Aside from freshwater aquariums, a saltwater aquarium is another excellent choice. But the latter will be harder to keep than the former. If you have a saltwater tank, which marine fish will you pick? Or will you be in a dilemma? If so, this article will give you some ideas. Just read on and get into the ten most beautiful saltwater aquarium fish. But to be clear in advance, how to define beauty depends on individuals.
Saltwater fish
Saltwater fish are native to the oceans. Commonly, fish native to deep seas are larger than fish originating from shallow seas. Also, the same as freshwater fish, saltwater fish come in a surprising amount of species. Most saltwater fish are vibrant. In captivity, saltwater fish fancy aquariums large with rocks, corals, or sand.
However, as we have mentioned, saltwater fish are more difficult to maintain in aquariums. In addition to daily water changes and pH testing, you should also check the salinity and specific gravity. Plus, most saltwater fish are fond of alkali water with a pH level approaching eight. Accordingly, if you have a saltwater tank, you should prepare aquarium salt and adjust the water parameter.
10 most beautiful saltwater aquarium fish
1. Trigger fish
| Brief introduction | You can find it in the regions of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Triggerfish feature stripes and spots on the oval and compressed body. Furthermore, it has a large head and a small mouth. Plus, its teeth can crush shells. |  |
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| Family | Balistidae | Temperament | Aggressive |
| Size | 12–23 inches | Diet | Carnivore |
| Lifespan | 7–13 years | Minimum tank size | 100 gallons |
2. Lined Butterflyfish (Chaetodon lineolatus)
| Brief introduction | Lined Butterflyfish always come in white, black, and yellow, featuring vertical stripes on the body. For more saltwater butterfly fish, read Fish Profiles – Butterfly Fish Facts. |  |
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| Family | Chaetodontidae | Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size | 12 inches | Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | Up to 10 years | Minimum tank size | 150 gallons |
3. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni)
| Brief introduction | The Banggai cardinalfish possesses long and flowing fins, giant eyes, white spots, vertical black stripes, and silver sides. However, it is an endangered species in the wild. |  |
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| Family | Apogonidae | Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size | 3 inches | Diet | Carnivore |
| Lifespan | 5 years | Minimum tank size | 30 gallons |
4. Blue Hippo Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus)
| Brief introduction | Coming in a blue and black body, the Blue Hippo Tang has a yellow tail. Commonly, the females are smaller than males. |  |
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| Family | Acanthuridae | Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size | About 12 inches | Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years | Minimum tank size | 120 gallons |
5. French Angelfish
| Brief introduction | French Angelfish is famous for its yellow stripes on the black body. Plus, if you want to learn more about saltwater angelfish, you can go to Fish Profile – Angelfish Facts and Tips. |  |
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| Family | Pomacanthidae | Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Size | 15 inches | Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 10 years | Minimum tank size | 250 gallons |
6. Lion Fish
| Brief introduction | Lionfish usually come in white, red, brown, and black stripes or spots. Though the fish is beautiful, it is poisonous. Luckily, the venom is not fatal. |  |
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| Family | Scorpaenidae | Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Size | 12–18 inches | Diet | Carnivore |
| Lifespan | 5–15 years | Minimum tank size | 120 gallons |
7. Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)
| Brief introduction | During the juvenile period, Emperor Angelfish features dark blue and white stripes, which form a rounded pattern. Commonly, it lasts about four years. As for adult emperor angelfish, it always comes in blue and yellow stripes on the body. |  |
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| Family | Pomacanthidae | Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Size | About 12 inches in captivity | Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 20 years | Minimum tank size | 125 gallons |
8. Mandarinfish (Synchiropus splendidus)
| Brief introduction | Featuring red, orange, blue, and yellow stripes, plus black spots with yellow and red edges, Mandarinfish comes in dark green, red, orange, etc. They are small, elongated, and scaleless. Besides, they are also named Mandarin fish, Mandarin dragonet, and Mandarin goby. |  |
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| Family | Callionymidae | Temperament | Peaceful |
| Size | About 3 inches | Diet | Carnivore |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years | Minimum tank size | 30 gallons |
9. Rainbow Parrotfish (Scarus guacamaia)
| Brief introduction | Rainbow Parrotfish is large. Generally, it comes in greenish-brown, with dull orange fins. |  |
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| Family | Scaridae | Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Size | About 47 inches | Diet | Herbivore |
| Lifespan | Up to 16 years | Minimum tank size | Over 200 gallons |
10. Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)
| Brief introduction | Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, Queen Angelfish is famous for golden angelfish, blue angelfish, and yellow angelfish. It is overall in blue and yellow. |  |
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| Family | Pomacanthidae | Temperament | Aggressive |
| Size | 18 inches | Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 15 years | Minimum tank size | 250 gallons |
How long do saltwater aquarium fish live
Generally, most saltwater aquarium fish can live up to 10–20 years on average. Nonetheless, maybe you can make your fish live longer. Following are some pointers:
- Suitable tank size: Fish do not like overcrowded spaces. Consequently, providing a suitable tank is necessary. Fish will be happy with plenty of room to swim and explore.
- Regular water test: You should monitor the water parameters. Poor water quality will pose threats to fish health. Fish disease may shorten their lifespan.
- Proper diet: Keep regular feeding and a balanced diet. Sufficient nutrients are helpful to fish growth.
- Quarantine sick fish: Once you find sick fish in your tank, you’d better quarantine them immediately. Because some contagious diseases will infect other tank mates quickly beyond what you can imagine.
Saltwater fish facts
In this segment, we would like to share some exciting facts about saltwater fish. And you would be surprised or thrilled about some points.
Some saltwater fish are smart. Most fish memorize for a short time. However, some fish can learn from their experience, like Triggerfish. Plus, some saltwater fish can communicate with each other through certain behaviors or signals.
Besides that, saltwater fish even use five senses to capture food, detect danger, and communicate with other fish. Additionally, unlike freshwater fish species, saltwater fish need to drink water to compensate for water.
To sum up
Until now, have you got a better understanding of saltwater fish? The ten saltwater fish we mentioned above are special and appealing. Why not choose one from them and start your saltwater aquarium experience?
Additional topics about saltwater fish and aquariums
For more attractive saltwater fish, welcome to share with us in the comments. We are happy to receive your sharing. Finally, thanks for reading. And hope you will have an enjoyable experience of saltwater fishkeeping.
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