Saltwater Habitat Information

A saltwater habitat is an environment containing saltwater that is the home to any number of species including fish, crustaceans, sharks, bacteria, plants and even fungi. There are a number of subtypes of saltwater habitats, each with its own unique characteristics and flora and fauna that call it home.
    • Saltwater fish

    Types

    • The two primary wild saltwater habitats are the ocean and estuaries. (Estuaries are geographical features where rivers or streams and oceans merge.) Oceans make up the largest ecosystems on the planet. They are home to a number of different species ranging from microscopic algae, bacteria and fungi to large sea mammals like whales and fish such as sharks and dolphins. Another saltwater habitat is the coral reef, which is home to corals, fish, urchins, sea stars and octopi. Yet another type of saltwater habitat is the saltwater aquarium, where marine species are kept in an enclosed, maintained habitat.

    Features

    • Saltwater aquariums are miniaturized saltwater habitats that are contained in glass or acrylic tanks, with all of the characteristics of the environment maintained through filters, heaters, artificial lighting and other mechanics. Saltwater aquariums are capable of mimicking a similar environment for fish, marine invertebrates, corals and other marine species, allowing them to thrive in a captive environment.

    Benefits

    • There are a number of benefits associated with keeping a saltwater aquarium: Not only is there a visual appeal to keeping bright and colorful fish in a home or office, but hobbyists also gain pleasure from observing fish and other marine creatures in a somewhat natural habitat. Miniaturizing marine habitats in this manner also allows for the study of marine creatures in a perceived natural habitat, affording a greater understanding of the species.

    Considerations

    • Not every marine animal or plant can be kept in captivity in a man-made saltwater habitat. Some marine fish and plants are more capable of living in an enclosed environment, including small marine fish, crabs, sea anemones, certain coral varieties and marine plants. When creating an enclosed saltwater habitat, it is important to consider which species will be able to thrive in such an environment.

    Caveat

    • It is more difficult to keep saltwater fish than freshwater fish; saltwater fish and plants require more diligence and care in comparison to freshwater fish. Larger saltwater aquariums seem to be easier to keep than smaller ones, since the environment can regulate itself with less consistent maintenance.