Marine fish are not domesticated animals, and will pursue their survival instincts in the tank, just as they

do in the ocean. Marine fish are found in oceans, estuaries, tidal pools or salt marshes. 

Almost all species of marine fish are caught in the wild. Marine fish are more colorful than freshwater fish,

but also require more care. Tropical fish generally have very specific temperature requirements.

Clownfish (Pomacentridae family) and tangs (Acanthuridae family) are a popular species of marine aquarium

fish Compatibility.  All marine fish are tanked for a specified period of time for acclimation, in proper

water parameters, under specific conditions to allow the easiest adaptation to aquarium life. Marine

fish are the hardest of all fish to keep. Most species of marine fish are sensitive to water conditions and

do not adapt easily to a new aquarium, it is best to add the fish after the aquarium has been

functioning for a few months. 

Fish that are reef safe are known to not nip at corals, and also do not usually eat crustaceans that may

be kept in a reef tank, such as shrimp. Marine fish, also known as saltwater fish, require a simulated

oceanic environment in the aquarium. 

Fish that are not reef safe such as most Pomacanthidae  are known to nip at corals, others can nip corals

For this reason, the compatibility of different species and genders within species needs to be checked

before multiple fish are introduced to a tank. Lionfish, for example, may eat gobies (Blenniidae & Gobiidae)

and other species, while Clownfish are likely to attack others of the same gender if one of the opposite

genders is present. There are many differences between freshwater fish and saltwater fish that may not

be obvious to the beginner aquarist. Marine fish even more complicated to keep are tropical marine

fishes. Many of these fish also like tanks on their own so if you dream of having a well stocked tank

with a multitude of species make sure you know which fish will live happily together before you put

them in a tank. 

Marine fish families:

Blenniidae & Gobiidae

labroids

Chaetodontidae

Pomacanthidae

Acanthuridae

Tetradontiformes

Apogonidae                                                                                                                       

Pomacentridae                                                                                                                 Photo by: Wild Blue