The coolest saltwater aquarium fish is a matter of personal preference, but some of the most popular and unique choices are the clownfish, the royal gamma, the boxfish, and the lionfish. These fish have stunning colors, shapes, and personalities that make them stand out in any reef tank. In this article, we will explore the features, requirements, and care tips for these four cool saltwater aquarium fish.
Clownfish
Clownfish are one of the most iconic and recognizable saltwater aquarium fish, thanks to their starring role in the movie Finding Nemo. These fish have a bright orange body with white stripes and a black outline. They are also known as anemonefish, because they form a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, which provide them with shelter and protection from predators.
Clownfish are easy to care for and suitable for beginners, as they are hardy, adaptable, and peaceful. They can grow up to 6 inches and live up to 20 years in captivity. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen, and live foods. They prefer a water temperature of 74-80 °F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.020-1.025.
Clownfish are social and can be kept in pairs or groups, as long as there is only one dominant male in the tank. They can also coexist with other reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but they may become territorial and aggressive towards newcomers. Therefore, it is best to introduce them last to the tank, or to provide them with enough space and hiding places.
Royal Gamma
Royal gamma are another colorful and attractive saltwater aquarium fish, with a vibrant purple front half and a yellow-orange back half. They also have a black stripe across their eyes, which gives them a distinctive look. They are also known as dottybacks, because they belong to the family Pseudochromidae, which means “false chromis”.
Royal gamma are easy to care for and suitable for small tanks, as they only grow up to 3 inches. They are carnivorous and will eat meaty foods, such as seafood, brine shrimp, blackworms, and mysis shrimp. They prefer a water temperature of 75-80 °F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.020-1.025.
Royal gamma are shy and timid fish, that like to dwell around caves and reef structures, where they feel safe. They can be kept alone or in pairs, but they may become aggressive and territorial towards other fish of the same or similar species. Therefore, it is important to provide them with enough hiding places and to avoid keeping them with other dottybacks or similar-looking fish.
Boxfish
Boxfish are one of the most unique and cool saltwater aquarium fish, with a cube-shaped body and a protruding mouth. They come in various colors and patterns, such as yellow, blue, black, white, and spotted. They are also known as cowfish, trunkfish, or cofferfish, because of their resemblance to cows, trunks, or coffers.
Boxfish are moderate to difficult to care for and suitable for large tanks, as they can grow up to 18 inches. They are omnivorous and will eat algae, plants, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. They prefer a water temperature of 72-78 °F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.020-1.025.
Boxfish are peaceful and curious fish, that like to explore their surroundings and interact with their owners. They can be kept with other peaceful and reef-safe fish and invertebrates, but they may nip at corals and sessile invertebrates. They also have a defense mechanism that allows them to release a toxin from their skin when stressed or threatened, which can harm or kill other tank inhabitants. Therefore, it is essential to keep them in a stress-free environment and to avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory fish.
Lionfish
Lionfish are one of the most stunning and cool saltwater aquarium fish, with a fan-like array of venomous spines, a striped or spotted body, and a feathery tail. They come in various species and colors, such as red, black, white, brown, and orange. They are also known as scorpionfish, firefish, or turkeyfish, because of their resemblance to scorpions, fire, or turkeys.
Lionfish are difficult to care for and suitable for expert aquarists, as they have special needs and challenges. They can grow up to 15 inches and live up to 10 years in captivity. They are carnivorous and will eat live fish, shrimp, crabs, and worms. They prefer a water temperature of 72-78 °F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a salinity of 1.020-1.025.
Lionfish are solitary and predatory fish, that like to hide and ambush their prey. They can be kept alone or in groups of the same species, but they will eat or attack any other fish or invertebrate that fits in their mouth. They also have venomous spines that can inflict painful and potentially dangerous stings to humans and other animals. Therefore, it is crucial to handle them with caution and to avoid keeping them with small or peaceful fish.
Conclusion
Saltwater aquarium fish are diverse and fascinating, and there are many cool and unique options to choose from. Some of the coolest saltwater aquarium fish are the clownfish, the royal gamma, the boxfish, and the lionfish, which have amazing colors, shapes, and personalities. However, each of these fish has different requirements and compatibility, so it is important to do your research and plan your tank accordingly. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty and charm of these cool saltwater aquarium fish for years to come.