| Saltwater fish must pass this test to qualify as a | | | | Clownfish (Amphiprion periderion) and Tomato |
| starter fish: | | | | Clownfish. Tomato Clownfish become more |
| Is this fish both hardy and inexpensive? The term | | | | aggressive with age and grow to about 5 inches |
| starter fish refers to the first fish that are added | | | | long. Because of their size and temperament they |
| to a newly setup aquarium. Once starter fish are | | | | work better with larger or semi-aggressive fish. |
| introduced to an aquarium a process called the | | | | Damselfish are the most popular saltwater starter |
| Nitrogen Cycle begins. These fish "start" the | | | | fish. Their popularity arises from their bright colors |
| process. | | | | and cheap price. At about $5.00 each, damselfish |
| The Nitrogen Cycle is a natural process that | | | | are very attractive to new hobbyists. The |
| breaks down organic waste making the water | | | | downside is their aggressive behavior towards |
| safe for fish. This cycle generally takes 4 to 6 | | | | tank mates. The least aggressive damselfish and |
| weeks and can be stressful to fish. Cycling time | | | | one of the most colorful is the Yellow tailed |
| can be reduced by adding commercially-packaged | | | | Damselfish (Chrysiptera parasema), which is bright |
| beneficial bacteria. Whether adding bacteria or not | | | | blue with a striking yellow tail. Yellow tailed |
| it is important to add fish only before and after | | | | Damsels grow to about 3 inches long and can be |
| the cycle. | | | | kept in schools. Even though they are less |
| In the past saltwater fish were all caught by | | | | aggressive they can still chase smaller fish if they |
| divers around reefs, rock piles and other shallow | | | | enter the damsels' territory. Most other |
| parts of the ocean. Being caught and removed | | | | damselfish stay small and will tolerate the nitrogen |
| from their home is stressful for fish. Hatchery | | | | cycle; just be prepared to add more aggressive |
| raised saltwater fish have only become available in | | | | fish or trade your damsels back to your local fish |
| the past few years. They are a great choice | | | | store if they become too aggressive. One note of |
| because they have endured less stress, will readily | | | | caution: Live rock aquariums make it difficult to |
| eat a variety of foods and have less chance to | | | | catch fish once they are added. While there are |
| contract diseases. You can find these tank-raised | | | | many fish that will survive the Nitrogen Cycle |
| fish at most local pet and aquarium stores. One of | | | | those listed above pass both the hardy and |
| the largest groups of tank-raised fish are | | | | inexpensive tests. |
| clownfish. | | | | To ease stress on fish during the cycle control |
| Most clownfish meet our criteria of being both | | | | feeding and add good bacteria. Feed only once |
| hardy and relatively inexpensive. Disney's Finding | | | | each day and the food should be consumed within |
| Nemo has made False Percula Clownfish | | | | 2 to 3 minutes. Adding commercially-packaged |
| (Amphiprion Ocellaris),affectionately referred to as | | | | nitrifying bacteria when adding fish can both |
| Nemo fish, the popular clownfish with children and | | | | shorten the length of the cycle and keep |
| adults alike. They are colorful, hardy and swim in a | | | | ammonia and nitrite levels lower. Try choosing |
| playful motion. False Perculas grow to | | | | hatchery-raised fish. They cost a little more but |
| approximately 3 inches long and several can be | | | | the expense may be worth it. Before adding fish |
| introduced at the same time. These are also safe | | | | make certain the filter is running, specific gravity is |
| to house with invertebrates and live corals. | | | | between 1.020 and 1.024, pH is between 8.0 and |
| A few other great starter fish are the Clark's | | | | 8.3 and the heater is working properly. Now it is |
| Clownfish (Amphiprion Clarkii), Pink Skunk | | | | time to get some fish. |