Easy-to-Keep Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Beginners

5 Beginner-Friendly Saltwater Aquarium Fish

1. Clownfish: If you’ve watched the movie “Finding Nemo,” you’re probably familiar with this popular fish. Clownfish, also known as anemonefish, are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, particularly in coral reefs and sea anemones. They have a vibrant body with yellow, orange, or dark brown colors alternating with white stripes and black outlines. They can grow up to 18cm in size and are relatively easy to care for.
2. Yellow Watchman Goby: The Yellow Watchman Goby, also known as the Yellow Prawn Goby, originates from the Western Pacific region. They can be found in depths ranging from 1 to 25 meters in bays and coastal marshes. These gobies form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp of the Alpheidae family. They come in various colors, including bright yellow, gray, brown, or a combination of these shades. Yellow Watchman Gobies can thrive in different tank setups, including small tanks as small as 75 liters. However, avoid housing them with larger fish that may prey on them, as they prefer hiding in rock crevices for security. They have an omnivorous diet, so offering a variety of marine-based foods is recommended.
3. Black Molly: The Black Molly, also known as Poecilia sphenops, is a freshwater to brackish water fish commonly found in Mexico. It is one of the ancestors of the popular black molly variant. As the name suggests, Black Mollys have a black body with a hint of yellow on their tail. They typically grow to about 7.62cm in size, with females being larger than males. It is recommended to keep them in a minimum tank size of 113 liters. Black Mollys are peaceful fish and can coexist with other fish species of similar size and temperament. They have an omnivorous diet and can be fed algae, brine shrimp, and dried worms. Ensure a balanced diet and regular water filtration, as they tend to eat a lot and produce waste.
4. Royal Gramma: The Royal Gramma, also known as the Fairy Basslet or Gramma Loreto, belongs to the Grammadae family. They are native to the Caribbean and tropical western Atlantic regions, inhabiting depths ranging from 2 to 60 meters. Royal Grammas have a striking appearance with their vibrant purple and yellow coloration. They have an average size of around 4.5cm, with some individuals growing up to 7.62cm. To provide optimal care, a tank with a capacity of 115 liters or more is recommended. Royal Grammas are known to be peaceful, but they can be aggressive towards their own species if kept in smaller tanks. They primarily feed on meaty foods such as small fish and shrimp, but they can also be supplemented with commercial pellet foods.
5. Banggai Cardinalfish: The Banggai Cardinalfish, also known as Kaudern’s Cardinalfish, belongs to the Apogonidae family. This fish is endemic to the small regions surrounding the Banggai and Sulawesi Islands. It has a unique appearance, with a silver body adorned with black stripes and white spots. They can grow up to 8cm in size, requiring a minimum tank size of 115 liters. Banggai Cardinalfish can be kept in small groups or alongside other peaceful fish species. They are compatible with coral reef tanks and do not harm the coral. Their diet can be challenging, as they do not readily accept dry or pellet foods. Initially, small crustaceans or frozen foods can be offered, gradually transitioning them to vitamin-enriched, fragmented foods.