Different Types of Salt Water Fish

Fish have come a long way from being the runner-up pet to a dog or cat. Aquariums can be as simple as a small fishbowl with one or two goldfish, or as lavish as a 150-gallon tank, complete with coral and dozens of brightly colored fish. Saltwater aquariums in particular offer a unique view of the ecosystems found in the world's oceans. There are many different varieties of colorful salt water fish available to populate your tank.

  1. Damsels

    • Damsels are a lively marine fish for newcomers to the saltwater aquarium hobby, as they are good eaters and very adaptable to the ups and downs associated with a tank startup. They come in a range of colors---depending upon the specific species---and stay fairly small. The only drawback is their tendency toward aggression, so it's advisable to keep no more than one of the same species in the tank and introduce the damsel last to avoid territorial issues.

    Clownfish

    • These playful little fish have become a favorite of saltwater hobbyists. In the wild, these colorful little fish make their homes inside the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone, but are perfectly capable of surviving quite well without them in captivity. Clowns are close cousins to the damsels, and are also a very hardy species, so they make excellent starter fish for beginner hobbyists.

    Blennies

    • A fairly small fish without the bright coloring of other marine species, blennies are often overlooked by saltwater enthusiasts. This is unfortunate, as blennies are quite interesting little fish with some personality. Some species have special sensory feelers that could help detect predators, while others secrete an unpleasant layer of slime to cover their bodies to scare potential threats. The golden blenny and the bicolor blenny are two of the more popular species preferred by hobbyists.

    Tangs

    • Beautiful and peaceful, tangs are wonderful additions to any saltwater aquarium. Their bright coloring and shy demeanor disguise the fact that they are equipped with a sharp spine at the base of their tail, which they erect when they feel threatened. But generally, this is simply a predatory defense, and poses no threat to a stray hand that may enter the tank. Tangs are more sensitive when it comes to diet and water quality, so they may be better for more experienced hobbyists.

    Angelfish

    • Angel species range in size from 5 inches to 24 inches, and are among the most colorfully patterned marine fish in the world. The larger species tend to be a little more aggressive than the smaller, and should not be kept with invertebrates. Smaller species, such as the dwarf angelfish or the coral beauty, are excellent for beginner hobbyists, as they are very adaptable to aquarium conditions.