Saltwater fish are a popular choice for hobbyists, but before you decide to take the plunge and set up a tank, it’s important to understand the differences between salt and fresh water fish. In general, saltwater fish are harder to keep than freshwater fish – but this doesn’t mean that they’re impossible to maintain! There are a number of hardy saltwater fish that make suitable pets for beginners. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the best beginner saltwater fish species.
1. Bicolor Blenny
The Bicolor Blenny is a small, peaceful fish that makes an ideal beginner pet. These striking fish are easily recognizable thanks to their unique coloration – they have a dark body with a yellowish head and fins. Bicolor blennies are hardy fish that are relatively easy to care for; however, they do require a well-oxygenated tank with plenty of hiding places. These fish are known for their inquisitive nature, and they make entertaining pets that are a joy to watch.
2. Yellow Prawn Watchman Goby
The Yellow Prawn Watchman Goby is a popular choice for beginners due to its small size and peaceful nature. These little fish are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them a great option for first-time saltwater hobbyists. Yellow Prawn Watchman Gobies are known to be good tank mates, getting along well with other peaceful fish. They make a great addition to any nano reef tank and will help to keep your aquarium clean by sifting through the sand for food.
Yellow Prawn Watchman Gobies are native to reefs in the Indo-Pacific region, so they’re used to living in a warm, saltwater environment. In the wild, these fish typically grow to around two inches in length, but they can reach up to four inches in captivity. Yellow Prawn Watchman Gobies are relatively easy to care for, but they do require a few specific tank conditions in order to thrive. These fish need a diet of small live or frozen foods, and they should be provided with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to burrow in.
3. Coral Beauty Angelfish
These beautiful fish are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. Coral Beauty Angelfish typically grow to be about six inches in length, making them a good size for smaller tanks. When choosing Coral Beauty Angelfish, it’s important to select fish that have been captive-bred, as wild-caught fish are often more difficult to acclimate to aquarium life. Coral Beauty Angelfish are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including flake food, pellet food, and frozen/live foods.
4. Ocellaris Clownfish
A popular choice for beginner hobbyists, and it’s easy to see why. These brightly-colored fish are relatively hardy and can adapt to a wide range of water conditions. Ocellaris Clownfish are also one of the few saltwater fish species that can be kept in an aquarium with fresh or salt water – making them a great choice for beginners who are still getting to grips with the basics of fish care. If you’re looking for a beautiful and low-maintenance saltwater fish, Ocellaris Clownfish are a good option.
5. Six Line Wrasse
The Six Line Wrasse (Pseudocheilinus hexataenia) is a small, colourful fish that originates from the reefs of the Indo-Pacific. This hardy little fish is a popular choice for beginner aquarists, as it’s relatively easy to care for and can adapt to a wide range of tank conditions. Six Line Wrasse are active fish that love to swim and explore, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of space. A 30 gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for a Six Line Wrasse, but larger tanks are always better!
Six Line Wrasse are easy to feed and will accept a wide variety of food, including flake, pellet, and frozen foods. Six Line Wrasse are peaceful fish that can be kept with a wide variety of tank mates – just be sure to avoid larger, more aggressive species. If you’re looking for a colourful and active fish that’s easy to care for, the Six Line Wrasse is a great choice!
6. Blue/Green Chromis
Their beautiful colors and peaceful nature. These hardy fish are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some specific tank conditions in order to thrive. Blue/Green Chromis prefer systems with plenty of live rock, as this provides them with hiding places and grazing opportunities. They’re also known to be quite social fish, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least three individuals. Blue/Green Chromis are a great choice for beginner saltwater aquarists!
7. Flame Hawkfish
The best saltwater fish for beginners. They’re relatively small (most Flame Hawkfish only grow to around four inches in length), and they’re hardy enough to withstand a wide range of water conditions. Flame Hawkfish are also very active, so they’ll add plenty of movement and interest to your tank. Another plus point is that Flame Hawkfish are relatively low-maintenance – they don’t need to be fed very often, and they’re not particularly fussy eaters.
8. Firefish
The most popular saltwater fish species due to their vibrant colors and relatively low maintenance needs. Firefish are peaceful community fish that do well in tanks with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. Firefish are known to be jumpers, so it’s important to have a tight-fitting lid on your tank!
9. Klein’s Butterflyfish
Beautiful and hardy choice for beginners. These peaceful fish are easy to care for and make a great addition to any saltwater tank. Klein’s Butterflyfish are named for their striking black and white markings, which resemble the wings of a butterfly. These gorgeous fish grow to be about four inches in length, making them a perfect fit for smaller tanks. Klein’s Butterflyfish are peaceful community fish, and do well when kept with other peaceful species. These hardy fish are a great choice for beginner saltwater aquarium enthusiasts!
10. Chalk Bass
A great choice for beginners – they’re hardy and relatively easy to care for. These little fish are perfect for nano tanks, and they make a beautiful addition to any aquarium. Chalk Bass are peaceful fish that get along well with other tank mates, so they’re a great option if you’re looking to set up a community tank. If you’re new to saltwater fish keeping, Chalk Bass are a great species to start with.
As you can see, there are plenty of great saltwater fish species that are suitable for beginners. When choosing fish for your tank, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you select species that are compatible with one another. Saltwater fish keeping can be a rewarding hobby – but it’s important to start off on the right foot!
