The Most Beautiful Saltwater Fish for Aquariums

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.