The First Marine Fish

 Water conditions in a new aquarium can be very unstable so only certain marine fish and animals are recommended for a new aquarium. Always talk to your dealer to make sure you are buying suitable livestock for your aquarium.

Damselfish

The best starter fish for a marine aquarium are damsels. These fish are very hardy, being able to withstand worse water conditions than most other marine fish. As well as being attractive little fish they are inexpensive and easy to feed. The will mature your aquarium and prepare it for the more intolerant species.

Clownfish

Clownfish are related to damsels, and are fairly hardy. Only the common (Percula) clownfish should be kept in a group, generally other clowns should be kept individually as like many marine species they prefer and defend their own territory. Most people who keep clownfish want to keep an anemone for the clownfish to live in, but anemones should only be added to well established aquariums.

Lionfish

If you are setting up a tank for large fish, you can start with lionfish, as they are hardy and will help mature the aquarium in the same way as the  damsels, however do not mix these species as the big mouthed Lionfish will undoubtedly eat the damsels at some stage.

Beginner Invertebrates

There are a few invertebrates that do well in non-reef aquariums. The main problem in many fish only aquariums is that disease treatments often contain copper which will kill most invertebrates. Hermit crabs are usually hardy and will tolerate low concentrations of copper treatment on the water. They also do a great job of cleaning the tank as they will eat any food which the fish have missed and will often clean the rocks and gravel as they search for food.

Disclaimer:  This article is supplied for informative purposes only. Seapets Ltd has done its very best to make sure that the above information is up-to-date and correct, but takes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the following of this advice. As always, it is recommended that you consult with your local vet regarding any concerns that you may have for your pet. 

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