Different Kinds of Saltwater Fish

Though fish do not need to go for a walk in the morning, they do require lots of attention and care. Many types of saltwater fish can survive in an aquarium. It is possible to have a home saltwater aquarium with queen angelfish, seahorses or clownfish. Yet it is important to research the needs of each fish individually. Some fish require lots of light, and others cannot have "tankmates." Because of their natural bright, beautiful colors, saltwater fish can create a calming visual point for your home.

  1. Large Angelfish

    • The emperor, French and queen angelfish are all forms of the large angelfish species. These fish can grow to over a foot long. They also have a long life span of over 10 years with good care. The emperor angelfish is one of the most expensive marine fish to purchase. The French angelfish is unique in its ability to change colors as it ages. The queen angelfish gets its name from the small crownlike shape on its head. They can also grow past 18 inches long.

    Clownfish

    • Raising clownfish is a fascinating hobby for some because of their playful disposition and bright-orange, white and black coloring. Clownfish waddle as they swim and shake their tails much like dogs, making them fun to watch in aquariums. However, this type of saltwater fish can be difficult to care for. High aquarium lighting levels are important for clownfish. There are various clownfish species, yet they can become aggressive when mixed in the same tank.

    Foxface Rabbitfish

    • Foxface rabbitfish originated in the waters of the Indian Ocean, where they usually swim in pairs. These fish grow to 9 inches long and live for five to seven years. Foxface rabbitfish are good for beginner saltwater aquarium owners because they are easy to care for and are not picky eaters. This species of fish can live on frozen or flake-foods. Foxface rabbitfish are also easy to make comfortable in a saltwater aquarium with algae and live rocks for them to hide in.

    Common Seahorses

    • There are about 35 species of seahorses. Common seahorses are used for medicinal purposes and treatment for ailments in the Far East. This practice has led to dwindling numbers of seahorses. However, it is still possible for an expert in saltwater aquariums to keep a seahorse. In the wild, this fish feeds on crustaceans and small shrimp. However, in a saltwater aquarium, seahorses can survive on live fish and vitamin-enriched frozen foods. This type of fish generally grows to 11 inches long.

    Purple Tang

    • The purple tang is a beautiful species of the surgeonfish. Its body is purplish-blue with dark striped patterns and a bright yellow tail. The purple tang's habitats are the West Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. This fish grows to around 10 inches and lives for 10 years or more. One purple tang fish cost about $120 as of 2009. They are commonly found in pairs in the wild but tend to be aggressive with other fish in aquariums. Purple tang are also algae eaters.

    Blue Damselfish

    • Blue damselfish also have the name blue devilfish because of their aggressive personality. Though these saltwater fish are only 2.5 inches in size, they are territorial and aggressive with larger fish. Blue damselfish originated in the Indo-Pacific and generally live to 5 years old. If keeping these fish in a saltwater aquarium, it is important to have live rocks for hiding places. However, be careful when handling blue damselfish because they will go after your hand if you invade their space.