Fish Coral
Good Starter Fish for the Saltwater Aquarium
Once all the research, planning and waiting is complete and the aquarium is full of water and has finally finished cycling you will finally be ready to introduce your first fish.
It is important to ensure that you make the right choice though as there are some fish which are suitable to be added at this stage and there are fish which are not.
Do you know what you are looking for in the selection of your first fish?
Firstly and foremost the fish you choose must be relatively hardy. The reason for this is that the saltwater aquarium is new and the water will not be completely stable. Another reason is that as aquarists we all make mistakes at one time or another and with having a hardy fish they are more forgiving to these mistakes.
You will probably have an idea as to the type of fish you would like to keep in your aquarium therefore it is imperative that this fish you choose now will be compatible with future tank mates. If you added an aggressive fish for example at the start then whenever you decided to add a new fish there would be fighting in the aquarium. Not what you want at this stage really is it.
Which fish are good fish to start with?
Below is a list of what I believe to be good starter fish for a saltwater aquarium. They are all relatively hardy, peaceful and none of them have special feeding requirements.
* Clownfish
* Orchid Dottyback
* Royal Gramma
* Blenny
* Chromis
* Firefish
Lets have a look at each of these in a little more detail :
Clownfish
The clownfish to me is a fantastic little fish. The way it swims, the way it lives in corals etc and especially the colours – a great addition to any aquarium. They are also one of the most popular starter fish. They are quite hardy and are very well suited to captive life in an aquarium.
You can keep these singularly or you can keep them in pairs. When kept in pairs the most dominant fish sometimes will turn into a female and the two may even end up breeding.
There is a mis-belief that clown fish must be kept with an anemone. This simply is not the case. Clownfish will be more than happy in an aquarium without one. Anenomes are quite hard to keep and at this stage of the aquariums life the aquarium is not yet ready for one, possibly neither are you.
There are various species of clownfish, however the best ones to start with are :
* Common clown (Amphiprion ocellaris)
* Black and white clown (Amphiprion ocellaris)
* Percula clown (Amphiprion percula)
Clownfish can be purchased tank bred and if this is an available option it is recommended that you follow this option.
Orchid Dottyback
The orchid dottyback (Fridmani pseudochromis) is a relatively peaceful fish which grows to around 3-4 inches in length. The good thing about the orchid dottyback is that they can be purchased tank bred.
One thing to be noted is that you should not mix this fish with other fish of the same shape (ie the royal gramma below) or with other dottybacks.
Once the fish has become accustomed to life in your aquarium it will become quite bold and swim happily around the aquarium.
Royal Gramma
Royal grammas (Gramma Loreto) are a peaceful fish with the exception of their own kind and are very colourful fish with the colours changing from purple to yellow along the fish’s body.
There are other fish which can easily be confused with the Royal Gramma as they look very similar so ensure that it actually is a Royal Gramma prior to purchasing it.
Blenny
There are a couple of blennies which in my opinion make good additions to the aquarium as starter fish and there are the Midas Blenny (Ecsenius midas) and the Bicolour Blenny (Ecsenius bicolor).
These are both fantastic to watch. They both like to either rest on a ledge or find a hole and simply watch the world go by.
Chromis
Chromis (Chromis viridis) are great to add to an aquarium. They are relatively hardy and if you have a larger aquarium then you can add a small group. They normally come in two colours (blue and green).
One of the good things about chromis is that they do not grow to be that large. They normally do not grow larger than 2 inches in length.
Firefish
The normal firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) and then purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora) are great starter fish to add to the aquarium. Both of these are very colourful fish which grow to a maximum size of about 4 inches.
The firefish has a large dorsal fin which it uses to lock itself into a hole in the rocks which is normally down at the bottom. This hole is where the fish retires to when the lights go out but it also uses it when it becomes startled. These fish are prone to jumping when startled therefore you need to take care to prevent this.
Unless you can locate an established pair I would recommend that these are kept singularly.
About the Author
Peter Cunningham and John Cunningham between them have been keeping saltwater aquariums for over 35 years. Visit Aquarists Online if you are interested in learning more about the saltwater aquarium hobby.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!!! 2008 on Videos TROPICAL FISH CORAL
|
|
STUNNING RED CORAL & STAR FISH necklace ; CA204 $0.99 |
|
|
Baby Blue White Plastic Coral Decoration for Fish Tank $10.51 |
|
|
New Zealand / Sea Animals / Fish / Corals / Underwater Reefs / S/S $8.00 |
|
|
ty beanie baby buddy CORAL exotic plush tropical fish MINT W/TAGS last one $9.99 |
|
|
Aquarium Fish Tank 4″ Dia Silicone Coral Decor Purple $4.88 |
|
|
New Zealand / Sea Animals / Fish / Corals / Underwater Reefs $7.00 |
|
|
Tropical Ocean Fish Coral Reef Picture Oak Framed Art Print $49.95 |
|
|
Tropical Ocean Fish Coral Reef Picture Oak Framed Art Print $49.95 |
|
|
Orange Silicone Artificial Coral for Fish Tank Aquarium $7.47 |
|
|
Green Emulational Coral Plant 9″ Height for Aquarium Fish Tank $10.47 |
|
|
DOLPHIN & TROPICAL CORAL FISH #1 SINGLE ROCKER / GFI COVER PLATE $6.49 |
|
|
Wave Maker Fish Pump Set of (2) 1300 GPH Coral Aquarium Fish Power Pump new $24.95 |
|
|
Natural Coral Pendant Fish Hand Carved Grade ‘A $110.00 |
|
|
THREE,8″,TROPICAL FISH PLAQUE,CORAL REEF MURAL,POOL AREA DECOR, CHANGING HOUSE $20.98 |
|
|
1 1/4″ FISH RED CORAL IN 925 STERLING SILVER pendant $14.95 |
|
|
SET OF 3,8″,TROPICAL FISH PLAQUE,CORAL REEF MURAL,BEACH DECOR,MARINE LIFE, MURAL $20.98 |
|
|
funny Tibet coral carve a pair FISH Snuff Bottle # A-10 $0.10 |
|
|
SET OF 3,8″,TROPICAL FISH PLAQUES,CORAL REEF MURAL,CLOWN FISH DECOR, BEACH DECOR $20.98 |
|
|
CHINA PRC 1998-29M CORAL & FISH S/S VF MNH $3.80 |
|
|
Art Glass Murano Style Paperweight Turquoise and Coral Flowers Fish $4.99 |
|
|
BLUE 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
BLUE 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
GREEN 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
RED 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
RED 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
GREEN 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
1950s 60s 3-D Hologram Coral Reef Picture In Original Frame Angel Fish $18.00 |
|
|
Island Heritage Mug Coral Fish 2002 Porcelain #13307-000 Rare $16.95 |
|
|
PURPLE 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
UV 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
WHITE 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
PURPLE 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
UV 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
WHITE 9-LED Aqua Rope Strip Light Coral Fish Reef Tank $5.29 |
|
|
Coral Shaped Yellowgreen Soft Silicone Sea Urchin Fish Tank Decoration $7.80 |
|
|
GRENADA – SG1334-1337 MNH 1984 CORAL REEF FISHES CV £12.90 $4.72 |
|
|
Wall Decor Sticker Colorful Coral Sea Fish Decals 3 Pcs $5.32 |
|
|
Fish Tank Artificial Silicone Coral Shaped Ornament Green $11.39 |
|
|
Beautiful Art Glass Decorative FISH Swimming in Coral Paperweight #2 Marine Life $20.00 |
|
|
7.5″ Pink Plastic 2 Pcs Coral Shape Decor for Fish Tank $7.72 |
|
|
SET OF 3,8″,TROPICAL FISH PLAQUES,CORAL REEF MURAL,OCEAN FISH DECOR, BEACH DECOR $20.98 |
|
|
SEA LIFE Ocean WALL BORDER Aqua Coral Fishes Peel-Stick $14.49 |
|
|
Beautiful Art Glass Decorative FISH Swimming in Coral Paperweight #1 Marine Life $20.00 |
|
|
Tropical Ocean Fish Coral Reef Picture Art Print Framed $47.95 |
|
|
Tropical Ocean Fish Coral Reef Picture Art Print Framed $47.95 |
|
|
Purple Fish Silicone Coral Underwater Aquarium Decor $6.23 |
|
|
3d Marine Life Collectors Plate w/ Sea Turtles, Coral, Tropical Fish Mothers day $7.99 |
|
|
Aquarium Fish Tank Red Yellow Silicone Coral Ornament w Base $11.34 |
|
|
CLOWN FISH IN CORAL REEF DOUBLE SWITCH PLATE $6.49 |
|
|
Zippo 0751 coral reef fish chrome Lighter $16.78 |
|
|
TWO PLAYFUL DOLPHINS IN SNOW GLOBE CORAL REEF TURTLE SHELLS FISH SEAHORSE CUTE $1.56 |
|
|
Clown Fish in Coral Cross Stitch Pattern $3.98 |
|
|
Ceramic Base Purple Silicone Coral for Fish Tank Aquarium Decor $5.16 |
|
|
STAR 480 GPH SUBMERSIBLE REEF CORAL FISH TANK AQUARIUM PUMP FLOW ADJUSTABLE $34.99 |
|
|
Fish Tank Aquarium 10.2″ Height Landscaping Coral Plant Ornament Pink $11.07 |
|
|
PAIR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,SALT WATER,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $17.98 |
|
|
Seashell Pattern Colored Base Manmade Silicone Coral for Fish Tank $9.61 |
|
|
PAIR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,CLOWN FISH,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $17.98 |
|
|
VINTAGE ART GLASS TROPICAL FISH CORAL REEF PAPERWEIGHT $39.99 |
|
|
PAIR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,OCEAN SCAPE,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $17.98 |
|
|
New Playmobil 5884 Queen Princess Sea Horse Coral Fish Mermaid Shell Figure Set $15.95 |
|
|
Fish Tank Blue Yellow Soft Silicone Coral Shaped Decor $3.93 |
|
|
Silicone Manmade Purple Coral Ornament for Fish Tank Aquarium $4.88 |
|
|
LED Clamp 3W Aquarium Light Nano Bright Marine Fish Coral Cichlid 6x 3 Watts $43.95 |
|
|
Marlo Lorenz Thro Live Beachy Milinda Fish Coral Microplush Throw 50 x 60″ Sea $32.95 |
|
|
Tropical Fish Coral Ceramic Art Tiles Handpainted Glaze $24.99 |
|
|
FOUR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,SNORKELING,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $35.98 |
|
|
Fish Tank Gravel Coral Sand Plant Siphon Cleaner Clear $12.91 |
|
|
7.5″ Pink Plastic 2 Pcs Coral Shape Decor for Fish Tank $9.45 |
|
|
FOUR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,SNORKELING,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $35.98 |
|
|
Baby Blue White Plastic Coral Decoration for Fish Tank $10.85 |
|
|
Plastic Corals Plant Fish Aquarium Decoration Decor $6.25 |
|
|
PAIR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,SNORKELING,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $17.98 |
|
|
Marine Fishes Invertebrates in Your Own Home Emmens Reef Aquarium Fish Corals $3.99 |
|
|
Fish Tank Blue Yellow Soft Silicone Coral Shaped Decor $4.04 |
|
|
3 x Window Doors Decor Self-adhesive Coral Fish Decals $5.28 |
|
|
Ocean Reef Bright Fish Coral Shells Wall Plaques Set: Emperor & Royal Angelfish $175.00 |
|
|
Ocean Reef Bright Fish Coral Shells Glass Top Side Occasional Cocktail Table $249.00 |
|
|
Goldfish Pond Spitter/ Fountain -water garden-spouter-decorative-fish-coral $29.85 |
|
|
Beautiful Lifelike BLUE TROPICAL FISH Swimming among COLORFUL CORAL $13.99 |
|
|
Seascape Fish & Coral Peel & Stick Wall Mural Stickers $12.95 |
|
|
Angel Fish Ocean Yellow Peach Blue Orange Beach Retro Kitsch Stud Earrings $4.04 |
|
|
Angel Fish Ocean Yellow Peach Blue Orange Beach Retro Kitsch Stud Earrings $4.04 |
|
|
Angel Fish Ocean Yellow Peach Blue Orange Beach Retro Kitsch Stud Earrings $4.04 |
|
|
Angel Fish Ocean Yellow Peach Blue Orange Beach Retro Kitsch Stud Earrings $4.04 |
|
|
LG.HANDBLOWN GLASS PAPER WEIGHT MUSHROOM SHAPED CORAL & FISH UNIQUE GLOWS N DARK $14.95 |
|
|
Ceramic Base Emulational Green Silicone Coral Decor for Fish Tank $11.11 |
|
|
Lg MUSHROOM SHAPED HANDBLOWN GLASS PAPER WEIGHT CORAL & FISH UNIQUE GLOWS N DARK $14.95 |
|
|
Rare Red Coral Carved Fish Figurines Handmade $9.99 |
|
|
Coral Hind Cod Trout Cephalopholis Miniata High Grade Exotic Fish Replica- Yujin $24.95 |
|
|
Aquarium Light 24″ Lighting T5 Hood Freshwater Coral Fish Actinic Fluorescent $69.95 |
|
|
CORAL REEF DEEP BLUE VIOLET LED GROW LIGHT AQUARIUM LIGHTING FISH $159.95 |
|
|
16.5″x 14″ Black Gargonia Sea Fan Fish Tank Seashells Reef Coral $29.70 |
|
|
18″x 12″ Black Gargonia Sea Fan Fish Tank Seashells Reef Coral $31.50 |
|
|
Fish And Coral Poster Tropical 24X36 Ocean 33470 $4.99 |
|
|
Tropical Fish Necklace & Matching Earrings Vibrant Colors on Coral Reef $12.34 |
|
|
Fish Tank Star Seashell Pattern Silicone Coral Ornament Green $9.41 |
|
|
GIANT,11-12″,TROPICAL,CLOWN,FISH,CORAL REEF, KIDS ROOM,SNORKELING,BATH DECOR $9.98 |
|
|
STAR 240 GPH SUBMERSIBLE REEF CORAL FISH TANK AQUARIUM PUMP $27.99 |
|
|
PAIR, 11-12″,GIANT,TROPICAL FISH,SNORKELING,BEACH DECOR,AQUATIC LIFE,CORAL REEF $17.98 |
|
|
Coralife 01692 Digital Power Center $22.94 The Aqualight Digital Power Center is a 24-hour day-night alternating timer device that can be set to turn on/off 7 times per day at different days of the week. The power center has 4 constant power outlets and 4 alternating timer controlled outlets (2 daytime and 2 nighttime) to make the day and night lighting applications easier to manage. When the 2 daytime timer-controlled outlets are on, the … |
|
|
Aqueon Coralife 05151 Power Center Dual Day Night Timer $36.11 Coralife Power Center Day/Nite & Wave Timer Dual… |
|
|
Coral Reef Plates $59.00 The watercolor artwork of our elegant plates is the perfect underscore for appetizers, salads and snacks. Different fish swim through delicate coral on white ceramic with scalloped edges…. |
|
|
Aquarium Widescreen DVD – Coral Reef, Saltwater and Freshwater Fish Tank Virtual Experience $14.95 Studio: Music Video Dist Release Date: 04/22/2008… |
|
|
Live Phish: Coral Sky Amphitheater, West Palm Beach, FL 11/02/96 Official Soundtrack companion to Phish’s Coral Sky DVD, packaged in an innovative and earth friendly (fully recycled) folding softcase digi-pak, mixed from multi-track masters. Track listing: Disc One 1. Ya Mar 2. Julius 3. Fee 4. Taste 5. Cavern 6. Stash 7. The Lizards 8. Free 9. Johnny B. Goode Disc Two: 1. Crosseyed And Painless 2. Run Like An Antelope 3. Waste 4. Harry Hood 5. A Day In The Li… |
|
|
Cripple Frog / Wraped Fish $2.67 … |
|
|
Dive The World, Vol. 3: Indo-Pacific Islands Dive The World, Vol. 3: Indo-Pacific Islands! Submerge yourself in the captivating kaleidoscope of coral reefs and exotic fish and experience the impressive power of the predators of the ocean. Dive the world… an unparalleled underwater adventure. Explore some of the world’s best diving locales, including the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the islands of Fiji, the Seychelles Archipelago in the… |
|
|
Mexico: Mexico City / Mexico (2 VHS Video Set) $75.00 (Two VHS Video Set) TAPE 1: MEXICO CITY – Modern day Mexico City is a product of its tumultuous past; the legacy of the Aztecs, the influence of the Spanish, American and French invasions, civil war and revolution have all left their mark. Ancient ruins, and towering skyscrapers, bustling markets and quiet parks, and a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds merge to create the vibrant energy o… |
|
|
Hawaiian Reef Fish Madness: A Delightful Guide to Hawaii’s Underwater Life $22.99 A relaxing, mesmerizing look at many of Hawaii’s most graceful, beautiful and mysterious creatures. For over 9 years, Fred “the Fishmas” Barnett has been captivating audiences across the Pacific, opening their eyes to a whole new world beneath the sea..from the silly to the sublime..the marvelous to the mystical..comes with the Fishman on this incredible journey. You’ll go for it hook, line & sin… |
|
|
Under the Sea Tropical Fish Nursery/Kids Room Wall Art Sticker Decals $11.99 Under the Sea stickers are full of life, with bright, tropical fish wall stickers and plenty of bubbles. Stick them to mirrors and vanities or cover your entire wall to create an underwater world. Then move and restick them whenever the tides change…. |