Top 5 Marine Fish for Beginners

Here are 5 hardy and easy-to-keep species for those wanting to start saltwater fishkeeping.

1. Ocellaris Clownfish Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ / Price: 1,000-3,000 yen The familiar orange-and-white striped fish from the movies. Enjoy symbiosis with anemones. Hardy and the quintessential beginner saltwater fish.

2. Blue-Green Chromis Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ / Price: 300-800 yen A small damselfish in pale blue-green. Beautiful in schools with a peaceful temperament ideal for community tanks. One of the hardiest saltwater fish.

3. Firefish Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ / Price: 500-1,500 yen Distinctive red-and-white two-tone color with a tall dorsal fin. Pairs live together harmoniously.

4. Royal Gramma Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ / Price: 2,000-5,000 yen Vivid coloring with purple front half and yellow rear. Small and peaceful, suitable for reef tanks.

5. Flame Angelfish Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ / Price: 3,000-8,000 yen Brilliant red body. One of the hardier dwarf angelfish, but may nip at corals so use caution.