Saltwater Fish For Beginners
I’m sure you would agree that no saltwater aquarium is complete without some tropical fish.
Being a beginner hobbyist, there is a lot to learn, so it is important to select tropical fish that are fun, but also fish that are hardy and easy to care for is important in successfully keeping an aquarium.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 saltwater fish that are best for beginner reefers. Let’s check them out!
10 Beginner-Friendly Fish For Saltwater Aquariums
#1: Ocellaris Clownfish - Amphiprion ocellaris
Overview:
- Size: 3/4-2”
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Min Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Clownfish are by far one of the most popular saltwater fish. They are hardy and active, and they make great pals with other tank mates, which makes them very popular fish for beginners.
The best Clownfish are captive-bred, which has also resulted in cross-breeding, creating some epic and unique patterns.
As seen in the wild, Clownfish are best kept in pairs, so we recommend getting two to start, expanding the Clownfish family over time if the size of your aquarium allows. If water conditions are right, Clownfish are notorious for hosting anemones. This is no cause for concern unless they start irritating your anemones or corals.
#2: Firefish Goby (Fire Dartfish) - Nemateleotris magnifica
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Min Tank Size: 20 Gallons
Gobies are great fish to start with as they are timid, so you don’t need to worry about them picking on other fish or corals inside your aquarium. They are best kept in pairs, however, this is not a necessity, as even one will provide your aquarium with a nice splash of color.
The Firefish Goby is just like their cousins, they are burrowers, so ensure that you have plenty of sand and rocks that they can hide in.
The one warning we have is their occasional jumping behavior - but do not worry as a simple lid or mesh on top of your aquarium will prevent them from jumping out.
#3: Royal Gramma - Gramma loreto
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Min Tank Size: 20 Gallons
The Royal Gramma, also known as the Fairy Basslet, is famous for its stunning bi-color. Its striking colors make it easy to spot as it cruises around the aquarium looking for a yummy treat. Because of the Royal Gramma’s feeding habits, they are best kept singly, as they are known to fight with their own kind.
#4: Bangaii Cardinalfish - Pterapogon kauderni
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons
The iconic Bangaii Cardinalfish makes a nice addition for beginner hobbyists because of its mesmerizing shape, color, and patterning.
They love to slowly cruise around the aquarium, passing by, and looking for food. If you are also interested in breeding Bangaii Cardinalfish, these are perfect candidates!
#5: Chalk Basslet - Serranus tortugarum
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Chalk Basslet are uniquely colored fish, fit for beginners. They love exploring the nooks and crannies of aquariums to hide in.
They also love living in shoals (if they are added at the same time) and showing off to their tank mates.
They are considered semi-aggressive because of their predatory response towards Ornamental Shrimp.
#6: Flasher Wrasse – Paracheilinus carpenteri
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Min Tank Size: 50 Gallons
Flasher Wrasse gets their name from their ‘flashy’ behavior - these truly are one of our all-time favorites!
If you have a large aquarium, you can pair them. Pairing Flasher Wrasse quickly becomes a showpiece to any aquarium as they perform a courtship dance. If you are pairing them, the female must be introduced first if you want them to partner up.
During their courtship dance, they can get a little carried away… So, always place a lid or mesh on top of your aquarium.
#7: Azure Damselfish - Chrysiptera hemicyanea
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Azure Damselfish are neon blue with a dazzling yellow stripe. They are extremely active fish, yet easy to care for.
As they mature they can get slightly territorial, therefore, we recommend them only if you have a larger aquarium.
#8: Yellow Tang - Zebrasoma flavescens
Overview:
- Size: 1-8”
- Diet: Herbivore
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Min Tank Size: 75 Gallons
One of the Reefco Team’s favorites is the adorable Yellow Tang - I mean, look at them, who wouldn’t adore them?
Like most Tangs, the Yellow Tang requires plenty of room (they will not favor well in nano aquariums) and open aquascapes to freely swim. Weirdly, the Yellow Tang can be aggressive toward fish of the same color, so careful planning is required.
#9: Six Line Wrasse – Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Overview:
- Size: 1-3”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
- Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Six Line Wrasse get their name from the 6 neon orange lines that are drawn across their body. It is this unique pattern and coloration that makes them a favorite for many aquarists, particularly beginner hobbyists.
#10: Yellow Watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus
Overview:
- Size: 1-4”
- Diet: Carnivore
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Min Tank Size: 30 Gallons
Often labeled “the grumpy man” in aquariums because of their constant frown, the Yellow Watchman Goby is a perfect addition for beginners.
They have such a fun personality, often seen creating burrows in the aquarium sediment and perching on rocks within the aquascape.
Following the trend with other Gobies, the Yellow Watchman is known to jump around - so keep that lid on!
Saltwater Fish That Beginners Should Avoid
- Blue-Banded Goby
- Hippo/Blue Tang (AKA Dory Fish)
- Angelfish
- Bamboo Sharks
- Moorish Idol (think Gill from Finding Nemo)
- Groupers
- Yellow Boxfish
- Harlequin Sweetlips
- Mandarin Fish (Dragonet)
- Copperband Butterflyfish
- Most Seahorses and Pipefish
Summary
Aquarium fish are a fantastic way to add more color and movement to any reef aquarium. As a beginner, the aquarium hobby can be challenging, including selecting fish that will be easy to care for, but also fun to have as pets.
If you are still unsure which fish to choose from, contact us to speak to the Reefco Team. With over a decade in the industry, we are always happy to help with any aspect of your aquarium.
