Most pet owners think that fish are the easiest creatures to take care of because, well, keeping them alive does not look particularly challenging However, this is simply a misconception. Saltwater fish, in particular, are notoriously known for their unadaptable nature, which makes it tricky to keep them healthy. This can pose an obstacle for beginners who are interested in setting up a saltwater aquarium. Due to the wide variety of saltwater species you can choose from, you may understandably think that you bit more than you can chew when you’ve decided to keep fish as pets. If you need some guidance on how to choose the best saltwater fish, consider the next key points.
Cost
Let’s be frank; setting up an aquarium is not dirt cheap. It is totally fine if you have a budget that you do not want to go over. If you have been searching for the greatest saltwater fish you can buy, the odds are that you’ve come across some of the most expensive strains like the Emperor Angelfish or the Arothron Puffer. These can cost up to $800! The good news is that there are many other affordable saltwater fish species that you can go for. If you are looking for types that do not cost more than $30, consider getting Damselfish or Gobies. You should also look for exclusive offers in nearby fish dealers. You never know; you might land a great offer!
Size
The next aspect you should consider when you plan to buy saltwater fish is their size, and by that, we mean their adult size. Many types of saltwater fish may appear adorably small when they are still juvenile, but you might end up with a monster fish after just a few months! Because you need to get a tank that is big enough for the fish you want to purchase, you should research the adult size of the breeds you have in mind. Based on this useful guide, the Bicolor Angelfish is a fantastic choice for beginners who are looking for small breeds. This beautiful, colorful fish looks just like our beloved Disney fish character, Dory, which makes it a great addition to any saltwater aquarium.
Disposition
Most saltwater fish lovers aim to make their aquarium as inclusive and diverse as possible, meaning that they might like to include different breeds in the same space. Going down this route will certainly make your aquarium aesthetically pleasing, but it can spell trouble as well if you are not careful about the strains you pick. Some saltwater fish are known for being overly aggressive with other varieties, or worse, their own breed. Colorful Clownfish can seem pretty harmless at first, but they are actually extremely territorial, especially when they lay eggs. Other male saltwater varieties may also fight for dominance, which makes it impossible to have more than one fish of the same breed in a single tank. In some cases, even the most peaceful strains can be spontaneously aggressive, so ask your fish dealer about the fish’s behavior before making any purchase.
Diet Requirements
A fish’s diet requirements are inextricably tied to its attitude as well as your own budget. Some types are not picky eaters, so you can get away with feeding them commercial fish food. On the other hand, some saltwater breeds can be extremely fussy when it is feeding time, especially if their usual diet consists of corals or other creatures that are naturally found in seas or oceans. Additionally, saltwater fish can also be carnivorous, meaning that they feed on other fish! Of course, you have to be extremely careful when picking yours because you do not want to buy a strain whose diet will burn a hole in your pocket or one that will eat the other fish in your tank!
Adaptability
Generally speaking, freshwater fish can withstand changing water conditions, including temperature and quality. On the contrary, most saltwater fish types have strict living conditions you have to recreate in order to keep them alive. However, there are some breeds that are more adaptable than others. This is especially important for you as a beginner since you will probably face some trouble when setting up the tank and the water temperature. You want to find a strain that can endure such changes until you find your groove and learn to appropriately set up the perfect temperature for your fish.
Saltwater tanks, especially the ones that contain a wide range of breeds, can add a pop of color to any living space, not to mention that fish are generally great pets. As a beginner, you need to find a fish species that is adaptable and within your budget. It might take a little research to find the perfect fit, but you are sure to end up with a beautiful aquarium that will be the envy of everyone who sees it!
