The Top 20 Saltwater Aquarium Fish For Beginners

There is no better time than now to get started in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Maybe you have seen those extravagant tanks at your public aquarium, have a friend with a reef tank, or just find yourself fascinated with saltwater fish. No matter your inspiration, starting a saltwater tank really is easier than you think!  

Learn More With BRStv:

• How Do I Start A Saltwater Aquarium?
• Is A Saltwater Fish Tank Hard To Maintain?
• Can a Beginner Have a Saltwater Tank?

Once you have decided to take the plunge, stocking your aquarium with new fish is going to be one of the most exciting times for you as a new tank owner. As with any pet, you should always do plenty of research and understand the requirements of care before buying any new fish.  Some fish are just more sensitive and more demanding than others.  

We compiled a list of some of the BEST fish choices for first-time tank owners based on ease of care, affordability, availability, and temperament in the aquarium.

Minimum Tank Size: The minimum aquarium size that is necessary to house at least one of the listed fish. This isn't always a direct correlation of the fish's maximum size but is often related. Some fish just need more swimming room than others to feel comfortable while others do really well in confined spaces.  

Diet: Some fish do have more specific feeding requirements than others but the criteria for being a good beginner fish means the fish will readily accept most aquarium foods. As long as you provide the right protein base and variety, the fish should be able to get all the nutrients it needs inside your aquarium. 

Mixed ingredient frozen foods such as Rod's Food combined with high-quality pellet food should be sufficient mix for 99% of new saltwater tank owners. If the tank contains herbivores like some Blennies or Tangs, offer dried seaweed or herbivore-specific foods as well. 

• • Carnivore: Appropriately sized pellet and flake food formulated for marine carnivores. Mixed or single-ingredient frozen foods that contain brine, mysis, oyster eggs, calanus, krill, clams, or silversides. 
  • Omnivore: Appropriately sized pellet and flake food formulated for marine omnivores. Mixed or single-ingredient frozen foods should also be made available as a regular supplement to ensure a varied diet.
  • Herbivore: Appropriately sized pellet and flake food formulated for marine herbivores. Dried seaweed. Frozen foods that are formulated for herbivores.

Maximum Size: The maximum length the fish will grow to in an aquarium. Most fish are sold as juveniles so it is important to know how big they will get to ensure you can supply the right kind of long-term home for your new pets. 

Temperament: The attitude of the fish, especially towards tankmates. Remember this is just a general guideline that we use to help stock an aquarium with compatible tankmates and is not always definitive. Fish can carry different temperaments even among the same species. Fish can also change over time, some will become bolder as they mature. 

• • Peaceful - Gets along with most any fish that won't try to eat it. Often timid.
  • Semi-aggressive - Can be territorial (especially towards others of the same species) but tolerates most tankmates
  • Aggressive - Both territorial and predatory; will eat other fish

How To Choose The Right Fish For Your Tank

You might also notice a theme among the list where many of these species are available as "captive-bred" meaning they were born and raised in an aquarium.  Whenever possible, choose captive-bred fish for your aquarium because they are easier to care for, especially for first-time tank owners.  They are already accustomed to living inside four glass walls (less stressful on the fish), will eat aquarium foods, usually have a more mild temperament, will tolerate tankmates and are 100% sustainable.

Pay careful attention to the area of the tank or "niche" the different fish will inhabit. Your tank has the upper open water column, the middle area with your rocks, and then the sandy bottom.  Each of these areas will hold different species of fish and the trick to a well-rounded aquarium is having a good balance of different fish to inhabitant all of these areas separately while not overcrowding any one particular zone. 

Best Saltwater Aquarium Fish For Beginners:

Click on the fish listed below to learn more!

Ocellaris Clownfish

The most iconic saltwater aquarium fish. Ocellaris clowns are those striking little fish with brilliant orange and white bodies and black-tipped fins that inhabitant probably 99% of the saltwater tanks out there. It seems just about all saltwater hobbyists have or have had clownfish at some point.  They stay small, do great in a pair, are hardy, come in a variety of different color variations and get along peacefully with most tankmates. 

Clownfish, in general, are also widely bred in captivity which has a number of benefits for the aquarium owner. Captive-bred fish are already adapted to life in an aquarium, will readily accept prepared aquarium foods, have a more mild temperament, and won't suffer from the risk of severe stress and pathogens like you might get with wild-caught fish.  This widespread captive breeding with clownfish specifically has also led to an impressive variety of different color variants known as "designer clownfish".

It should be noted that there are a number of different "clownfish" species available to hobbyists such as the Maroon, Tomato, Clarkii, Percula, and Skunk. These are all great aquarium pets and many are even being captive bred, just like the Ocellaris. Should you fall in love with some other species of clownfish, I wouldn't rule it out altogether because they all can be great pets. Just be sure to source something captive-bred and be aware of their size and temperament. For example, Maroon clowns grow up to 6" long and can be particularly aggressive and is probably not a great choice for a smaller community aquarium.    

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; does very well in a bonded pair

Blue-Green Chromis

These are beautiful fish that have some amazing blue/green coloration and are some of the most common saltwater fish in our hobby. Like a clownfish, most everyone has some experience with a Chromis. They should be kept in small schools of 3-6+ individuals which make a pretty impressive addition to your tank, swimming around in the upper part of your aquarium at all times.

The trick to the long-term health of a Chromis is very regular feeding, they must be fed often, at least 3-5 times per day is ideal. Naturally, they are high-energy fish that swim around all day long feeding on food that is suspended in water. This is exactly why they need frequent feedings to stay healthy, they use a ton of energy swimming in the upper part of your aquarium. Choose foods that contain a high-fat content and are small in size. 

There are multiple species of Chromis available to aquarists but not all of them are as peaceful as the Blue/Green.  While most species are hardy, some of them can be problematic in peaceful community saltwater tanks so just be confident you're buying the right types and research accordingly.

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore - needs to be fed multiple times per day
• Maximum Size: 4"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Starry Blenny

The Starry Blenny and the similar Lawnmower Blenny are one of the best utilitarian fish for new hobbyists. They are primarily herbivores which is how they get the nickname of "algae blenny". They will help keep the tank free of unsightly algae by naturally grazing the rocks and other surfaces in the tank for algae.

The body shape is certainly unique being long and slender, almost like a tiny eel with fins, and they inhabit the rocks and bottom part of the water column.  Once acclimated, they are not very shy and will swim about constantly looking for algae amongst the rocks. The Lawnmower Blenny has a mottled light brown/tan coloration while the Starry Blenny is much darker, essentially black with small white spots. Both fish have interesting-looking "tassels" located above each eye called cirri that are naturally used to detect predators. 

Being herbivores, they rely heavily on the natural growing algae in your aquarium so it's best to only keep one Blenny for every 30-50 gallons to ensure they get plenty to eat. For example, a 45-gallon tank should only have one Algae Blenny species but a 100-gallon tank can probably support two of them. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Herbivore - should get regular offerings of dried seaweed
• Maximum Size: 5"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Orange-Diamond Goby  

The Diamond Goby is unique in that it has a large mouth it uses to sift through the sand in your aquarium filtering out small organisms and stirring up detritus. It will inhabit the sand, often creating a burrow under the rocks, spending its days constantly filtering the substrate. So much so they have a pesky habit of constantly rearranging your sand bed which can be problematic in smaller aquaria. On the plus side, they keep that sand bed clean, oxygenated, and free of algae and other pests.

Sand-sifting gobies can starve if they are not able to get enough food in the aquarium and only feed on the bottom. It is important that you have a sufficient live sand bed of at least 2-3" or more throughout the entire tank. An attached refugium is also a great idea to help replenish the tank with small crustaceans (copepods) for the Goby to feed upon. You can also train the Goby via spot-feeding next to its burrow and it will learn to simply eat directly from a bulb syringe or gather the food in one area of the substrate. 

Gobies in general can be problematic jumpers so a tight-fitting screen top or lid is recommended. The slender body means they can fit through even the tiniest of openings.

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 6"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Watchman Goby and Pistol Shrimp Combo

The Goby and Pistol shrimp combo is one of the coolest additions to any aquarium because of the unique relationship they share. Some species of gobies from the genus Stonogobiops, Amblyeleotris, and Cryptocentrus will naturally form a symbiotic relationship with "Pistol Shrimp" (Alpheus sp.) where they share the same burrow and look out for each other.  The Shrimp helps maintain the burrow as well as provides an effective defense against predators with its abnormally strong and loud snapping claw while the Goby acts as a look-out and notifies the Shrimp of encroaching threats. 

There are a few different types of Gobies and Pistol Shrimp you will see for sale to hobbyists, sometimes they are even sold as a pair. Adding one of each to the aquarium, either separately or together, is usually all you need to do because they will naturally find each other and pair up most of the time. The Tiger and Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp are the most common varieties sold alongside Watchman and Prawn Gobies of various species. The Yellow, Pink-Spotted, and Blue-spotted Watchman Gobies are affordable and very common.    

Be sure to have a sand bed of at least 2-3" depth for the burrow, they also appreciate some rubble and may decorate the entrance with small rocks to keep sand from piling inside. Gobies in general can be problematic jumpers so a tight-fitting screen top or lid is recommended. The slender body means they can fit through even the tiniest of openings.

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: The Shrimp will get no bigger than 3" long and Watchman Gobies usually max out at 4" in total length.
• Temperament: Peaceful

Royal Gramma Basslet

The Royal Gramma Basslet is one of the best first-time saltwater fish. They have some of the most vibrant colors you will find in the ocean, are peaceful toward tankmates, stay small, and acclimate to life in an aquarium quickly. Not to be confused with the "Royal Dottyback" which looks almost identical but is far more pugnacious.

The Royal Gramma is naturally a deeper water fish and likes to swim about the rocks and caves, staying out of the bright light. It will show territorial aggression towards others of the same species so only one per tank is allowed. Once acclimated to the aquarium, they do very well and will readily accept prepared aquarium foods.  

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Yellow Coris Wrasse

Vibrant yellow color and peaceful demeanor make this one of the best species of Wrasse for first-time tank owners. Unlike the popular but often aggressive Six Line Wrasse, the Yellow Coris Wrasse is far less likely to bother its tankmates. 

You want to provide plenty of places to hide and swim amongst the rocks for it to feel comfortable along with a sand bed of at least 2-3" in depth. Like many other wrasse species, the Yellow Coris Wrasse will burrow itself into the sand each night to sleep so the sand bed and open area to access the sand are important.

It will hunt for small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates amongst the rocks meaning a refugium can help ensure the fish gets plenty of natural food sources in the aquarium. That said, it may also eat small ornamental shrimp and other desirable invertebrates found in the tank but will not eat coral. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 5"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Striped Blenny

Now that they are widely available as captive-bred, the Striped Blenny makes a great addition to any saltwater tank. They look great, won't harm corals, are generally peaceful toward tankmates, and don't get abnormally large. They do have small mouths so small particle size foods work best but being captive-bred, they will accept prepared aquarium foods quite easily. They are relatively high-energy and have a fast metabolism so they should be fed small quantities of food, multiple times per day for optimal health.

These fish like to swim and hide amongst the rocks naturally feeding on small invertebrates so be sure to provide ample rockwork. They can be aggressive toward their own species and other fish with similar body shapes so just keep one Blenny per tank. 

They are considered "Fang Blennies" which is exactly as it sounds, they have small fangs used as a defense against other aggressive fish and some can deliver a mild venom. While it is possible for them to deliver a painful bite to an unsuspecting finger or arm, it is quite rare this happens. The fish have developed the mechanism primarily as a means of defense against other fish and prefer to hide rather than bite it seems. There are in fact a variety of "Fang Blennies" that are being captive-bred these days and will make great aquarium pets including the Forktail, Kamohara, and Canary Blenny.

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 5"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Sharknose and Blue Neon Goby

The Sharknose and Blue Neon Gobies are both tiny cleaner gobies that have a brilliant neon blue coloration and are very small making them great additions to pico and nano aquariums. Parasites from other fish make up most of their natural diet but in an aquarium, they will accept frozen foods and prepared aquarium foods formulated for carnivores. 

The Sharknose and Blue Neon are very small in size, have a similar appearance, and almost identical care requirements in the aquarium. That said, they can be aggressive toward others of a similar species therefore you shouldn't keep more than one per tank. Outside of that, they won't bother other fish in your tank and make a great addition to just about any aquarium that doesn't house larger, predatory fish. Best of all, they are widely available as captive-bred and should be fairly easy to find. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 2"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Chalk Bass

One of the most overlooked beginner fish, the Chalk Bass or "Basslet" is a great choice because they stay small, are very hardy, and look awesome. When small, they are primarily electric blue and will gradually take on an orange color as they grow larger.  You should provide plenty of space amongst the rocks for the fish to hide and feel safe but with a maximum size of 3", they don't require a large tank to feel comfortable.  They will not pick at corals or harm other fish but may engulf small shrimp should the opportunity arise.

The only challenge with a Chalk Bass is finding one, they are not super common but generally are readily available from fish wholesalers. Sometimes making special requests with your local fish store is all it takes to get a hold of the desired species. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Banggai and Pajama Cardinalfish

Another iconic aquarium fish, the Cardinalfish are some of the most beautiful fish on our list. There are a few different "Cardinalfish" species in the hobby but the Banggai and Pajama are the most common. They are extremely peaceful fish and should only be kept with peaceful tank mates. They are slow, not the strongest of swimmers, and rely heavily on hiding places and camouflage as a natural defense. Providing plenty of space to hide amongst the rocks and corals is ideal. 

They are naturally schooling fish and can be kept in small groups, just be sure to accommodate the larger groups accordingly in terms of tank size. Some cardinalfish species are available as captive-bred too as long as you put forth the effort to find them.  

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore - Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Clown Goby

The cutest of the bunch, these tiny gobies like to perch amongst the polyps of soft and LPS corals.  There are two common types, the Citron Clown Goby which is bright yellow and the regular Clown Goby which is green with red markings. Maxing out at only 2" long, they are perfect for nano and pico-sized aquariums and are very peaceful fish. They tend to prefer the lower part of the aquarium and want to always have a good perching spot where they can hide but also keep an eye out. 

Generally speaking, they are great additions to reef aquariums but may take a bite out of your SPS corals. Being so small, they generally will not pose a huge threat to growing colonies of SPS but should be considered if your SPS are small and just beginning to grow. They should not be kept with larger semi-aggressive fish either because their small size makes them the perfect treat for larger carnivores. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore - Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 2"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Court Jester or Rainford's Goby

Rainford's Goby is a brilliantly colored nano-fish that spends its time hunting for small crustaceans and grazing algae from the aquascape.  They are shy and appreciate plenty of rocks and caves for hiding. Once established, they will sift through the sand for algae and pick at the rocks.  That means they will help keep the tank clean and even sift sand but typically won't create a huge mess of the sand bed like you get with Sand-Sifting Gobies

One per tank is ideal as they may fight amongst themselves but are rarely aggressive towards other fish. They won't pose a threat to corals or invertebrates and make for a very peaceful addition to a reef aquarium. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Tailspot or Bicolor Blenny

These small Blennies come with a personality all of their own. While they are generally peaceful, they can be ornery towards other blennies and are often not afraid to defend their food supply. Being herbivores, they hide amongst the rocks and swim around looking for patches of algae to graze upon.

There are a variety of "blennies" available in the hobby, but these two, in particular, are both small and very peaceful. They should not be housed with other semi-aggressive fish because of their small size. They have been known to take a bite out of encrusting SPS corals, clam mantles, or LPS when underfed so just be sure they are getting plenty of plant-based foods.  Offering seaweed for grazing and feeding an herbivore aquarium diet is important for their long-term health.  

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Diet: Herbivores
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Firefish

A Firefish is a type of "Dartfish" that is quite popular in the hobby because of the magnificent coloration. There are two common types; the regular Firefish which is white with an orange tail and the Purple Firefish which is even more impressive with brilliant purple and red coloration. 

These fish will naturally hang out in small groups, hovering just above the reef, feeding on planktonic foods. Should a threat appear, they will quickly dart into the reef and hide amongst the rocks. You want to recreate this environment in your tank with open space above the aquascape for them to feed and plenty of space amongst the rocks for them to hide.  A tight-fitting lid is recommended because that darting action also makes them particularly good jumpers. Full of personality, and generally very peaceful, they make a great addition to most any reef tank. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore 
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Peaceful

Flame Hawkfish

The fire red coloration makes the Flame Hawk a great addition to your tank.  They don't get too big and will spend time perching on the rocks waiting for food or swimming amongst the branches of your SPS coral.  They do like to hang out in the rocks and will defend their territory against intruders so be cautious of housing with blennies or other rock-dwelling fish. They may prey upon small shrimp but generally will not pose a threat to other inverts or tankmates. 

Flame Hawks adapt well to aquarium life and generally will have no problem eating pellet food, just be sure to offer some frozen food with meaty morsels as well.  

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 4"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Midas Blenny

Their long slender body and bright yellow coloration are the attractive features of a Midas Blenny. They have a very eel-like swimming motion that will stand out from the crowd in your aquarium. They also like to perch amongst the rocks and will show aggression toward the competition. Be mindful when housing these fish in smaller tanks, especially alongside other Blennies or rock-dwelling fish.  

They are omnivores which means a varied diet containing both meaty bits and algae or plant-based foods is necessary for long-term health.   

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Diet: Omnivores
• Maximum Size: 6"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Coral Beauty or Flame Dwarf Angelfish

Some of the most prized aquarium fish, Dwarf Angelfish (centropyge) are certainly impressive with a variety of species that come in a rainbow of colors. The "Coral Beauty" and "Flame" are two of the most popular choices for their brilliant coloration and temperament. The genera of fish have been known to nip at corals but can often be pacified with a well-rounded diet in a reef tank. 

They are sensitive fish but will adapt well to aquarium life if given the space and proper diet.  A larger aquarium is recommended for the fish to feel comfortable and it shouldn't be housed with other Dwarf Angelfish. If you look hard enough, you can find captive-bred dwarf angels too which are always the best choice because they will be much more suited to life inside your tank.  

• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
• Diet: Omnivores
• Maximum Size: 4"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Indigo, Splendid, Orchid, or Elongate Dottyback

These Dottybacks are popular beginner fish because they are hardy and bold. Once adjusted they are not shy and will swim about the entire tank looking for a tasty morsel of food. These three species specifically, the Indigo, Orchid, and Elongate Dottybacks, are often available as captive-bred which means they are easier to feed, have a better temperament, and are already adjusted to life inside a glass box.  

Dottybacks offer some brilliant colors from the bright magenta-purple of the Orchid to electric blue Indigo Dottyback. They can be aggressive toward others of the same species but won't bother tankmates as long as they have plenty of space to dwell amongst the rocks. 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Carnivore
• Maximum Size: 3"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Talbot's, Tracey's, Lemon, or Pink Damselfish

While many of the common Damsels get a bad rap for being aggressive, there are a few distinct species that make for great community fish because of their relatively mild temperament. While you might have to look harder to find these species of damsels specifically, they are hardy and generally won't bother tankmates.  

Being Damsels, they are still considered semi-aggressive and will show aggression toward each other.  As long as you provide plenty of space in the tank and hiding places amongst the rocks, they should adapt well to a community of other semi-aggressive reef fish.  They stay fairly small, maxing out at no more than 2-3" in length but should still be given plenty of space to help avoid aggression.  

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Diet: Omnivore
• Maximum Size: 2.5"
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

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