So after months of planning and building, you’ve reached the point of adding inhabitants. The question is, what?
If you think about it, shouldn’t that be the first question we ask ourselves when we build a tank? Shouldn’t the tank size, lighting and filtration we select be based on the fish we wish to keep? The answer is yes.
But for the purpose of this section, let’s think in general terms that you can apply to whatever inhabitants you may choose.
As a beginner, you want to look for are fish which are hardy. You want them to be the type of fish that can withstand the kind of mistakes beginners sometimes make. They should be a fish that can handle a wide range of temperature and chemistry changes and are of easy-going temperament. For example:
- Clownfish
While some species of clownfish are typical, there are many species of “designer” clownfish as well. Since I am without experience in the area of designer clowns, my comments here will be based on the traditional species of clowns, such as the Ocellaris or Tomato clown.
For the most part, clownfish are docile creatures. But there are times when they will display aggressive behavior toward each other and their tank mates.
Aggressive behavior in clownfish is common when they are a pair and establishing which will be the dominant and become the female of the two. But once this is established, aggression usually subsides.
Clownfish are very territorial and can be downright nasty toward their tank mates if they feel they are encroaching on the clownfish’s territory. Also, clown fish may exhibit aggressive behavior toward tank mates if they are close to spawning.
I would suggest, that unless you plan on breeding, have only one, particularly in tanks under 50 gallons.
- Damselfish
Like clown fish, there are many species of Damselfish. They too are territorial and I have experiences where Damselfish have killed off Clownfish.
Just the same, they are very hardy fish and are able to withstand large temperature and chemistry fluctuations from common mistakes made by beginner saltwater aquarists.
A web search for “saltwater compatibility chart” will yield accurate information from reputable sources to help with your decisions in this area.
