Posted by gerard on March 10, 2010 under Aquarium Info, Saltwater Fish | 
I have been working on saltwater fish tanks for about 20 years now as a hobby. Through this time I have tried many different approaches to fish and reef keeping. When you first start a saltwater tank, during the initial setup most people will tell you to buy some cheap damsels as a sacrifice to get your cycle going. If the damsels do actually make it then your ready for some real fish.
I don’t like to go that route. I usually make sure that the nitrogen cycle is complete and then start off with some hardy fish. Once your tank has 0 ammonia and nitrites you are on your way. The only battle left to face is nitrates. I have been fighting them for years but that’s another post.
Now, onto the fish. One of the reasons you chose saltwater over freshwater is that the fish are way cooler. The colors are more vibrant and the overall look is beautiful. I have found the following 5 fish are perfect for beginners. They are all very hardy, will eat most everything from pellets and flakes to frozen food. Last but not least they are all reef safe.
I really think you should check out these fish as starters. If you are just getting into the hobby you don’t want to start out with a flame angel or a triggerfish. You need to take it slow and work your way up to those fish. Get your feet wet with a few of these hardy fish. They wont disappoint.
Top 5 saltwater fish for beginners:
- False Percula Clownfish
- Bicolor Blenny
- Purple Pseudochromis
- Firefish
- Orange Diamond Sleeper Goby
Posted by gerard on December 19, 2008 under Saltwater Fish |
The elegant firefish or purple firefish, Nemateleotris decora, is a dartfish of the genus Nemateleotris.
This species is found in the Indo-West Pacific, from Mauritius to Samoa, north to Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia, from 25-70 metres ( ft) in depth. It is found over hard, open bottoms of reefs and sandy patches, as well as deeper coastal outer reef drop-offs. It reaches a maximum length of 9 centimetres ( 3 in). This species is often found in pairs and is monogamous. These fish feed on zooplankton, especially copepods and crustacean larvae. They will dart into holes when alarmed.
In the aquarium
This fish is popular in reef aquariums and is resistant to disease. These fish are relatively docile and will not attack tankmates where kept in a suitably sized aquarium; however, if kept in confined quarters these fish may squabble over territory. Firefish are commonly kept in nano reef aquariums.
Firefish are prolific leapers. Thus, an aquarist contemplating the acquisition of either of these species should be certain that the aquarium hood will not easily allow the firefish to leap from the tank and expire. These fish should also be provided with rockwork to hide in.
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Posted by gerard on September 18, 2008 under Saltwater Fish |
The Firefish Goby is a really cool little fish. They are reef safe, easy to care for and get along with most other fish. They will accept most fish foods and live brine shrimp. While in your aquarium they like to hang out in little caves in your live rock. They also like to jump so be careful if you have an open top tank. They are fairly easy to come by and run about 10 bucks. They would be a great addition to your FOWLR or reef tank.
Buy at saltwaterfish.com
Photo courtesy of saltwaterfish.com
