Articles Directory

Saltwater aquariums house some of the most beautiful fish in the world. Their electric colors are hypnotic to watch and a well kept aquarium will add style to any decor.

Choosing saltwater aquarium starter fish can be exciting. A variety of fish can be housed in your saltwater aquarium, provided you know what they need in terms of care. Food, environment, competitors and space to grow top the list.

Setting up a marine tank is tricky and so is choosing the right saltwater aquarium fish. This is because it’s easy to make mistakes when you don’t know what kinds of fish will live best in the type of saltwater aquarium you want.

Most people who are new to setting up any aquarium, freshwater or saltwater, usually, are better off starting with a few hardy and affordable fish.

At one time, most saltwater aquarium fish were collected naturally, rather than bred in fish tanks. Today there is a wide variety available in every size and price which are supplied by fish breeders.

Mollies

Many people start with a beautiful little type of fish called Mollies. Since they can survive in a wide range of salinity, Mollies are a good choice for beginners that, at first, may have a problem keeping their tank in balance.

You have most likely seen Mollies that are black, but they also come in a variety of colors. Gold, Dalmation, and Silver are just a few. Their broad tails and large back fins make them a pretty choice for any saltwater aquarium.

You should probably plan on having two females for every male when buying Mollies. Since they are livebearers, you will want a spawning tank for the young if you decide to keep the spawn. Your local fish store can help with any quetions you have about breeding Mollies.

Lots of plants and a good system for filtering waste is best for keeping your Mollies healthy. Like Goldfish, Mollies feed alot and this means they deposit more waste in your marine aquarium.

Damselfish

Damselfish are another good starter fish for saltwater aquariums. They are relatively inexpensive, and come in some very bright colors.

The only drawback with Damselfish may be their aggressiveness toward other species. The Blue Devil and Yellowtail varieties of Damselfish seem to be less aggressive. If you want to try the other Damsels in your saltwater fish tank, it might be best keep them separately, if your tank is not large.

Again, if you have a good supply of plants and other accessories in your saltwater aquarium, that provide places for your fish to hang out, this will create a better environment.

There are many other saltwater aquarium fish that you will find available in most fish stores. Clownfish, Tangs, Angelfish and Lionfish are very popular, but can be pricey. Make sure you find out what these fish will require before purchasing any expensive fish. As you gain some experience keeping a balanced saltwater aquarium, you can add more variety to marine tank.

Choosing saltwater aquarium starter fish will make a wonderful project for the whole family. Chose wisely and your marine fish should live a long healthy life.