10 Easiest Fish to keep
- Thread starter Jeann1
- Start date
ok, i walked into that one...
Edited the original.
Edited the original.
Basic but quite effective guide:
Fish keeping (easy to difficult) requirements - Marine Aquariums of South Africa
Fish keeping (easy to difficult) requirements - Marine Aquariums of South Africa
buy 10 chromis
No... 
I mean give me the 10 easiest marine fish to keep, like
True Percular Clown : (Amphiprion percula)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 3" Color Form: Black, Orange, White Diet: Omnivore
I mean give me the 10 easiest marine fish to keep, like
True Percular Clown : (Amphiprion percula)
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Semi-aggressive Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 3" Color Form: Black, Orange, White Diet: Omnivore
I've found clowns rather easy, I think almost everyone starts with a pair. They always eat which to me is most important.
Royal grammas are easy and nice to look at.
Pajama Cardinals school as well if you don't like chromis.
Marine fish are all so different, whats easy for one person can be hard for another.
Some are more hardy for sure but buying these based on hardiness is like saying I know my tank parameters aren't stable, which is a problem by itself.
The best thing you can do is to look at what you want to achieve and what you want. That way you can research how to care for what you want and get that. This way you'll avoid ending up with fish you don;t really like just because they seemed easy to care for.
By no means am I saying buy a mandarin or something of sorts but if you like the particular clown or tang I see no reason not to get them if you've done your research and your system can support them.
Royal grammas are easy and nice to look at.
Pajama Cardinals school as well if you don't like chromis.
Marine fish are all so different, whats easy for one person can be hard for another.
Some are more hardy for sure but buying these based on hardiness is like saying I know my tank parameters aren't stable, which is a problem by itself.
The best thing you can do is to look at what you want to achieve and what you want. That way you can research how to care for what you want and get that. This way you'll avoid ending up with fish you don;t really like just because they seemed easy to care for.
By no means am I saying buy a mandarin or something of sorts but if you like the particular clown or tang I see no reason not to get them if you've done your research and your system can support them.
Tobes
Retired Moderator
Take note that some of these fish require a large tank, or a predator setup and some are NOT reef friendly. Nearly all of these are fairly hardy and can be kept by beginners IF THE SETUP ALLOWS IT
Clownfish
Chromis
Royal grammar
Dotty backs
Pigmy angels like Coral beauty, bi-colour, flame, etc
Tangs, eg yellow, scopas, purple, regal, orange shoulder tang, etc
Algae blennies
Bangai & pajama Cardinals
Auriga butterfly
bi-colour blenny
Carpenters flasher wrasse
Red head salon fairy wrasse
Clown goby
Fire fish
Some triggers like Picasso and Niger
Midas blenny
Foxface
Raccoon butterfly
Sand sifting gobies - easy to keep if they eat pellets or frozen foods
Clownfish
Chromis
Royal grammar
Dotty backs
Pigmy angels like Coral beauty, bi-colour, flame, etc
Tangs, eg yellow, scopas, purple, regal, orange shoulder tang, etc
Algae blennies
Bangai & pajama Cardinals
Auriga butterfly
bi-colour blenny
Carpenters flasher wrasse
Red head salon fairy wrasse
Clown goby
Fire fish
Some triggers like Picasso and Niger
Midas blenny
Foxface
Raccoon butterfly
Sand sifting gobies - easy to keep if they eat pellets or frozen foods
Thought you'd like to know that your thread on easy-ti-keep fish is a subject in this week's Reef Threads podcast. You can listen to the podcast at http://www.reefthreads.com/ or subscribe to it at iTunes. If you like what you hear, we'd appreciate it if you would tell others.
Gary and Sara
Got this PM, so time to update this thread..
Here is a list of popular easy to keep Marine Fish and some information on them.
(Information was used from the Live Aquaria Site - www.liveaquaria.com)
Some of the easiest fish to keep
Ocellaris Clownfish
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3½"
Color Form: Orange, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: South Asia
Family: Pomacentridae
Overview
The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Percula Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle, is found associating with anemones throughout the Indo-Pacific. It can attain a length of 3.2" (8 cm) in the wild, but aquarium specimens rarely exceed 2" (5 cm) unless they are imported large. This fish is sometimes sold as the Percula Clown, even though it is not. The color pattern is very similar, but it is not as bright orange. The black outlines on the white stripes are also thinner on the Ocellaris Clown when compared to the Percula. The advantage of the Ocellaris is that it is much hardier.
It is a long-lived clownfish that is excellent for the beginner hobbyist. It does best in the presence of anemones such as Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea. Like the related damselfish, it is well-suited for all but the most predatory tanks. Although there are no external characteristics to differentiate male and female, all clownfish are sexually immature when hatched. Meaning that the fry do not have a pre-determined sex, and develop into males and females depending on the hierarchy of the school. A pair will lay eggs along the base of the host anemone, using it to protect the eggs. The eggs normally appear orange in color. Without proper preparation, rearing in the average aquarium is nearly impossible.
This clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will take most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
Blue Green Reef Chromis
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Pomacentridae
Overview
The Blue Green Reef Chromis is easy to care for, beautiful, and peaceful. In fact, Chromis viridis is one of the preferred marine reef fish amongst aquarists, regardless of their experience level. This member of the Pomacentridae family is most recognizable by its gorgeous light blue dorsal side that slowly fades into a majestic pale green belly. The Blue Green Reef Chromis is desirable not only for its beauty, but also for its peaceful demeanor (despite its designation as a true damselfish) and ability to be kept with almost all other community fish, invertebrates, and corals.
Native to reefs ranging from mid-depth to shallow lagoons of the Indo-Pacific and South Pacific, wild specimens prefer to school in large shoals amongst branching corals like Acropora. In the home aquarium, the Blue Green Reef Chromis does best in similar environments and will actively swim at all levels of the aquarium water column. In fact, small schools of the Blue Green Reef Chromis add a dazzling and dramatic shimmer of beauty to almost any well-established reef system.
Overall, the Blue Green Reef Chromis is very hardy and can live between 8 to 15 years in aquariums with excellent water quality. For best care, feed several times throughout the day with a varied diet of meaty foods, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body colorations.
Some aquarists have successfully bred the Blue Green Reef Chromis in the home aquarium. Interestingly, the body color of mature males, ready to nest, changes to a muted yellow color. However, breeding success requires perfect water parameters in only the largest of non-predatory aquarium systems.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1" Medium: 1" to 2"; Large 2" to 3"
Bicolor Dottyback
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Pseudochromidae
Overview
The Bicolor Dottyback, also called the Bicolor Pseudochromis or Royal Dottyback, is two bold colors; the anterior portion is purple and the posterior portion is bright yellow.
A 30 gallon or larger aquarium should be provided. The Bicolor Dottyback will not be intimidated by other fish and will defend its territory against fish two to three times its size. It will also eat ornamental shrimp and is a predator of nuisance bristleworms.
The diet should consist of meaty foods including brine shrimp and prepared frozen foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2-1/2"
Coral Beauty Angelfish
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae
Overview
Very common on the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is also known as the Twospined or Dusky Angelfish. The body and head are a deep royal blue, highlighted with an iridescent orange to yellow. The Coral Beauty Angelfish is one of the easiest angels to care for.
It requires a 30 gallon or larger tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. Not a good reef dweller, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates).
The diet of the Coral Beauty Angelfish should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other quality meaty foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4"
Yellow Hawaiian Tang
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Acanthuridae
Overview
The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is for many aquarists, the definitive fish of home saltwater aquariums. With its oval-shaped, vibrant yellow body, Zebrasoma flavescens brightens any marine system. The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is an active swimmer that will glide throughout your aquarium in near constant motion, acting as an aquarium tour guide of sorts to any onlooker who follows its meandering swim path.
Though most common to the reefs of Hawaii, the Yellow Hawaiian Tang's natural habitat is actually widespread throughout Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef. The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is also known as the Yellow Sailfin Tang or Yellow Surgeonfish. For best care, it should be housed in an aquarium of at least 100 gallons with ample room to swim. Like other Tangs, this member of the Acanthuridae family demonstrates territorial aggression towards its own species, or Tangs in general. Therefore, it is best to keep just one Yellow Hawaiian Tang per aquarium, unless multiple Yellow Hawaiian Tangs are introduced into the system simultaneously.
Although the Yellow Hawaiian Tang will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important the Yellow Hawaiian Tang is offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen its immune system, reduce aggression and improve overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least three times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is a very common, extremely popular, and hardy addition to any fish-only or reef aquarium system.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 6"
Kaudern's Cardinal
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Apogonidae
Overview
The Kaudern's Cardinal is highly sought after for its ease of care, attractive color pattern and distinctively long and elegant fins. The Kaudern's Cardinal, also known as the Banggai Cardinalfish or Longfin Cardinalfish, is metallic silver highlighted by rich black stripes and white, celestial spots on the body and fins. This sophisticated color pattern of the Kaudern's Cardinal makes it a visual striking and memorable addition to most saltwater aquariums.
A 30 gallon or larger aquarium with cave-like rockwork and peaceful tank mates is ideal for this slow and methodical swimmer. Due to its aggressive behavior towards conspecifics, the Kaudern's Cardinal should not be kept in large groups. The Kaudern's Cardinal is relatively easy to breed in the aquarium setting. Once spawning has occurred, the male carries the eggs in his mouth to protect them.
The Kaudern's Cardinal should be fed a well balanced diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on its size, live feeder fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4"
Auriga Butterflyfish
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Tonga
Family: Chaetodontidae
Overview
The Auriga Butterflyfish, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is one of the more popular and readily available butterflyfish. Generally a hardy species, in the wild it is found on inner and outer reef slopes. As with many fish, the Threadfin Butterfly's color and markings can vary with the region of origin. Red Sea specimens tend to lose the eyespot (false eye to confuse predators) on the dorsal fin.
The Auriga Butterflyfish is quite shy and should be provided multiple hiding places. It is safe to keep it in a live rock-only tank, although it will pick at the rock.
The Auriga Butterflyfish's diet should primarily consist of plankton frozen, freeze-dried, fresh or flake food is readily accepted. Also provide regular vegetable food source and vitamin-boosting supplements.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"
Bicolor Blenny
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Blenniidae
Overview
The Bicolor Blenny is also known as the Two-colored Blenny. The Bicolor is so-named because the anterior half is blue to dull brown, and the posterior half is dull orange. Males are generally larger than females and experience a succession of color changes, including blue, when breeding. These Blennies exhibit great personality in the aquarium.
Generally found amid crevices and rocks on the bottom of its environment, the Bicolor Blenny needs a tank of at least 30 gallons with scattered rocks for perching and hiding.
These fishes are normally peaceful tank members, but have been known to pick at other blennies, smaller gobies and dartfish. They normally make a good addition to reef aquariums, but use caution in smaller set ups, or with smaller fleshy corals, as they have been know to pick at the mantles of clams, and at fleshy large polyp stony corals when underfed. In larger reef aquariums they rarely do damage to these corals or clams.
The diet of the Bicolor Blenny should include vegetable matter, including frozen and dried foods containing marine and blue-green algae. It will also feed on (and help control) algae growing in the aquarium.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/4" to 2"; Medium 2" to 3"; Large 3" to 4"
Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Labridae
Overview
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is also known as the Tricolor Fairy Wrasse, Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, or Red-eyed Fairy Wrasse. Some aquarists consider it to be another color form of the Blueside Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura). The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse has a blue body with bright red running along the dorsal edge and a shining yellow-orange face. Colors may vary to other blues and purples depending on the fish's mood. When courting, the male will display an increased color intensity.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse will thrive in either a fish-only or reef aquarium of 75 gallons or larger. It needs a shaded area away from the bright lights. They will not bother corals or invertebrates, making them an ideal fish for the reef aquarium. These wrasse like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 2-1/2" to 3-3/4"
Niger Trigger
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Blue, Green, Purple
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Balistidae
Overview
The Niger Trigger or Redtooth Trigger is a striking fish for the home aquarium. The exact color of the Niger Triggerfish varies in this species of fish, and can also change from day to day between purple, blue and blue/green with a striking, lighter blue highlight on the fins and long tail lobes. The color temperature of the lighting also plays a role in the coloration of any fish in the home aquarium. As an adult, they acquire bright red teeth, and are normally dark purple in color with a blue/green highlight around their face making them quite interesting to watch when they eat.
The Niger Triggerfish requires a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves for hiding, and may rearrange the landscaping and rocks. It vocalizes using a "grunting" sound. They are a great active fish for the more aggressive, fish-only display.
The Niger Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 5"
Foxface Lo
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Siganidae
Overview
The Foxface Lo, also known as the Foxface Rabbitfish, has a very unique body color. It has a mottled yellow-brown body with a dark chest. The face is very light in color and speckled on the lower half. They are a very hardy fish, and are great additions to the newly-established tank.
It may reside in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Foxface Lo may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The Foxface Lo diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and undesirable species of algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 2-3/4" to 4"; Large: 4" to 7"
Gary and Sara
Got this PM, so time to update this thread..
Here is a list of popular easy to keep Marine Fish and some information on them.
(Information was used from the Live Aquaria Site - www.liveaquaria.com)
Some of the easiest fish to keep
Ocellaris Clownfish
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3½"
Color Form: Orange, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: South Asia
Family: Pomacentridae
Overview
The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Percula Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle, is found associating with anemones throughout the Indo-Pacific. It can attain a length of 3.2" (8 cm) in the wild, but aquarium specimens rarely exceed 2" (5 cm) unless they are imported large. This fish is sometimes sold as the Percula Clown, even though it is not. The color pattern is very similar, but it is not as bright orange. The black outlines on the white stripes are also thinner on the Ocellaris Clown when compared to the Percula. The advantage of the Ocellaris is that it is much hardier.
It is a long-lived clownfish that is excellent for the beginner hobbyist. It does best in the presence of anemones such as Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea. Like the related damselfish, it is well-suited for all but the most predatory tanks. Although there are no external characteristics to differentiate male and female, all clownfish are sexually immature when hatched. Meaning that the fry do not have a pre-determined sex, and develop into males and females depending on the hierarchy of the school. A pair will lay eggs along the base of the host anemone, using it to protect the eggs. The eggs normally appear orange in color. Without proper preparation, rearing in the average aquarium is nearly impossible.
This clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will take most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
Blue Green Reef Chromis
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Pomacentridae
Overview
The Blue Green Reef Chromis is easy to care for, beautiful, and peaceful. In fact, Chromis viridis is one of the preferred marine reef fish amongst aquarists, regardless of their experience level. This member of the Pomacentridae family is most recognizable by its gorgeous light blue dorsal side that slowly fades into a majestic pale green belly. The Blue Green Reef Chromis is desirable not only for its beauty, but also for its peaceful demeanor (despite its designation as a true damselfish) and ability to be kept with almost all other community fish, invertebrates, and corals.
Native to reefs ranging from mid-depth to shallow lagoons of the Indo-Pacific and South Pacific, wild specimens prefer to school in large shoals amongst branching corals like Acropora. In the home aquarium, the Blue Green Reef Chromis does best in similar environments and will actively swim at all levels of the aquarium water column. In fact, small schools of the Blue Green Reef Chromis add a dazzling and dramatic shimmer of beauty to almost any well-established reef system.
Overall, the Blue Green Reef Chromis is very hardy and can live between 8 to 15 years in aquariums with excellent water quality. For best care, feed several times throughout the day with a varied diet of meaty foods, herbivore flakes, and frozen preparations. Vitamin-enriched foods may also help to preserve body colorations.
Some aquarists have successfully bred the Blue Green Reef Chromis in the home aquarium. Interestingly, the body color of mature males, ready to nest, changes to a muted yellow color. However, breeding success requires perfect water parameters in only the largest of non-predatory aquarium systems.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1" Medium: 1" to 2"; Large 2" to 3"
Bicolor Dottyback
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Purple, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Pseudochromidae
Overview
The Bicolor Dottyback, also called the Bicolor Pseudochromis or Royal Dottyback, is two bold colors; the anterior portion is purple and the posterior portion is bright yellow.
A 30 gallon or larger aquarium should be provided. The Bicolor Dottyback will not be intimidated by other fish and will defend its territory against fish two to three times its size. It will also eat ornamental shrimp and is a predator of nuisance bristleworms.
The diet should consist of meaty foods including brine shrimp and prepared frozen foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2-1/2"
Coral Beauty Angelfish
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae
Overview
Very common on the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is also known as the Twospined or Dusky Angelfish. The body and head are a deep royal blue, highlighted with an iridescent orange to yellow. The Coral Beauty Angelfish is one of the easiest angels to care for.
It requires a 30 gallon or larger tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. Not a good reef dweller, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates).
The diet of the Coral Beauty Angelfish should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other quality meaty foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4"
Yellow Hawaiian Tang
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Yellow
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaii
Family: Acanthuridae
Overview
The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is for many aquarists, the definitive fish of home saltwater aquariums. With its oval-shaped, vibrant yellow body, Zebrasoma flavescens brightens any marine system. The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is an active swimmer that will glide throughout your aquarium in near constant motion, acting as an aquarium tour guide of sorts to any onlooker who follows its meandering swim path.
Though most common to the reefs of Hawaii, the Yellow Hawaiian Tang's natural habitat is actually widespread throughout Indonesia and the Great Barrier Reef. The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is also known as the Yellow Sailfin Tang or Yellow Surgeonfish. For best care, it should be housed in an aquarium of at least 100 gallons with ample room to swim. Like other Tangs, this member of the Acanthuridae family demonstrates territorial aggression towards its own species, or Tangs in general. Therefore, it is best to keep just one Yellow Hawaiian Tang per aquarium, unless multiple Yellow Hawaiian Tangs are introduced into the system simultaneously.
Although the Yellow Hawaiian Tang will eat meaty foods along with the other fish in the aquarium, it is important the Yellow Hawaiian Tang is offered plenty of marine based seaweed and algae. This will strengthen its immune system, reduce aggression and improve overall health. Offer dried seaweed tied to a rock or use a veggie clip, and feed at least three times per week. Sea Veggies, Seaweed Salad and Ocean Nutrition are all ideal products and are very easy to use.
The Yellow Hawaiian Tang is a very common, extremely popular, and hardy addition to any fish-only or reef aquarium system.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 6"
Kaudern's Cardinal
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Apogonidae
Overview
The Kaudern's Cardinal is highly sought after for its ease of care, attractive color pattern and distinctively long and elegant fins. The Kaudern's Cardinal, also known as the Banggai Cardinalfish or Longfin Cardinalfish, is metallic silver highlighted by rich black stripes and white, celestial spots on the body and fins. This sophisticated color pattern of the Kaudern's Cardinal makes it a visual striking and memorable addition to most saltwater aquariums.
A 30 gallon or larger aquarium with cave-like rockwork and peaceful tank mates is ideal for this slow and methodical swimmer. Due to its aggressive behavior towards conspecifics, the Kaudern's Cardinal should not be kept in large groups. The Kaudern's Cardinal is relatively easy to breed in the aquarium setting. Once spawning has occurred, the male carries the eggs in his mouth to protect them.
The Kaudern's Cardinal should be fed a well balanced diet of meaty foods such as feeder shrimp, marine flesh, bloodworms, and depending on its size, live feeder fish.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4"
Auriga Butterflyfish
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.2-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Black, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Hawaii, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Tonga
Family: Chaetodontidae
Overview
The Auriga Butterflyfish, also known as the Threadfin Butterflyfish, is one of the more popular and readily available butterflyfish. Generally a hardy species, in the wild it is found on inner and outer reef slopes. As with many fish, the Threadfin Butterfly's color and markings can vary with the region of origin. Red Sea specimens tend to lose the eyespot (false eye to confuse predators) on the dorsal fin.
The Auriga Butterflyfish is quite shy and should be provided multiple hiding places. It is safe to keep it in a live rock-only tank, although it will pick at the rock.
The Auriga Butterflyfish's diet should primarily consist of plankton frozen, freeze-dried, fresh or flake food is readily accepted. Also provide regular vegetable food source and vitamin-boosting supplements.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 3 1/2"; Large: 3 1/2" to 4 1/2"
Bicolor Blenny
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.021-1.023
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Blenniidae
Overview
The Bicolor Blenny is also known as the Two-colored Blenny. The Bicolor is so-named because the anterior half is blue to dull brown, and the posterior half is dull orange. Males are generally larger than females and experience a succession of color changes, including blue, when breeding. These Blennies exhibit great personality in the aquarium.
Generally found amid crevices and rocks on the bottom of its environment, the Bicolor Blenny needs a tank of at least 30 gallons with scattered rocks for perching and hiding.
These fishes are normally peaceful tank members, but have been known to pick at other blennies, smaller gobies and dartfish. They normally make a good addition to reef aquariums, but use caution in smaller set ups, or with smaller fleshy corals, as they have been know to pick at the mantles of clams, and at fleshy large polyp stony corals when underfed. In larger reef aquariums they rarely do damage to these corals or clams.
The diet of the Bicolor Blenny should include vegetable matter, including frozen and dried foods containing marine and blue-green algae. It will also feed on (and help control) algae growing in the aquarium.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/4" to 2"; Medium 2" to 3"; Large 3" to 4"
Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Labridae
Overview
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse is also known as the Tricolor Fairy Wrasse, Redheaded Fairy Wrasse, or Red-eyed Fairy Wrasse. Some aquarists consider it to be another color form of the Blueside Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus cyanopleura). The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse has a blue body with bright red running along the dorsal edge and a shining yellow-orange face. Colors may vary to other blues and purples depending on the fish's mood. When courting, the male will display an increased color intensity.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse will thrive in either a fish-only or reef aquarium of 75 gallons or larger. It needs a shaded area away from the bright lights. They will not bother corals or invertebrates, making them an ideal fish for the reef aquarium. These wrasse like to jump, so a tight fitting canopy is recommended.
The Red Head Solon Fairy Wrasse diet should include vitamin enriched frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin enriched frozen brine shrimp, and other meaty foods along with a high quality marine flake and marine pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 2-1/2" to 3-3/4"
Niger Trigger
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1'
Color Form: Blue, Green, Purple
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Balistidae
Overview
The Niger Trigger or Redtooth Trigger is a striking fish for the home aquarium. The exact color of the Niger Triggerfish varies in this species of fish, and can also change from day to day between purple, blue and blue/green with a striking, lighter blue highlight on the fins and long tail lobes. The color temperature of the lighting also plays a role in the coloration of any fish in the home aquarium. As an adult, they acquire bright red teeth, and are normally dark purple in color with a blue/green highlight around their face making them quite interesting to watch when they eat.
The Niger Triggerfish requires a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with rocks and caves for hiding, and may rearrange the landscaping and rocks. It vocalizes using a "grunting" sound. They are a great active fish for the more aggressive, fish-only display.
The Niger Triggerfish needs a varied diet of meaty foods including; squid, krill, clams, small fish and hard shelled shrimp to help wear down their ever growing teeth.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 5"
Foxface Lo
QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Orange, Tan, Yellow
Venomous: Yes
Diet: Herbivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Siganidae
Overview
The Foxface Lo, also known as the Foxface Rabbitfish, has a very unique body color. It has a mottled yellow-brown body with a dark chest. The face is very light in color and speckled on the lower half. They are a very hardy fish, and are great additions to the newly-established tank.
It may reside in a 70 gallon or larger aquarium. It is a very peaceful species except when housed with other rabbitfish. The Foxface Lo may be housed with more aggressive fish. Its predators will tend to leave it alone because of its venomous dorsal spines. Rabbitfish are generally reef-safe if they are well fed. If not, it is possible for them to nip at and consume some species of LPS and soft corals.
The Foxface Lo diet consists of a variety of fresh vegetables and undesirable species of algae. It does nip and possibly eat some soft and hard coral polyps.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-3/4"; Medium: 2-3/4" to 4"; Large: 4" to 7"
just check the compatibility between some of these easy to keep fish. Angels can harass Butterfly fish. Dotty backs almost anything.
More than one of each species and small tank = problems. Except Blue Green Chromis.
Easiest fish in my opinion. Blue Yellow Tail Damsel. Rock solid. And if you kill it due to your negligence. Then you should rather sell your setup. My very first fish I bought. And I still got it. Just do not take the Blue Devil Damsel. Looks "similar", but the name says it all.
More than one of each species and small tank = problems. Except Blue Green Chromis.
Easiest fish in my opinion. Blue Yellow Tail Damsel. Rock solid. And if you kill it due to your negligence. Then you should rather sell your setup. My very first fish I bought. And I still got it. Just do not take the Blue Devil Damsel. Looks "similar", but the name says it all.
That was one of my first fish, and it should rather be named the Yellow Tail Devil Damsel!!! Mine was happy and friendly, until my Yellow Tang was added. It the started attacking all my fish, taking bites out of their fins. I had to take out all of my rock work to catch it! I hate Damsels, they should be banned from Marine Aquariums!
:3:
Ok, yellow tang was a B&^$^, but really easy, even ate any fish poo that came into sight. Cardinals (Chromis' bullied and killed), Chromis': Jurry still out!
Tomatoe clown female, hates my fingers (attacks them when they are in the tank).
Royal Gramma, what a beaut!
Copperband, the "model" in my tank, only eats brine and Aiptesia.
Anthias, pretty but hate one another, unless you are the top girl!
Tomatoe clown female, hates my fingers (attacks them when they are in the tank).
Royal Gramma, what a beaut!
Copperband, the "model" in my tank, only eats brine and Aiptesia.
Anthias, pretty but hate one another, unless you are the top girl!
