Peaceful Saltwater Fish for a Beginner Aquarium
If you’re a beginner looking to create a peaceful saltwater aquarium, we’ve got you covered. Building a new saltwater aquarium yourself is a thrilling adventure, with endless options to choose from, but selecting the right marine fish for your aquarium is key to creating a peaceful environment.
We recommend opting for:
- Hardy
- Affordable
- Beginner-friendly
- Don’t require a massive tank
To help you get started, we’ve curated a list of the top twenty-three most popular saltwater aquarium fish for beginners that will fit in swimmingly with each other.
So buckle up, dive in, and let’s create your own little slice of oceanic heaven.
23 Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish (Species Guide for Beginners)
Unlike freshwater fish, saltwater fish have more specific and varied requirements for their environment. They need optimal water quality, temperature, salinity, pH, lighting, and filtration to thrive. They also have different personalities and behaviors that influence how they interact with other fish.
If you don’t do enough research before buying saltwater fish, you might end up with some unpleasant surprises. For example:
- Some fish might be aggressive or territorial towards other fish in your tank
- Some fish might have special dietary needs or damage corals or plants
- Some fish might be prone to diseases or parasites
- Some fish might grow too large or need more space than your tank can provide
To avoid these problems, you need to learn as much as you can about each fish species before adding them to your aquarium. You should also test your water regularly with water test kits to ensure it meets their needs.
Here are some of the things you should research about each other saltwater fish species:
- Their size and lifespan
- Their temperament and compatibility with other fish
- Their preferred water parameters (temperature, salinity, pH)
- Their feeding habits and nutrition
- Their care level (easy/medium/hard)
- Their benefits for your aquarium (e.g., algae control)
By doing this research beforehand, we have compiled a list of 23 promising candidates for your reef tank you’ll be able to create a balanced and harmonious community of saltwater fish that will bring joy and beauty to your home.
First up on our list, is everyone’s favorite childhood fish Disney movie star!
Ocellaris Clownfish
- Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Starting from: $20
You’ve seen these fish before, right? They’re the stars of every reef aquarium, and they know it. They’re clownfish, and they’re awesome.
They’re small, tough, and cute as hell. But don’t let them fool you. They’re also territorial and bossy. They like to hang out in pairs, so don’t try to cram too many of them in one tank. Trust me, you don’t want to mess with their mojo.
There are over 30 species of clownfish out there. The most famous is the ocellaris clownfish, which looks like almost like a tiny orange tiger with white stripes and black outlines. You know, the one from that movie with the fish that forgets everything. Yeah, that one.
Yellowtail Damselfish
- Scientific Name: Chrysiptera parasema
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $15
These fish have a striking blue body with a bright yellow tail that adds a splash of color to the hardy fish in any reef tank.
They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit coral reefs and lagoons.
They are usually peaceful and can be kept in groups or with other reef fish, but they may become territorial if overcrowded or stressed.
They are easy to care for and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
Green Chromis
- Scientific Name: Chromis viridis
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $8
If you are looking for a great saltwater fish, that is both stunning and peaceful, the green chromis might be the one for you.
These beautiful fish also have a sparkling green and blue hue that reflects the light in a dazzling way.
They come from the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit shallow reefs and lagoons.
They are friendly and like to be in groups of six or more. They will form a graceful shoal and coexist well with other tank mates.
They are not fussy and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
Flame Angelfish
- Scientific Name: Centropyge loriculus
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $70
The flame angelfish is a saltwater fish that looks like it’s on fire. Literally. It has a bright red/orange body with black stripes and blue-tipped fins that make it stand out from the crowd.
Flame Angels comes from the Pacific Ocean, where they lives in coral reefs and rocks.
They are a dwarf angelfish, which means they’re smaller than most of its cousins. But don’t let its size fool you. It has a big personality and can be quite territorial and aggressive.
Flame Angels are not picky about food and will eat anything you throw at them, including flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
If you want a fish that will spice up your tank with its fiery colors and attitude, the Flame Angelfish might be your match. Just don’t get too close or you might get burned.
Bicolor Blenny
- Scientific Name: Ecsenius bicolor
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Starting from: $20
The bicolor blenny has a two-toned body with a blue or brown front half and a yellow or orange back half. These colors can vary depending on the mood of the fish.
The male of the same species is larger than the female and can change color to blue when breeding.
Unlike most blennies, this species is not an herbivore but an omnivore that will eat algae, flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods.
Bicolor blennies have a comical swimming motion and a curious personality that will make it explore its tank and hide in rocks or corals.
Because it is a peaceful fish, do not pair your bicolor with aggressive or predatory fish.
Some crabs or shrimp can harm this fish.
However, this fish can help keep your tank clean by eating algae and detritus.
Banggai Cardinalfish
- Scientific Name: Pterapogon kauderni
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Starting from: $20
Today we’re taking a trip to the Banggai Islands to check out the Banggai cardinalfish. These fish are named for their unique triangular shape and those three black stripes that run diagonally across their body.
They’re like the zebra of the sea, with a touch of sophistication.
And while they’re popular among aquarium enthusiasts, they’re also threatened in the wild due to over-collection. So let’s show ’em some love, yeah?
Clown Goby
- Scientific Name: Gobiodon spp.
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Starting from: $15
Looking for a tiny, colorful fish that’s sure to bring a smile to your face? Look no further than the clown goby. These little cute fish comes in all sorts of vibrant shades, from bright yellows to deep browns, and sport bold stripes and spots on their bodies.
With their oversized eyes and cheeky grin, they’re the perfect addition to any saltwater tank. Luckily, they’re also easy to care for and generally get along well with other tank inhabitants.
Just be sure to give them plenty of hiding spots and live rock to play on.
Longnose Hawkfish
- Scientific Name: Oxycirrhites typus
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $40
If you’re after a fish with a bit more edge, the longnose hawkfish is sure to catch your eye. With its striking red and white bands, long snout, and sharp dorsal spines, it’s like something straight out of a comic book.
These fish are predators by nature, so they’ll need a varied diet and plenty of space to hunt and explore. They can be a bit territorial, so it’s best to keep them with similar-sized or larger fish.
And whatever you do, make sure your tank has a tight-fitting lid – they are notorious jumpers!
Kole Yellow Eye Tang
- Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
- Starting from: $60
For a fish that’s all about elegance and grace, the kole yellow eye tang is the way to go. With its stunning blue spots and lines, brownish body, and that unforgettable yellow ring around its eye, it’s a true showstopper.
And don’t let that sharp spine on its tail fool you – these fish are generally quite peaceful and get along well with others.
Just make sure to give them plenty of algae to graze on and enough room to swim around.
Tailspot Blenny
- Scientific Name: Ecsenius stigmatura
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Starting from: $30
Last but not least, If you’re in the market for a fish with a ton of personality, the tailspot blenny is the answer.
With its quirky tan body, distinctive stripes, and expressive face complete with “eyebrows,” it’s impossible not to fall in love with these fish.
And they’re not just cute – they’re also great at cleaning up detritus and algae in your tank. Just be sure to give them plenty of live rock and sand to play in, and keep them away from any other blennies or similar-looking fish that might cause trouble.
Other Peaceful Saltwater Fish for Beginners
Now that you know why research is important for choosing saltwater fish let’s take a look at some additional best options easiest saltwater fish for beginners. These are some of the other peaceful and easy-to-care-for saltwater fish that can adapt well to most reef tanks.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive nor definitive. There are many more saltwater fish species out there that might suit your preferences and needs better. Always do your own research before buying any new fish for your aquarium.
Yellow Watchman Goby
- Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $20
We have the yellow watchman goby. With its vibrant yellow body, blue spots, and sail-like dorsal fin, it’s like a sad emoji but don’t let that fool ya! They are actually a ray of sunshine in your tank!
And if you’re lucky, you might even witness its symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp – these two will share a burrow and look out for each other in the wild.
In your tank, just be sure to give the yellow watchman goby plenty of live rock and sand to play in, and keep it away from any other gobies or similar-looking fish that might cause conflict.
Pink Spotted Watchman Goby
- Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus leptocephalus
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $35
Pink Spotted Watchman Gobbies may be small, but they pack a punch of pink color with dark spots on his noggin and fins. And with a long dorsal fin that curves over his back, he’s always ready to keep an eye on the lookout.
They’re omnivores, so in general Watchman’s aren’t too picky when it comes to grub.
Just make sure they have plenty of live rock and sand substrate to burrow in, and they’ll be as happy as a clam.
Neon Dottyback
- Scientific Name: Pseudochromis aldabraensis
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $30
Next, we have the neon dottyback. This fish is like a disco ball in water, with a bright purple hue that fades into yellow at the tail end.
And with a black stripe along its back and a black spot on its cheek, it’s ready to get down and boogie.
As a carnivore, Neon Dottyback likes meaty foods, so give them plenty of live rock and coral formations to hunt and hide in.
Diamond Watchman Goby
- Scientific Name: Valenciennea puellaris
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $40
Moving on, we have the diamond watchman goby. The picture of sophistication with his white body and orange spots and stripes.
And with those large eyes, they’re always watching over their domain like a true diamond in the rough.
As an omnivore, Diamond Watchman Gobbies likes to snack on algae, detritus, and small organisms, but they won’t say no to prepared foods. Just make sure they have plenty of sand substrate to burrow in and live rock to call home.
Coral Beauty Angelfish
- Scientific Name: Centropyge bispinosa
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $70
This fish is a real showstopper with its deep blue body and orange edges on its fins, scales, and face. And with that black spot on its forehead, it’s like it’s saying “I see you, human.”
As an omnivore, Coral Beauty Angelfish likes to munch on algae, sponges, and small animals, but it’s not too picky when it comes to prepared foods either.
Just make sure it has plenty of live rock and coral formations to graze on and hide in.
Auriga Butterflyfish
- Scientific Name: Chaetodon auriga
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
- Starting from: $80
This fish is a real beauty, with its white body, black stripes, and yellow patches. It’s an omnivore that likes to munch on coral polyps in the wild, but it will happily eat prepared foods in captivity.
To keep this butterflyfish happy, make sure to provide plenty of live rock and coral formations for shelter and food sources. And don’t worry about it being too aggressive towards other fish – it’s usually peaceful, except for when it comes to other butterflyfish or similar-looking fish.
Bicolor Angelfish
- Scientific Name: Centropyge bicolor
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $60
If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, you might want to check out the Bicolor angelfish. With its bright purple body, neon blue stripes, and yellow spot on its dorsal fin, this fish is a real stunner. It’s a carnivore that likes to snack on small crustaceans and fish, but it will eat meaty prepared foods in captivity.
To keep this fish happy, you’ll want to provide plenty of live rock and coral formations for hiding places and hunting grounds. Just be aware that the neon dottyback can be quite aggressive towards other fish, especially those that are smaller or similar-looking.
Firefish Goby
- Scientific Name: Nemateleotris magnifica
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
- Starting from: $25
If you’re after something elegant and sophisticated, the Firefish goby might be just the fish for you. With its white body, orange spots, and black diamond-shaped markings, this fish is a real class act. It’s an omnivore that likes to eat algae, detritus, and small organisms, but it will also eat prepared foods in captivity.
To keep this fish happy, you’ll want to provide plenty of live rock and sand substrate for shelter and burrowing space. And don’t worry about it being too aggressive towards other fish – it’s usually peaceful, except for other gobies or similar-looking fish.
Chalk Bass
- Scientific Name: Serranus tortugarum
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $35
Chalk Bass are absolute stunners, with its deep blue body, orange stripes, and black spots. They’re omnivores that mainly feeds on algae in the wild, but it will happily eat prepared foods in captivity.
To keep this fish happy, you’ll want to provide plenty of algae growth and live rock for grazing opportunities and hiding places. And don’t worry about it being too aggressive towards other fish – it’s generally peaceful, except for other angelfish or butterflyfish that might compete for food or space.
Flame Hawkfish
- Scientific Name: Neocirrhites armatus
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $45
This little fish may be small, but he’s got a personality bigger than a whale shark. With his fiery red body and black-tipped fins, they looks like they’re ready to throw down in a battle of the fishes. And let’s not forget about that mask – looking like a superhero fish!
Just make sure to keep them away from other fish, or he’ll be turning your tank into a boxing ring faster than you can say “Fishy McFishface” – wow superhero name.
Royal Gramma
- Scientific Name: Gramma loreto
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
- Starting from: $30
This fish is like the prom king and queen rolled into one. With a regal purple and yellow coloration and a black stripe that screams “Don’t mess with me,” the royal gramma is the classiest fish in the sea.
And that black spot on its dorsal fin? It’s like a little beauty mark that says, “Yeah, I know I’m fabulous.” But don’t let its fancy appearance fool you – this fish is a bit of a wallflower and likes to keep to itself. So, if you’re looking for a fish that’s going to throw wild parties, look elsewhere.
Elegant Wrasse
- Scientific Name: Anampses elegans
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
- Starting from: $70
If you want a fish that’s a real showstopper, then the elegant wrasse is the one for you. This fish looks like it’s been dipped in a vat of neon paint. And those long fins? They’re like a pair of sparkly, sequined leggings that scream, “Look at me, I’m fabulous!”
But, as with all divas, the elegant wrasse needs its space. Keep it away from other wrasses or fish with a similar sense of style, or it’ll turn your tank into a fashion battlefield.
Yellow Striped Cardinalfish
- Scientific Name: Ostorhinchus cyanosoma
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Starting from: $10
With a silver body that’s adorned with bold yellow stripes that’ll catch your eye every time you glance in their direction. And those big, curious eyes? Well, let’s just say they’re pretty hard to resist.
But the yellow striped cardinalfish isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also a social butterfly that loves nothing more than hanging out with a crew of six or more of its closest fishy friends. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of hiding spots in your tank, like rocks, corals, or plants, because these guys can be a bit on the shy side.
Another cool thing about the yellow striped cardinalfish is that they’re nocturnal, which means they’re most active at night when the rest of your tank is settling down. It’s like having a little party animal in your aquarium!
But don’t worry about taking care of this little fish – it’s a piece of cake. They’ll eat pretty much anything you toss their way, from flakes to pellets to frozen foods, and they’re totally safe to keep in a reef tank, since they won’t go after any of your corals or invertebrates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are saltwater angelfish peaceful?
Some angelfish are more peaceful than others, and some may become aggressive during breeding or territorial disputes.
Generally speaking, angelfish can coexist with other peaceful fish in a community of peaceful tank mates, but they may not get along well with other angelfish of the same or similar species. With that said, you should also consider the size and temperament of your tank mates, as well as the space and hiding places available in your aquarium.
What are the best fish to start a saltwater aquarium?
To be honest, it varies depending on your personal preference, budget, tank size, and compatibility with other fish species.
However, this is what Aquariums For Beginners Recommend:
- Ocellaris Clownfish: These are colorful, hardy, and easy to keep. They can live happily in small tanks and form a bond with anemones.
- Chalk Bass: These are peaceful, adaptable, and durable fish that can eat a variety of foods and tolerate sub-optimal water conditions.
- Yellow Watchman Goby: These are not picky about their diet and have a unique personality. They can also pair up with pistol shrimp for mutual protection.
- Coral Beauty Angelfish: These are active, attractive, and relatively peaceful fish that can graze on algae and cope with different water parameters.
Best fish for 20 gallon saltwater aquarium?
A 20-gallon saltwater tank is a great way to start your marine aquarium hobby. Here are some of the most commonly awesome fish we recommend you’ll love for a 20-gallon beginner saltwater fish tank are:
- Clownfish: Again on the list we have our iconic saltwater fish that come in different colors and patterns. They are hardy, adaptable, and easy to care for. They can live happily in small tanks and form a bond with anemones if you have them. You can keep two clownfish of the same or different species in a 20-gallon tank.
- Dartfish: These are graceful, slender, and elegant fish that like to hover near the bottom of the tank. They are peaceful and shy and need hiding places to feel secure. You can keep one dartfish of any species in a 20-gallon tank.
- Fancy Goby: These are attractive, lively, and friendly fish that have distinctive markings and colors. They can also pair up with pistol shrimp for mutual protection. You can keep one fancy goby of any species in a 20-gallon tank.
- Small Blenny: These are curious, amusing, and helpful fish that can graze on algae and cope with different water parameters. You can keep one small blenny of any species in a 20-gallon tank.
How Many Saltwater Fish Should I Keep?
Well, it depends based on your own tank, but the best way to find out how many saltwater fish you can keep is to learn as much as you can about each of best saltwater fish, and think about how well they will get along with each other, what they like to eat, and how much room they need.
If you want to show off your beautiful saltwater fish or tank, you can join our Facebook group Aquariums for Beginners where you can share your photos and videos with other enthusiasts. We would love to see your creations!
Conclusions
In conclusion, saltwater aquarium fish are a great addition to any aquarium owner’s collection. There are many established saltwater aquarium fish species that are perfect for beginners, such as the yellow watchman goby, ocellaris clownfish, and chalk bass, which are hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for. Some of the most popular saltwater aquarium fish, such as the coral beauty angelfish, royal gramma, and yellow coris wrasse, are beautiful and active fish that can coexist with other tank mates in established saltwater aquariums.
It is important to consider tank size and compatibility when selecting fish and other species, as some fish can be aggressive or consume small fish and invertebrates. The addition of ornamental shrimp, sea urchins, and pistol shrimp can enhance the diversity and complexity of a reef aquarium, but sensitive and timid fish should be protected with a tight fitting lid.
Feeding saltwater aquarium fish can be accomplished with some prepared foods and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, but some fish can be picky eaters. It is recommended to purchase hardy saltwater fish from a local fish store, rather than wild caught fish, and to acclimate them slowly to their new saltwater tank.
Inexpensive and small fish can be great beginner saltwater fish, while larger aquariums can accommodate more active and aggressive fish. With so many saltwater and freshwater aquarium for fish to choose from, the possibilities for aquarium life are endless, and they can make great aquarium pets.
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