The beginner saltwater fish enthusiast has entered a saltwater aquarium hobby which is like NO Other hobby . It will be difficult to resist the temptation to pile in the most exotic of the saltwater species , such as most Angelfish, anthias , butterfly fish , lionfish, wrasses , etc. But the beginning saltwater enthusiast should avoid these species as they are relatively fragile. The last thing you want is to spend a lot of money and time setting up your aquarium only to have your fish sick and or dying within a couple of weeks or months . Far better to start slowly , populate with hardier species , and get the hang of maintaining the appropriate marine environment with a group of aquatic pets that can survive your first mistakes . A few saltwater species that you CAN consider are > Damsels , chromis , basslets, dottybacks, pseudochromis, certain clownfish { preferably captive-bred } blennies , gobies cardinalfish, hawkfish, for starters. The beginner should avoid most Angelfish, butterflies, certain tangs { surgeonfish } pipefish, filefish, and seahorses .
