Marine Fish Encyclopedia — 80 Species Directory
Encyclopedia of popular marine fish species with care guides, traits, and water parameters.
Featured Marine Fish
Showing 4 of 80 species

Chevron Tang
Ctenochaetus hawaiiensis
Juveniles are vivid orange with chevron patterns. Adults turn olive but serve as excellent detritivores, significantly contributing to tank cleanliness.
IntermediateDetritivoreCleaner

Mimic Tang
Acanthurus pyroferus
Fascinating tang that mimics angelfish (Lemonpeel, Eibl's) as juveniles. Adults turn olive-brown. Hardy and practical algae grazer.
Beginner-friendlyMimicAlgae eater
© Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0Powder Blue Tang
Acanthurus leucosternon
Beautiful pale blue body with black face and yellow dorsal. Indian Ocean tang. Prone to ich — water quality is critical.
BeautifulIch-proneAdvanced

Scopas Tang
Zebrasoma scopas
Brown-bodied tang, not flashy but an excellent algae cleaner. Hardy and easy to keep. More affordable than Yellow Tang. Actively grazes on algae.
Beginner-friendlyAlgae eaterHardy
Related Content
Marine Fish FAQ
- Is keeping marine fish difficult?
- While more water quality management is needed compared to freshwater, starting with hardy species like clownfish or blue-green chromis makes it very manageable for beginners. Stable salinity and temperature are key.
- How much do marine fish cost?
- Clownfish range from 2,000-5,000 yen, blue tangs from 5,000-15,000 yen, and popular angelfish from 5,000-50,000+ yen depending on species and size.
- How long do marine fish live?
- Small fish live 5-10 years, while medium species like angelfish can live 10-20+ years. Proper environment and nutrition enable long-term care.
- What should I check when buying marine fish?
- Check for white spots or injuries on the body, intact fins, and that the fish is eating well. Choosing quarantined specimens gives extra peace of mind.
- What equipment is needed for marine fish?
- Basic equipment includes a tank, salt mix, refractometer, canister filter or overflow system, heater, and protein skimmer. Starting with a 60cm+ tank is recommended.