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Choosing
With such a diversity of species to choose from, picking the right marine
fish can be a bit of a minefield. Here are some recommended species.
marine fish
■
Name:
Flame angel,
Centropyge loricula
Origin:
Pacific
Size:
10cm/4”
Minimum tank size:
180 l. /40 gal
Reef friendly:
Yes
Comments:
Flame angels are stunning marine fish, providing a splash of
bright red in the marine tank. They can be kept singly or as mated pairs,
and graze the rock for algae and tiny marine life. Best kept as the only dwarf
angel in the tank. Expensive, but well worth it.
■
Name:
Pyjama cardinal,
Sphaeramia nematoptera
Origin:
Western Pacific
Size:
7.5cm/3”
Minimum tank size:
100 l. /40 gal
Reef friendly:
Yes
Comments:
Pyjama cardinals are peaceful fish that are best kept in groups,
and may breed in the aquarium, with the male mouthbrooding the eggs
and fry. Don’t combine them with aggressive or territorial fish, like most
damselfish, as they may get picked on.
■
Name:
Common clownfish,
Amphiprion ocellaris
Origin:
Pacific
Size:
10cm/4”
Minimum tank size:
60 l. /13 gal
Reef friendly:
Yes
Comments:
Now almost universally known as Nemo, the common
clownfish is a familiar species and is available tank bred. They are hardy,
reef-friendly and one of the easiest marine fish to keep. The Percula clown
is a similar species.
■
Name:
Royal gramma,
Gramma loreto
Origin:
West Atlantic
Size:
7.5cm/3”
Minimum tank size:
100 l. /22 gal
Reef friendly:
Yes
Comments:
The Royal gramma is one of the most striking marine fish. They
do best in mature reef tanks with lots of live rock to offer them a safe refuge.
Can be kept in groups, but are fine as solitary specimens mixed with other
fish.
Neil Hepworth
Neil Hepworth
The Goldfish Bowl / photomax.org.uk
The Goldfish Bowl / photomax.org.uk