Although there are hundreds of fish available for saltwater aquarium keepers, some are easier to keep than others. If you are just starting out in the saltwater aquarium hobby, you might want to consider some hardy breeds that have a better chance of surviving tank mistakes.
Here are a few more choices that may work well in a beginner tank:
- Hawkfishes — these saltwater fish are VERY hardy. Larger species of hawkfish may prey on smaller fish. Smaller hawkfish can do well in a community tank if introduced after peaceful species have already settled in.
- Comets — these fish are survivors who are resistant to disease and heal injuries quickly. You may find your comet hiding for the first few weeks, as these fish are very shy. They prefer dimly lit tanks, and probably won’t spend all day swimming in the front of the tank.
- Assessors — a hardy relative of the comet. Blue and yellow assessors are relatively easy to find in pet stores. These fish are on the small side (under three inches long) and like to spend time under ledges and in caves.
- Damselfish — a colorful, hardy fish. Some can be more challenging to keep than others — look for tank-bred damselfish, as they tend to be hardier than wild-caught damselfish. Larger varieties can be aggressive towards other fish.
- Hogfish (wrasses) — are medium-sized fish that like a varied diet.
- Gobies — very small, usually non-threatening fish. Gobies can often live happily in smaller tanks without social issues.
- Triggerfish — a very fun fish to watch and interact with. Aquarium keepers often describe these fish as “doglike” because they beg for food when their masters approach. Triggerfish also like to redecorate their tanks. One drawback: triggerfish may pick on more passive tank mates.
- Cardinalfish — a smaller, hardy fish. In smaller tanks, cardinalfish may pick on each other. In larger tanks, cardinalfish will spread out and mostly leave each other alone. These fish will establish a pecking order in small groups, and their “fights” are far less violent than some other fish — more nudging and chasing and less nipping.