10 Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish For Beginners
1. Tangs
One of the things that make Tangs a great choice for beginners is that they’re hardy and resilient as well as extremely beautiful. There are a lot of different varieties, too, including bright yellow and powder blue.
Bear in mind that Tangs are generally unaggressive with other fish but are prone to fighting amongst themselves.
They require a tank of at least 100 gallons and make a colorful addition to any saltwater community.
2. Watchman Goby
The watchman goby is one of the best picks for beginners. For one thing, they’re not picky when it comes to diet and will eat things that are readily available at the pet store. They’ll even eat table shrimp.
Gobies are pretty popular so they’re not hard to find and you can usually find them in any pet store.
They’re peaceful and get along well with other species of fish but don’t get along very well with other gobies so, if you get more than one, make sure you keep them separated.
3. Chalk Bass
A great saltwater fish for newbies is the Chalk Bass. These fish are durable, resist illness, and can thrive even in less than optimal water conditions.
When you’re just starting out, having a tolerant fish like a Chalk Bass makes it a little easier to learn the ropes.
These fish are white with reddish strips along their dorsal side and are great for getting a tank started.
While several can live in the same aquarium, it’s important to introduce them all at once to avoid territorial fighting within the species.
4. Damselfish
A lot of these fish require large tanks of 100 gallons or more which can be a little overwhelming for someone just starting out. That’s why Damselfish are such a great choice. They only require 30-gallons!
Damselfish can be a little aggressive but as long as you give them plenty of hiding places, they tend to keep to themselves.
There are also plenty of brightly-colored varieties to choose from and most of them are stunning.
5. Dottyback
Another good choice for a small 30-gallon tank is the Dottyback. They can be aggressive but with the right size tank, plenty of hiding spots, and a satisfying diet, they’re usually pretty happy and non-confrontational.
These fish are a great way to add small, bright pops of color to your tank plus there are a few different varieties to choose from.
They come in a few different colors, including blue, purple, and yellow as well as bicolors that are half yellow and half purple.
6. Clownfish
You might remember that Nemo was a clownfish and if you’re hoping to add one to your saltwater tank, you’re in luck. Clownfish, especially the False Percula variety, are easy to care for.
As it’s one of the most popular saltwater fish available, dry pellets and frozen food for it are easy to find.
These colorful fish are active and don’t like to hide as much as some of their tankmates so they make an interesting addition to a beginning saltwater community.
7. Firefish
Another gorgeous option is the firefish. These long, thin fish generally have a white or light colored body and a bright red, orange, and/or magenta tail which is what gave them their name.
The firefish has a great temperament for community tanks. They’re calm, non-confrontational, and will geat just about anything. Plus, they’re fun to watch because they move really fast and like to hide.
8. Coral Beauties
If you’re planning a larger tank that’s 70-gallons or more, a Coral Beauty is a great addition.
This good-looking fish typically has a blue body and with bright orange stripes. They can do fine on their own or in small schools.
Coral beauties don’t require coral in the tank but they do like to hide so make sure to give them plenty of rocks and plants. They prefer a mix of food that includes algae as well as high-quality meaty angelfish foods.
9. Butterfly Fish
One of the most beautiful additions to any saltwater tank is the butterfly fish. Although there are a lot of different subspecies, each one is a stunning addition to your saltwater tank community.
All varieties of butterfly fish are beautiful and easy to care for but each subspecies has its own dietary requirements and needs so make sure you learn about the specific type you selected so it stays happy and healthy.
10.Royal Gramma Basslet
Royal Gramma Basslets are bright purple and yellow and only grow to about 3 inches long.
While they get along well with most tankmates, they get territorial with their own kind so adding only one to your tank is best.
This fish requires a tank of at least 30 gallons and prefers low light and a lot of rocks and caves to hide in.
They’re carnivores and should be fed a variety of meaty foods like crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp, and high-quality frozen foods.
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