Different Species of Saltwater Fish

Saltwater aquariums can contain fish of jaw-dropping color and variety. Although operating a saltwater aquarium at home requires considerable setup and maintenance effort, the scope and variety of species available encourages lovers of aquatic life to put forth the work required. Although you could read many books and still not know every species of saltwater fish, a short list can convey some of the allure the fish-keeping hobby has for the dedicated animal lover.

  1. Clownfish

    • Bright orange with wide white stripes and curved fins, the clownfish entered public consciousness after release of the 2003 film "Finding Nemo." Clownfish come in other colors as well, including black. They love anemones and often live inside them for protection; sea anemones are poisonous to many fish, but clownfish are immune.

    Angelfish

    • The classic angelfish shape is generally flat and oval. Angelfish are found in colors ranging from silver to bright, almost neon shades of orange, blue and yellow. While beautiful, angelfish are not known for playing well with others. Angelfish may be overly aggressive when defending their territory, and can also cause damage to coral.

    Lionfish

    • The name of the lionfish could come from its distinct pattern of stripes--which actually more closely resemble those of a tiger--or from its predatory nature. Lionfish are poor choices for an aquarium containing a variety of marine species, since they will kill and eat the other fish. They may also cause injury to humans. Still, the many stinging tentacles of a lionfish give it an undeniably intriguing shape.

    Surgeonfish

    • Surgeonfish are so-named because of the extremely sharp fins on the undersides of their bodies. There are dozens of known species of surgeonfish, and they come in a variety of shapes and colors. One of the most striking is the blue tang, with color resembling a dark blue ink stain on a light blue background. Surgeonfish often behave well in a tank with other types of fish. Multiple surgeonfish species, however, can be dangerous to put in the same tank.

    Gobies

    • Gobies are small, often bottom-dwelling fish noted for their striking colors and entertaining behavior. Gobies search for food on the bottom of the aquarium, burrowing into holes if pursued by a predator. The Catalina goby is particularly beautiful, with graduated blue stripes against a bright red background.