Saltwater Fish

several saltwater fish in a collage

When it comes to choosing a new pet, many families have questions about what pets are best. Fish may be a good choice, because they can be low maintenance. Saltwater Fish are a good choice for families, especially if they have small children because they can be a lot of fun to watch. Saltwater Fish also come in many different sizes, so there’s sure to be a fish that can fit your family’s aquarium needs.

A saltwater aquarium is a great addition to anyone’s home. Saltwater Fish make great pets because they are easy to care for and are great for children. Keeping an aquarium is extremely fun and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance to keep it looking nice. 

A saltwater aquarium doesn’t need to be expensive to set up and maintain, and all you need to buy is the fish. A saltwater fish tank can be kept anywhere in your home. Most experts would agree the best place to keep a saltwater aquarium is in a room that gets some light during the day and is far from windows.

Saltwater Fish make great pets and are especially fun for kids. Small Saltwater Fish are less expensive than larger Saltwater Fish and are easier to care for. They require less space, and when properly cared for, Saltwater Fish can live for many years.

Fish are one of the most enjoyable pets a family can have. They offer a lot of companionship without a lot of added work. Plus, kids love them. They’re a fun, educational experience that can set your child up for a lifetime of educating themselves about the world around them.

If you’re in the market for a new family pet, a Saltwater Fish may be just what the doctor ordered. With a wide choice of species, Saltwater Fish come in a rainbow of colors, and many are peaceful, gentle creatures.

Following is a guide to some of the most popular Saltwater Fish varieties and their associated costs and care requirements:

Royal Gramma Basslets

a close up of a royal gramma basslet swimming in their aquarium

Royal Gramma Basslets are a great fish for your family’s saltwater aquarium. They are easy to care for and they are a great addition to any saltwater aquarium. They  are playful fish and they will spend all day swimming around the aquarium looking for food.

If you are looking for a fish for your saltwater aquarium that is colorful, family-friendly, and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, then the Royal Gramma Basslet may be the perfect choice. The Royal Gramma Basslet can be kept in a community aquarium with larger fish and invertebrates.

There aren’t a lot of people that know about Royal Gramma Basslet, but if you have a chance to pick up one of these fish you should. They are great for your saltwater aquarium and are one of the best fish you can have for your home. They are very docile and easy to care for.

One of the most beautiful fish in the saltwater category is the Royal Gramma Basslet. This is an extremely popular fish and is usually one of the first fish that a family purchases. This fish will get along with many other types of fish in their aquarium. They don’t need a lot of room. Approximately 3 gallons per Basslet is good.

This fish will grow up to 3-4 inches in length. They do get along well with other species, but not as well with their own. They do best when sharing a tank with other peaceful fish. Overall, this is an easy to care for fish that is suitable for families or experienced aquarists.

Longnose Hawkfish

a longnose hawkfish resting at the bottom of their aquarium

Longnose hawkfish are native to tropical waters, and are commonly found in saltwater aquariums. They are a beautiful fish, and are known for having long fins that resemble wings. They are very easy to care for, and will accept a wide range of water conditions. They are not aggressive towards other fish, and will usually avoid fighting unless provoked. 

The Longnose Hawkfish is a great fish for your family’s aquarium.  If your aquarium has a lot of rocks and caves, you will definitely want to add this fish.  They will use the caves to hide during the day and come out at night to feed.  They can grow up to 6 inches long. 

The Longnose Hawkfish is best kept in an aquarium with a sandy bottom so they can stay hidden. As you can guess based on the name, the Longnose Hawkfish has a prominent long snout, much like a hawk. They will perch themselves on top of the rocks hoping to be camouflaged.  It will not be completely invisible but it will be harder to see them.

The Longnose Hawkfish, also known as the Hawkfish, is probably the most unique fish available in pet stores today. They have vertical mouths, large eyes, and a spiky body covered in scales. Despite all these intimidating features, the Longnose Hawkfish is not overly aggressive towards other fish. They are a hardy fish when it comes to surviving in an aquarium environment.

These fish can be black, brown, or red, or any combination of the three. They have two long dorsal fins that extend from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail fin.

Blennies

a close up of a blenny fish near the bottom of their aquarium

Blennies are saltwater fish native to islands in the Pacific Ocean. They are commonly found in tropical regions, and are usually kept in community tanks. They are known for their beautiful colors and patterns.

Blennies are herbivores, only eating plant matter. They are also very easy to feed, eating a wide variety of foods including flakes and pellets.

Blennies are very easy to care for and maintain, and don’t require much maintenance. They are very friendly and sociable, and will adapt well in a community tank. 

They are also very colorful, and will look stunning in your tank. You can start adding them to your tank right now, and they will adjust to their new environment quickly. 

Blennies are one of the most interesting kinds of saltwater fish. Reef aquarium owners tend to shy away from these fish, though, because they’re not as common as clownfish and gobies. But many people are unaware that blennies are actually great fish for a family saltwater aquarium, especially a smaller aquarium. 

Blennies are a type of fish that can be found in tropical and subtropical waters. They’re small fish, usually between 2 and 3 inches, so they’re perfect for a nano-reef or a 15-gallon aquarium.  They’re also colorful fish, making them a great addition to a dull or under-decorated aquarium.  The only downside is that they’re not as common as more well known saltwater fish.

Gobies

A colorful pink and purple goby swimming in a dark aquarium

Gobies, Goby, Goby fish… whatever you call them, these small and interesting fish have always been high on our list of good choices for family aquariums.  They’re beautiful, hardy and very entertaining to watch, and they’re a great choice for all levels of family aquariums.  They’re also incredibly easy to care for, which is especially helpful when you have a busy life. Isn’t that kind of the point of owning an aquarium in the first place?  

Gobies are great fish for families with small children, because they are active in the daytime and not as shy as other aquarium fish. This is a relatively peaceful fish, unless they are placed into a tank with similar species. While this could evoke their aggressive nature, they are also known to create networks of special places for safety and will spend time hiding there.

Gobies grow to a very small size and are considered to be a low-maintenance fish. They are often used as “cleaner fish,” eating all available food and keeping the water clean. They will eat anything that falls to the bottom of the tank, which makes them a great cleanup crew. 

Their low attention requirements make them good for active families. If you’re looking for a great fish for your family, consider a Goby! Some Gobies can be bought at your local pet shop for as low as $15, but some harder to find types can cost more than $100.

Damselfish

a yellowtail damselfish near the bottom of their aquarium

Looking for a pet to keep your children entertained? A Damselfish might be the perfect solution. Damselfish are small, colorful fish that are native to tropical waters. They are usually found in coral reefs, and are very active and curious. The gentle, colorful fish are very entertaining, but they’re also quite easy to care for, even for the most inexperienced aquarist.

Damselfish aren’t as flashy as clown fish; they don’t have big horns or elaborate patterns. They aren’t particularly big, and they tend to stay in the background. 

These little fish are a popular choice for many saltwater fish keepers because of their adaptability, their hardiness in captivity, and their tiny size. As a family pet, a damselfish is ideal for someone who wants a pet that is easy to care for and that won’t require a lot of attention.

Most people confuse the Damselfish with Cichlids because they look quite similar. Their colors are also amazing, but different from the colors and patterns that Damselfish have.

These tropical fish are hardy, fun for children, don’t grow too large and are relatively easy to care for. Though they’re typically kept in tanks with only other damselfish, they can be kept in a peaceful community tank with other small, non-aggressive fish, as long as they are given plenty of space to avoid being eaten.

Green Chromis

a green chromis that almost glows green

Green chromis are beautiful tropical fish that are known for their vibrant green color. They are native to the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, and are commonly found in saltwater aquariums. They are very peaceful and easy to care for. They are also very hardy, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

Green Chromis are a relatively new saltwater fish that makes a great addition to many aquariums. They are named because of the bright green body and orange-red bars on the bottom of their bodies. The coloration may vary slightly, but the basic coloring will always be green and orange. These are some of the most durable saltwater fish you can buy, and they will thrive for years in nearly any saltwater aquarium.

For most people their first impression of the Green Chromis is that it is a beautiful fish, as they are easy to identify by their brilliant yellow-green or blue-green color and bright blue eyes. A Green Chromis will remain colorful and active if you keep them in an aquarium that is properly cycled. (The fact that Green Chromis can illuminate an aquarium is a big bonus)  Green Chromis are an excellent scavenger and will help keep your aquarium clean. 

Green Chromis, also known as the Blue Green Chromis, is a member of the Damselfish family and is very popular with both beginner and experienced hobbyists. Unlike others in the family, this fish is known for its playful yet calm nature. They love to swim, play, and hide in and around coral formations and other decorations. 

Their sociability makes them ideal for community living. We recommend keeping a large group of Green Chromis in a tank that contains other fish to prevent bullying.

Clownfish

several clownfish clustered together

Clownfish are great fish to keep in your family’s saltwater aquarium. They are one of the most popular fish in saltwater aquariums, and for good reason. They are easy to take care of, and they are colorful, fun to watch and hardy fish. They are also very colorful and stand out from just about any other fish you are likely to have in your aquarium.

Clownfish are one of the most common types of fish found in tropical reefs. They are usually brightly colored, and are known for being very colorful and vibrant.  Clownfish are very fun to watch and are not aggressive towards other fish, but will chase them away if they feel threatened. Clownfish are very easy to care for, and will require little maintenance.

Clownfish are well-known for being the main characters in the popular Disney movie “Finding Nemo”, and people love to buy these fish for their aquarium. They can be a great choice for a family aquarium.

Clownfish are a great option for any aquarium owner, and there are a number of reasons why.  First off, they are relatively easy to care for.  When properly cared for, they can live up to 12 years. They tend to live longer in a home aquarium than in the wild.  

Another reason they are a good option is that they are very hardy when it comes to water chemistry.  They can handle a wide range of temperatures and levels of salinity.  They are also not as susceptible to disease as some fish.  They also live well with a wide variety of fish.

Clownfish can be purchased from a number of saltwater aquarium dealers and will cost between $20-$60.

Butterflyfish

a bright yellow butterflyfish swimming in a dark aquarium

Butterflyfish are beautiful tropical fish that come in many different colors and patterns. They are usually kept in community tanks, but some families keep them by themselves. They are known for their colorful fins, and are one of the easiest fish to maintain.

Butterflyfish are a great choice for a saltwater aquarium because they are hardy, active, and can be a variety of beautiful colors. Butterflyfish are easy to feed, and they are a pleasure to watch. Butterflyfish are also relatively easy to breed in captivity. 

Butterflyfish are one of the most colorful types of fish that you can keep in your home aquarium. They are brightly colored with shades of orange, yellow, black, blue and purple on their bodies. 

One of the most beautiful parts of butterflyfish is their fins. They have long, slender, colorful fins that are a delight to admire. Butterflyfish get their name from their “wings”, which are actually their pectoral fins. They’re fins have a range of colors and patterns, but the design most common on them is a thin black stripe across the leading edge of their fin. 

The pectoral fins are usually about the same size and shape as the rest of the fish’s fins, but they can also develop into large, colorful fans. They are smaller, more peaceful fish, and usually get along well with other fish.

If you are thinking about adding a butterflyfish to your aquarium, here are some things to think about. Butterflyfish are rare, colorful fish that add a fun splash of color and activity to any aquarium. They are also surprisingly easy to care for, and will thrive in most home aquariums. If you’re thinking about getting a new pet fish, consider the butterflyfish.

Saltwater Tangs

a black saltwater tang swimming near coral

Saltwater Tangs are saltwater fish native to the Indian and Pacific oceans. They are usually kept in community tanks, but some people keep them alone. They are known for their beautiful colors, and are considered to be one of the easiest fish to care for. 

Saltwater aquariums require a lot of time and effort to maintain, but they are also very rewarding.  Saltwater Tangs are one of the most popular saltwater fish in family aquariums, and for good reason.  They are colorful, active, and they are generally good fish.  They also can have an array of bright colors, which makes them a great choice for a family aquarium. 

A Saltwater Tang is an essential part of any saltwater aquarium. They can be many sizes and colors, and they will bring energy and activity to your aquarium. There are many species of saltwater tangs, all of which are beautiful. Some of the most popular Saltwater Tangs are the Yellow Tang, Blue Tang, and Flame Angelfish. These are all fish that are very easy to care for, and will bring tons of life to your aquarium. 

Tangs are one of the most common saltwater aquarium fish. Among their many attractive traits, they are one of the larger fish. They also have a reputation for being quite personable. Although Tangs are considered reef safe, they will eat small and slow moving fish. If you are considering a saltwater aquarium, Tangs should be high on your list of fish to consider.

Saltwater Shrimp

a red and white saltwater shrimp

What is white, purple, orange or yellow and possibly red all over? Well if it is in a saltwater tank it could be a Shrimp with your name on it. Shrimp are a great addition to any saltwater aquarium. Not only are they an interesting addition to an otherwise dull home, but they are also fascinating to watch. 

Saltwater Shrimp are tiny crustaceans that are native to tropical waters. They are usually found in large schools, and are commonly used as food for larger marine animals such as crabs and lobsters.They are usually kept in community tanks, but can be kept individually as long as they receive enough food. They are very easy-to-care-for, and will not harm other fish in their tank. 

Shrimp always seem to be doing something interesting, and often it’s cleaning up your fish tank. They are omnivores, meaning they eat plants and smaller animals. They’re great for helping to keep algae from getting out of control in your aquarium. They’re also scavengers, meaning they will consume decaying matter that would otherwise pollute the water. They’re hardy creatures, which is why they are the perfect choice for beginners. 

Even if you only add them to your tank for added coloring, they are a great addition to any aquarium. Shrimp add a ton of color and are very interesting to watch. They will do a lot to promote a healthy and clean aquarium.  It’s easy to fill your tank with a few dozen and let them crawl around on the bottom of your tank while your fish are swimming around above them.  These little guys add color and beauty to any tank.

They are very easy and inexpensive to care for, requiring little maintenance. Saltwater Shrimp tend to be more expensive than their freshwater cousins. On the low end some can be bought for $5 to $10 each, and on the high end some sell for well over $50 each.

Fish speciesSizeCharacteristicCostLifespan
Royal Gramma Basslet3 inchesPeaceful fish that requires little care.$20 – $255 + years
Longnose Hawkfish3 – 5 inches The fish is easy to maintain and loves living alone in a tank. Requires a closed tank because it can jump.$30 – $505 – 7 years
Mollies2 – 4 inches Peaceful species but if kept with a mate, they reproduce fast.$2 – $43 – 5 years
Blenny Fish2 – 3 inches They fight amongst themselves so you should place only one in a tank. The fish can also jump from the tank if not closed.$25 – $303 – 5 years
Spotted Prawn Goby4.3 inchesPeaceful but aggressive towards similar species.$14 – $456 – 8 years
Yellowtail Damselfish1 – 3 inchesModerately aggressive and prefers to occupy the middle or bottom part of the aquarium.$5 – $104 – 6 years
Blue/ Green Chromis3 – 3.75 inchesAttractive fish that are peaceful and active.$10 – $158 – 15 years

Cost of Having a Saltwater Fish Aquarium

Fish are generally low maintenance pets. The total cost of having a saltwater fish tank not only includes the cost of the fish but also other miscellaneous costs such as food or the electrical cost of running a water heater.

However, most of the costs are one-off, after that you only need to feed your pet and maintain the aquarium with the right water conditions.

Here is a list showing different items you may need and their approximate costs.

ProductCost
Fish$2 – $50 depending on species
Gravel/sand/decorations$1 – $30 depending on type and quantity
Aquarium$350 – $580
Air and water filters$70 – $100
Food$10 – $100 yearly
Aquarium lighting$5 – $30
Heating methods$15 – $30
Testing kits$50

Saltwater fish are somewhat cheap to buy with many ranging between $2 and $25, but some exotic breeds can cost more than $100. Depending on your budget, you should be able to find a pet to suit your needs in the pet stores near you.

The aquariums differ quite a bit in size and the bigger the tank, the more it costs.  As mentioned before, most saltwater fish require large tanks. You can get used aquariums from pet auctions or garage sales for a fraction of what a new one would cost you.

Lighting for the aquarium is an option because most fish don’t mind living in the dark. The lighting only serves as a decoration because most aquarium owners want to enjoy looking at their fish. Medical practitioners even associate watching fish swimming around beautiful aquariums as therapeutic.

Most fish don’t eat that much; you shouldn’t expect to spend an arm and a leg feeding your fish.

Water heaters for the aquarium are necessary because most saltwater fish thrive in temperatures of between 72 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.  

a blenny fish hiding from larger fish

The gravel, sand, and stones coupled with other decorations are an essential part of aquariums because other than beauty, most saltwater fish love burrowing. The cost of the substrate is insignificant, but it’s crucial to maintain it at optimum cleanliness to prevent your fish from becoming sick or worse, dying.

Saltwater Fish Habitat Requirements

If you get the aquarium right from the start, you’ll have an easier time maintaining it. Saltwater fish require a lot of effort to maintain because drastic changes in temperature, PH, or salinity could kill them very quickly.  We’ll cover all these in the next sections.

Temperature /Heating

Any fish you get will have an optimum temperature range for your fish to thrive. It’s also important to note that warmer temperatures increase the chances of fish becoming ill. The warmth can also lead to excessive growth of algae in your tank.  This can be dealt with by using an algae scraper.

Warm water temperatures also reduce the amount of available dissolved oxygen in the water. Different fish types have different requirements for dissolved oxygen.  This shouldn’t be a huge problem because with a standard air pump there should be plenty of available oxygen for your fish.

Scientifically, high temperatures in the tank also speed up the rate at which organic matter decomposes. As materials in your tank decompose, bacteria multiply.  In the process, they reduce the available oxygen. Again the problem is minimal because there will be an air pump pushing air into the water.

Other methods to mitigate the lower oxygen problem are to not overfeed your fish, and to regularly clean their tank.  Maintaining optimum warmth in the water is ideal to ensure your fish have a healthy habitat. You should have a thermometer in your tank to help you detect any changes in water temperature.

Tank Size

Most importantly, the size of the tank determines the overall health and comfort of your fish. Here is a table showing different saltwater species of fish and their ideal minimum sized aquarium.

FishTank size
Royal Gramma Basslet30 gallons
Longnose Hawkfish30 gallons
Mollies20 gallons
Blenny10 gallons
Spotted Prawn Goby25 gallons

Substrate

Other than decoration, the substrate (the gravel or any other material at the bottom of your fish tank) material is a vital part of marine fish habitat. Some fish and other sea creatures love to burrow into this. Some do it to rest, others do it because it makes them feel safe.

a goby trying to blend into the substrate at the bottom of the aquarium

Choosing a fine gravel or sand substrate prevents your fish from getting injuries while burrowing. Some of the fish that love hiding in the substrate include the Gobies, Starfish, Blennies, and Shrimps.

The material placed at the bottom of the tank also serves a biological purpose of hosting some aquatic animals. Worms, other invertebrates, and even good bacteria your tank needs for a healthy ecosystem. Most substrate mediums for marine fish are alive.  The good bacteria grows on it and it becomes full of life over time.

The best substrates are the ones you will find in the sea. Reef, Aragonite, and the shell-based substrates make the best habitats for saltwater fish. These mediums also come in different consistencies, colors, shapes, and sizes.

Salinity

To make your fish tank a saltwater one, you should use sea salt and not table salt. Most table salt contains iodine and while it’s great for you, it’s not good for your fish. Sea salt is obtained from evaporation of water in the ocean or other salty water sources. Usually the salt has coarse textures and more mineral elements because it undergoes minimal processing procedures. Table salt often has other chemicals added which are not good for your tank.

To determine the salinity of the water, you should use a salinity tester.

Lighting

While for most fishes lighting is completely optional, lighting is a necessity in adding beauty to your fish tank. If you decide to buy the tank and the lighting separately, you have a choice of buying a fish only lighting or a reef lighting.

an aquarium with many different aquatic plants and saltwater fish species

Fish only lightings are available everywhere, and cheap while the reef lighting is a bit complex and pricey. If you foresee a future where you’ll convert your tank into a reef aquarium, then, buying reef lighting is more economical in the long run.

It is also a good idea to buy a lighting timer so that you don’t keep the tank lit up while your family is sleeping.

Best Saltwater Fish Species for your Aquarium

Many saltwater fish need very large tanks to survive, unlike freshwater fish. Large tanks give your fish more room to swim and lets you have more than one type of fish. Expert fish breeders also advocate for larger tanks because they make it easier to maintain a stable environment for the fish. 

With more water in an aquarium, accidents are less lethal because changes in the water quality won’t affect your fish as quickly. Accidents can happen anytime and you shouldn’t panic.  Most problems can be fixed rather quickly as long as you regularly monitor your tank and the water quality. 

Here are some of the best species for new aquarium owners.

Food Preference for Saltwater Fish

Overfeeding of fish is a common mistake among newer fish owners. Adult fish eat once a day while younger ones eat two to three times a day. Only feed your fish the food they’ll finish within five minutes of feeding. Excess fish food ends up at the bottom of your tank, making cleaning difficult, especially if you don’t have fish that eat leftover food in the aquarium.

colorful fish flakes

Other than the fish flakes, fish owners should supplement the diet of the fish with other types of food. Bloodworms or brine shrimp make great meals for carnivorous fish. Most of the living foods are available in frozen or freeze dried forms in many pet stores.

The herbivore fish often eat the algae that grows in the aquarium, but you can always buy algae sheets and dried seaweeds to add to their diet. The omnivor saltwater fish can eat a combination of meaty foods and plants. Whenever you’re in doubt about what to feed your fish, it’s advisable to consult your fish supplier to avoid making mistakes.

Since different fish live in different locations in the aquarium, feeding can at times be challenging. If you decide to float a leaf of spinach on the surface, the bottom dwellers may never even see this food.  It might be eaten before it ever has a chance to reach the bottom of the tank. Fish experts recommend that pet owners buy feeding clips to help them place food at different levels within the tank.

Saltwater fish can be picky eaters and are prone to being malnourished. Because you know what types of foods each fish in your tank likes most, try to feed them their preferred foods. A simple search online and you can quickly find out what they like, or you can always ask your local pet shop what they feed a particular fish. By knowing what they like you will reduce food waste from contaminating your tank’s water quality, and help to keep your fish well fed.

Some people blanch vegetables for their fish to help the fish better absorb the fiber present in vegetables.

Aggressive Behavior in Saltwater Fish

Aggressiveness in saltwater fish is associated with space and food or territory. It’s important for fish owners to understand the compatibility of the tank occupants. Otherwise, your most expensive fish may end up being killed by others. Some of the most aggressive saltwater fish include the Damselfish, Banded Hawkfish, Coral Hogfish, and the Clown Triggerfish.

a longnose hawkfish hiding with the aquatic plants

Signs of an Aggressive Fish

  • Picking food from the mouth of another fish
  • Actively charging / chasing other fish
  • Nipping

When a fish is targeted by another, it often reacts by hiding for a very long time and refusing to eat. The stress caused by attacks may lead to deterioration of health or even death of your fish.

Aquarists can help their saltwater fish live comfortably and peacefully by ensuring that they don’t overcrowd their tank with so many fish. Overcrowding may lead to fish attacking each other over food, space, or even mates.

General Care of Saltwater Fish Pets

Nitrate reduction

The food that falls on the substrate will increase the buildup of nitrites, nitrates, and ammonia.  Anything that decays within the tank and breaks down can cause a build up of these 3 chemicals.  This is why it is important for the health of everything in your fish tank to keep it clean. Do regular partial water changes to keep a build up of these dangerous chemicals to a minimum.

a gravel vac cleaning the aquarium

Unlike the freshwater fish, saltwater fish cannot survive in a Nitrate filled aquarium. Freshwater fish survive with nitrates a little above 200 milligrams per liter while saltwater fish can only survive with nitrate levels below 20 milligrams per liter.

To reduce nitrate concentration, their water should be changed or cleaned often. Most pet owners will take out old water while gravel vacuuming the substrate and then add clean water into the tank. The best practice is always changing the water and adding adequate sea salt to maintain the correct salinity levels.

Substrate cleaning

Most food leftovers and other waste materials end up at the bottom of your aquarium. Filtration is the best method of ensuring water hygiene. You can also invest in a vacuum cleaner that attracts all waste matter while leaving your substrate medium in the tank.

Many families will get some sand sifting marine invertebrates like Shrimp. The sand sifting creatures usually intake substrate and food debris through their mouth. They eat any food, and spit out anything that they don’t want.

Aquarium cleaning

aquatic plants being trimmed

If you feed your fish vegetables such as algae, seaweeds, spinach, or lettuce, expect that some will end up falling to the bottom of the tank and decomposing.

The decomposed matter makes the water look murky while the algae sticks to the aquarium walls and obstructs your views. The algae is a cloudy film that builds up on the tank walls over time. You can use an algae scraper to help release the algae from the walls so it can be removed by the filters. It’s also to avoid overfeeding your fish to prevent the buildup of waste in the water.

In conclusion, taking care of saltwater fish requires more effort compared to freshwater fish. Doing some research to identify the best breeds goes a long way to making your work easier.

Basic Facts about Saltwater Fish

Saltwater fish have bolder and brighter colors compared to their freshwater counterparts, and a saltwater aquarium is usually a sight to behold.

Unlike other types of fish, the saltwater ones have to drink water because osmosis makes them lose water from their bodies. 

Most saltwater fish are aggressive to their same species but can tolerate other species. But there are some species that prefer living with a paired mate. Pet owners need to research the specific characteristics of their fish for compatibility if they intend to keep more than one fish in their tank.

Fish are often able to remember their owners and in most cases, they swim towards the top when their owner approaches the aquarium. The action probably depicts that the fish associate the owner with food and security. 

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Contributing Author & Social Media Expert

Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.