Keeping a saltwater aquarium is in many ways similar — and in many ways different — from keeping a tropical aquarium. One main difference is the fish available for aquarium keepers.
There are hundreds of possible choices for your saltwater aquarium, but some fish are better for beginners than others because they have a better chance of surviving tank mistakes. Here are a few options:
- Morays — these eels are hardy and usually adapt well to life in captivity. Watch out for occasional hunger strikes; captive morays may lose their appetites for weeks, then just as suddenly be hungry again. Try offering a variety of fresh or live foods to stimulate appetite if this happens. Another potential problem is that morays can slip out through small holes in your aquarium tank top. Make sure your aquarium is securely covered to prevent moray suicide.
- Groupers — many groupers do well in an aquarium setting. Watch out — they can grow quite large! Dwarf groupers may be a better choice if you have a small tank. One drawback: not all groupers are colorful. Another potential problem is that groupers can prey on smaller fish and crustaceans.
- Grammas — these fish do well in a peaceful community tank, and will hide when startled. Grammas do well in small or large tanks, and generally adapt well to life in captivity. They may prey on very small shrimp, but usually leave other tank-dwellers alone unless defending a hidey-hole. Grammas are good jumpers, so your tank needs a secure top.
- Dottybacks — these colorful fish look great in a tank! However, they can be aggressive towards other fish (even their own species). These fish are not a good choice for smaller tanks, but many do well in larger tanks. Dottybacks can also lose coloration in captivity; you can reduce the chance of this by offering a varied diet that includes flake or frozen foods with added natural pigments.