures is not only fascinating and mesmerizing, but also has a calming effect in the hectic everyday life. Which fish are best for a home aquarium?

**PICK THE FISH**

Clownfish

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The Clownfish is one of the most popular saltwater fish today; probably in no small part due to the Disney movie Finding Nemo.

You may remember that Nemo was a Clownfish, and if you have been hoping to add one to your saltwater tank, you are in luck. Clownfish (especially the tank raised variety) are easy to care for. Being one of the most popular saltwater fish, food for it is easy to find.

Tang

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Tangs are stunning saltwater fish with a hardy and flexible nature, making them ideal for beginner aquarists. They can come in colors like powder blue and bright yellow. Tangs can be aggressive with other Tangs but are friendly with other tank fish. To live a long and happy life, these beautiful fish will need a tank that is at least 100 gallons and a varied diet.

Damselfish

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Many saltwater fish require large tanks such as 100 gallons or more, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. That is what makes the Damselfish such a good choice, as they only require a minimum tank of 30 gallons. They are also very hardy. Damselfish can be a slightly aggressive, so give them plenty of hiding places and they will tend to keep to themselves. There are also plenty of beautiful color varieties to choose from. They come in many color varieties.

Mollies

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Mollies are quite an interesting fish species. Apart from being attractive, Mollies are super flexible with their environment, and can live in both saltwater and freshwater. They love to feed on algae so you can expect your tank to be algae-free. Mollies are easy to care for and non-aggressive, only needing green foods and water changes to be happy!

Volitan Lionfish

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The lionfish is generally known to the public due to news of their invasiveness, but in the aquarium hobby they make a great display fish. They are pretty friendly and very hardy in the aquarium – often to the point of getting bullied by some more active fish like triggers and large angelfish.  They will eat just about any fish it can fit in its mouth, so they are best with larger fish. They can be kept in reef tanks as they will not harm corals but may eat inverts.

Firefish Goby

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Another gorgeous Goby for saltwater beginners, the Firefish is a long, thin fish generally with a light-colored body and a red, orange, and/or magenta tail (which is how they got their name) The Firefish Goby has a peaceful temperament, which is a great choice for community aquariums. They are calm, non-confrontational, and will eat almost anything. They are also fun to watch because they move fast and like to hide.

Royal Gramma

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The Royal Gramma is an inexpensive fish and adds a nice burst of color to any saltwater aquarium. Due to its unique color pattern and smaller adult size, the Gramma is a good beginner fish for nano reef systems. It also prefers rockwork in which to hide and somewhat subdued lighting. While they get along well with most aquarium mates of similar size and temperament, the Royal Gramma will get territorial with its own kind; so, having just one in your aquarium is best.

Rusty Angelfish

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The Rusty Angelfish is named after its red/amber coloration with black dots. Even though their care level is listed as moderate, they are a hardy and colorful fish. Nevertheless, this fish requires at a minimum a 70-gallon tank with large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing. Use caution if placing it within a reef tank, though, as the Rusty Angelfish is known to nip at stony and soft corals and clam mantles.

Hawkfish

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The Hawkfish comes in different varieties and has an interesting look that adds interest to any saltwater aquarium. It is also another hardy fish, making it a good choice for saltwater beginners. Be sure to have a tight-fitting lid though, because these fish are known to be escape artists. This species is also aggressive, and may harass small, peaceful fish and most other fish introduced to the aquarium after it has been established. Its tank mates should be larger than itself and semi-aggressive, and with proper caution, be compatible in a reef environment.

Green Chromis

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A mellow fish, the Green Chromis is easy to care for and makes a great addition to a new saltwater aquarium. It is an active schooling fish and enjoys an aquarium with plenty of live rock. The Green Chromis will look great in a well-lit aquarium, especially if it is schooling. Best of all, they are a hardy and colorful; a great combination for the beginner saltwater fish keeper.

Chalk Bass

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A very hardy, colorful, and small fish, the Chalk Bass is a great saltwater fish for beginners. It is durable and can even live in less-than-optimal water conditions, which when you are just starting out, having a tolerant fish like a Chalk Bass makes it easier to learn proper care. Several Chalk Bass can live in the same aquarium, but it is important to introduce them all at the same time to avoid territorial fighting within the species. A 30-gallon aquarium with abundant live rock for hiding is ideal for the Chalk Bass. It will also not pick at corals or sessile invertebrates and are a great fish for a reef aquarium.

Pajama Cardinalfish

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The Cardinalfish is one of the more unique looking choices and comes in different varieties such as the Pajama Cardinal and Bangaii Cardinal. The recommended aquarium size for this fish is 30 gallons (especially for schooling). The Cardinalfish tend to keep to themselves and will be most active at night. They like having plenty of places to hide during the day so make sure you give them live plants and rocks to explore.

Dottyback

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A great starter fish for beginner hobbyists, these little fish are generally easy to take care of and have a snake-like way of swimming. They also, however, have an aggressive and territorial nature, especially if the environment is not right for them. Dottybacks need plenty of hiding spots, and a good diet to be content and non-confrontational. They come in many color varieties.

Six Line Wrasse

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The Six Line Wrasse is inexpensive, colorful, and active; making it a great addition to the beginner’s marine aquarium. It requires a peaceful environment with a good amount of hiding places and live rock on which they can forage. The Six Line Wrasse is generally peaceful but may act aggressively towards other Wrasses and other easily intimidated fish. This is especially true if it is not adequately fed or if its habitat does not have places in which to hide.

Rock Beauty Angelfish

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Rock Beauty Angelfish are a good saltwater fish for beginners if you are looking for a larger species. Reaching up to 10 inches in length, these Atlantic Holacanthus Angelfish are specialist sponge feeders. This means you will need to purchase large quantities of frozen marine Angelfish preparation, mixed with Spirulina flakes and frozen meaty fare. Choosing tankmates for them can be a bother because Rock Beauties are semi-aggressive but have no tolerance for aggressive tank mates. Fast swimming, peaceful tank mates like Blue Reef Chromis, Tangs, and bottom dwellers like Gobies are great additions.

Dwarf Lionfish

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Lionfish are elegant, graceful Scorpionfish with a hearty appetite. Nevertheless, most of the larger species require especially large tanks and have a bad habit of eating their tank mates along the way. Dwarf Lionfish actually describes two particular species; the Shortfin or Fuzzy Lionfish) and the Fu Manchu Lionfish. Like their larger cousins they have venomous dorsal spines they will not hesitate to use when feeling threatened. While rarely needing medical attention, the wound is excruciatingly painful – running the wound under water as hot as you can stand breaks down the venom.

Banggai Cardinal

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The Banggai cardinalfish is a popular aquarium fish among fish keepers. Comes from the same family as previously described pajama Cardinalfish.  This species is restricted to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia. This species has an extremely limited geographic range  of 5,500 km2. This species grows up to 8 centimeters (3 inch) total length. It is easily differentiated from all other cardinalfishes by its tasseled first dorsal fin.

Kleins Butterflyfish

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While many Butterflyfish are not suitable for beginner aquarists – thanks to their wonky diet – the Klein’s Butterflyfish is actually pretty easy to care for. They do need a rather large tank, however, which can be a deterrent for some newbies, but if you have got the space and equipment, you will not regret have some of these beauties around. They can be kept with members of their own species – as long as they are introduced together – which is also another special and easy-care quality in these beauties. They need loads of swimming space and rocks for hiding, though they are not terribly reef safe as they might nibble on your corals. They do well in fish-only and live rock tanks, though.

Clown Goby

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The Clown Goby is a great addition to any saltwater aquarium because it is peaceful, comes in many vibrant colors, is inexpensive, and is hardy. Often seen perched on live rock or coral, it will make a wonderful addition to any reef aquarium with colonies of polyp corals. Be careful if you place it with SPS corals though, since the Clown Goby may nip at the smaller polyps. Even Though the Clown Goby will get along with other fish, they will fight among themselves, so it is best to keep it with other docile species.

Lawnmower Blenny

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The Lawnmower Blenny is a peaceful and active fish. It is also inexpensive and hardy; making it a good choice for beginner marine aquarists. Its mottled tan color, oversized eyes, and typical body shape of the Blenny family adds visual appeal to any saltwater aquarium. Like other Blennies, it will perch on live rock, hide in caves, and hop across substrate. It also helps keep your aquarium clean by eating algae. The Lawnmower Blenny is peaceful towards other tank mates unless they are similar in shape or appearance to a Blenny, therefore it is best have an individual Blenny unless kept in a larger aquarium and the two are a mated pair.

Bicolor Angelfish

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The Bicolor Angelfish, also known as a Two-colored Angelfish or Oriole Angelfish, is a hardy fish with yellow on the first half of its body and blue on the second half. 70-gallon tank with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing is best for this Angelfish. However, the Bicolor Angelfish is not a good reef dweller because it is prone to nip at stony and soft corals and clam mantles.

Diamond Goby

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The Diamond Goby can be a timid fish but makes a great addition to a reef aquarium because of its longevity, hardiness, and it helps clean sand. It is best in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate. It  uses shallow burrows in the substrate as a refuge. The Diamond Goby is rarely becomes aggressive towards other fish but can be territorial and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

Yellow Coris Wrasse

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The Yellow Coris Wrasse, also referred to as a Golden Rainbowfish, Golden Wrasse, or Canary Wrasse, is another hardy and small fish good for beginners. Smaller saltwater fish, the Yellow Coris Wrasse is active and should have a tank size of 50 gallons or larger with a sealed lid. A sandy substrate of 2-3 inches to hide under when frightened should also be included.  The Yellow Coris Wrasse is peaceful and will generally get along with other peaceful Wrasse, including its own species. It will also protect corals and clams by eating fire worms and pyramidellid snails as well as eat parasites off tank mates.

Bicolor Blenny

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The Blenny is not only a beautiful fish, but it is also great for beginners because they are so peaceful. They spend most of their time hiding among the rocks and plants, occasionally peeking out to observe their surroundings. Although Blennies get along with other fish, they will fight among themselves, so it is best to only add one to your aquarium.

Yellow Watchman Goby

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The Yellow Watchman Goby is one of the best fish for saltwater aquarium beginners because they are not picky about their diet and will eat food readily available at the pet store, are inexpensive, and hardy. Goby fish are also popular, so they are easy to find in many pet stores. The Watchman Goby is peaceful and gets along with other fish but does not get along well with other Gobies, so make sure you keep them separated if you get more than one.

Coral Beauty Angelfish

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If you want to start out with a larger saltwater aquarium, at 70 gallons or more, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is a great addition because it is hardy and colorful. It can also do fine individually or in small schools. Although Coral Beauties do not require coral in an aquarium, they do need lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. It is also prone to nip at stony and soft corals so use caution if you plan to put it in a reef aquarium.

Swissguard Basslet

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The colorful red stripes running lengthwise along their bodies give them a distinctive look that add a lot of value to your saltwater fish tank ideas of colorful reefs and interesting contrasts. They are long and elegant and work well in nano reef tanks down to 10-gallons in size. The Swissguard Basslet generally make for great reef tank fish as they leave corals and live rocks alone. They do, however, love to munch on smaller crustaceans, so you will want to avoid tiny crabs, shrimp, et cetera.

Longnose Hawkfish

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This hardy, bold invertebrate predator will sit on display, perched on the live rock, waiting for a meal. Then, watch them zip to life at feeding time.  This species can reach 13 cm (5.1 in) in length. The Longnose Hawkfish is a hardy, semi-aggressive fish but other larger Hawkfish will overpower it. Although it eats small fish and shrimp, it makes an excellent reef inhabitant under the proper conditions.

Pink skunk clownfish

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Not quite as popular as some of their mainstream cousins, the mild-mannered pink skunk clownfish is certainly still a top 25 choice and is a perfect beginner saltwater fish choice if you want a very cool but less traditional clownfish species.

Midas blenny

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This great saltwater fish seems to have added another level of ‘pop’ to the yellow or gold colorations of other reef fish. The specific name references the Phrygian king Midas who, in Greek mythology turned all he touched into gold, the type was a golden color in life although it is now known that this species is variable in color. It grows to a size of 13 cm in length. Its normal color is golden orange, but it can adapt its color (mimicry) to match the color of the fishes it mixes with.

Four Stripe Damselfish

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Four Stripe Damselfish are some of the best saltwater fish for beginners – but are also not without their challenges! Specifically, they are quite aggressive and territorial as they grow older, both towards their own kind and other species. On the plus side, they have a bold black and silver pattern that’s eye catching and are extremely hardy in terms of water quality shifts. Four Stripe Damselfish will accept any sort of carnivorous food offering and are also reef-safe, offering a stark color contrast to the pinks, greens, and purples of coral and live rock. Four Stripe Damselfish will usually claim a rocky outcropping as their territory and will viciously nip at any intruders.

Flame Angelfish

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Flame Angelfishes are not only intensely colored but are smaller, less specialized, and easier to care for than their larger cousins. They are great saltwater fish for beginners because they feed mostly on algae and occasionally invertebrates. Many of their larger cousins feed almost exclusively on sponges, which gets expensive quickly. Flame Angelfish will take vegetarian flake offerings mixed with occasional snacks of protein rich flakes or frozen items. While Flame Angelfish are hardy as Angelfish go they should be some of the last fish to introduce to your new saltwater aquarium. Once the tank is mostly cycled you will have little trouble with them. They are also peaceful as far as Angelfish go – Flame Angelfish may claim a small territory but are not nearly as aggressive as other species.

Threadfin Butterflyfish

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Butterfly fish as a whole tend to be picky, sensitive fish. However, the Threadfin Butterflyfish is an exception to the family and are the best Butterflyfish for beginners. Found across the Indopacific region, Butterflyfish are close relatives of marine Angelfish and have remarkably similar habits. Butterflyfish are grazers, picking on corals, algae, polyps, and even tiny anemones. As a result, they are not reef-safe but do well in fish only aquariums. Threadfin Butterflyfish are peaceful and non-territorial but will chase their own kind and similar looking fish.

Talbot’s Demoiselle

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The Talbot’s Demoiselle or Damselfish is one of the best easy care saltwater fish that you will find anywhere. They are beautiful with vivid purple and yellow or orange coloring and have a mostly mild personality. They are a little aggressive towards other fish as they defend their territory as they age. They are a highly active species, which means they are extremely enjoyable to watch and keep at home. They also need larger aquariums compared to their size – at least 30-gallons – to help reduce any aggression as well as provide them plenty of space for hiding or escaping other aggressive tankmates.

Orchid Dottybacks

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This little fish can be aggressive in small tanks, but in the right size saltwater tank with hiding spots, they do well with many other species of fish – and add some bright pops of purple to red color all over the place. They do really well in tanks loaded with live rock where they can hide and find food like zooplankton – which can be bought where they sell aquarium supplies. They make a great addition to any aquarium for this reason alone. They can get territorial but generally are okay with other fish and work well with others with similar personalities.

Marine Betta

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The marine betta is a unique and peaceful fish. They are known for being extremely hardy with stories of them surviving tank wipe outs caused by parasitic infections and recovering from wounds without getting bacterial infections. The key with the marine betta is acclimation. They are very shy when introduced and often will do poorly with highly active tank mates. They are also quite large, so they need to be placed with larger tank mates or kept well fed to prevent them from eating smaller fish. They are known for being reef safe and will not bother inverts as long as they are fed well. They are a nocturnal fish but will adjust to the home and be quite showy to their owner once established. 

Emperor Angelfish

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The emperor angelfish is a very bold and large angelfish. It has striking colors with a signature blue-black mask that covers its eyes. They are an excellent addition to a fish only with live rock aquarium and have also been reported to be safe in SPS dominated tanks. It is a large fish with a lot of personality, often becoming the dominant fish in the tank. If you want to know more about angelfish compatibility with reef tanks, you can refer to this reef safe angel fish sheet published by Reef Central users.

Lyretail Anthias

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The Lyretail Anthias is flashy looking and a social butterfly in a community tank. Males look like the picture above while females are orange in color. They do best in groups with one male to multiple females. They are known to change sexes if a male is lacking, with the most dominant female turning to a male. They are great fish for a reef tank.

Sargassum Triggerfish

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The sargassum triggerfish is known as the most reef safe triggerfish that you can add to your aquarium. Triggerfish in general are a blast to have in an aquarium because they have great personalities and the sargassum triggerfish does not disappoint. They will swim laps around your tank all day and it will vocalize using a grunting sound. The sargassum triggerfish will become a conversation piece in the home.