What Fish Can Live in Brackish Water

Besides freshwater fish and saltwater fish, there is also a third category. Brackish water fish have evolved over the years to thrive in water that is a mixture of fresh and saltwater. These brackish water pools are found throughout the world in areas where freshwater and saltwater combine, and these brackish water pools are home to an astonishing variety of fish. Many of these fish are available to the aquarium hobbyist, and setting up a brackish water tank can be very rewarding--if you choose the right fish.

  1. Mollies

    • Mollies are among the most popular of all brackish water fish. These popular fish are also quite hardy, and that makes them an excellent choice for the beginning hobbyist. Mollies can live in freshwater aquariums, but they will be more comfortable and more healthy in water that contains a bit of aquarium salt. Mollies have been used as aquarium fish for many years, and selective breeding has created a wide variety of colors and body styles. The original black mollies have been joined by white mollies, Dalmatian mollies and other colors. Balloon mollies are a recent addition to the molly line, and a popular one at that. These mollies are distinguished by their large balloon-like bodies.

    Puffer Fish

    • The puffer fish is best known for its ability to expand its body dramatically when cornered, threatened or frightened. This defense mechanism causes the fish to look much larger than its normal size, and that appearance is often enough to scare off predators and rivals. Puffer fish are also popular choices for home aquariums, and these fish do quite well in brackish water. In the wild, puffer fish live in brackish pools near the intersection of fresh and saltwater, and they have evolved to thrive in these salty waters. Puffer fish can do quite well in a brackish community tank, but they can be fin nippers--keeping puffer fish with long finned fish is generally not recommended.

    The Goby

    • Many species of goby are suitable for the aquarium hobby, and many beginning brackish water aquarium hobbyists will find success setting up a goby tank. These fish live in brackish water in their native environments, and they will generally thrive readily in a brackish water tank.

    Needlenose Gar

    • The needlenose gar is one of the most unique brackish water fish. The large size and aggressive nature of the needlenose gar make it most suited to a large, single species tank, but if you have the room, this fish can be a fascinating addition to your aquarium hobby. These fish can grow to 12" or more in size, so it is important for hobbyists to have a large tank available. These fish will thrive in brackish water, since this is the environment they are suited to in the wild.

    Orange Chromide Cichlid

    • The orange chromide cichlid is one of the most striking of all brackish water fish, and one of the few cichlids that will thrive in a brackish water environment. Cichlids are known for their intelligence and their interactivity, and they are one of the few types of fish that actually get to know and recognize their owners. The orange chromide cichlid is distinguished by its bright orange color, and this fish is a great addition to the brackish tank. Hobbyists should watch for signs of aggression in their cichlids--aggressive individuals should be housed with other members of the same species, or with other fish of similar size and temperament.