Setting up a saltwater aquarium is expensive because you must invest in specialized equipment. You can’t cut corners with saltwater apparatus because these tools are essential for maintaining a perfect environment for your fish. One way to reduce costs is by investing in affordable saltwater fish for your tank. There are many hardy, budget species, and most are ideal for beginners. If you want to know more, dive into this list of six of the most inexpensive saltwater fish. Many aquarium dealers sell these species for under $50.
1. Coral Beauty Angelfish: Hardy Yet Semi-Aggressive
Size: 4 inches
Lifespan: 12 years
Care level: Beginner
The Coral Beauty Angelfish is the first entry on our list of inexpensive saltwater fish. The Coral Beauty is a type of dwarf angelfish that costs less than its full-sized counterparts. They are one of the most popular budget fish, and with their distinctive blue and orange markings, they are a colourful addition to any tank. Coral Angelfish are hardy saltwater fish, readily available, and an excellent choice for beginners.
Coral Beauties need plenty of space, and you must keep them in a large, 70-gallon tank. They are a semi-aggressive species, don’t enjoy living with their fellow species, and are territorial if they don’t have enough space. You must also monitor these guys in a reef tank because they love to nibble on coral.
2. Falco Hawkfish: Love Perching on Rocks
Size: 3 inches
Lifespan: Over 5 years
Care level: Beginner
The Falco Hawkfish, also known as the Dwarf Hawkfish, has a striking white body covered in multiple brown/red spots. The spots form intricate patterns, and these fish have unique, “hairy” dorsal fins. Falco Hawkfish are hardy and easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner fish keepers and those on a budget.
These cute bottom-dwellers love perching on rocks, and while they are generally peaceful with tankmates, they will attack other rock or bottom-dwelling species. They don’t like living with other hawkfish, so you should only keep one mated pair in a tank. Falco Hawkfish are outstanding escape artists and may jump out of their tank, so you must have a secure lid.
3. Lawnmower Blennies Can Change Color
Size: 5 inches
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Care level: Beginner
The Lawnmower Blenny, also called the Jewelled Rockskipper, is next on our list. They are not the most striking creatures, but they are super beneficial because they are dedicated tank cleaners. Lawnmower Blennies have a light brown body, which helps them to camouflage against the aquarium floor and decor. Interestingly, they can change color depending on their mood or blend in with their background.
Lawnmower Blennies are herbivores and love eating algae, making them fantastic for new saltwater aquariums as they keep algae growth in check. They love hiding and perching on rocks, so you must provide plenty of environmental enrichment for these fish. Blennies love eating coral, so be cautious about keeping them in reef tanks. Although they are generally peaceful with tank mates, they are aggressive to other blennies, so you must only have a single one or a mated pair in a tank.
4. Ocellaris Clownfish Have Unique Personalities
Size: 3 inches
Lifespan: Up to 12 years
Care level: Beginner
The Ocellaris Clownfish, or the Common Clownfish, is the most distinctive entry on our list. These bright orange fish have playful personalities and gained popularity in the film “Finding Nemo”, making them one of the most common aquarium inhabitants. Clownfish are hardy, easy to care for, and inexpensive, making them a popular choice for experienced and beginner fish keepers alike.
One thing you should know about keeping pet Clownfish is that they captivate their owners with their fascinating behavior and personalities. Clownfish are incredibly active and spend most of the day darting around. They also have a unique symbiotic relationship with reef tank plants such as anemones. Anemones don’t sting them, so they can hide from predators. In return, the fish clean parasites from the anemone. You must only keep one mated clownfish couple per tank, as they are territorial with their fellow species.
5. Pyjama Cardinalfish Are Active at Night
Size: 3 inches
Lifespan: 5 years
Care level: Beginner to intermediate
The Pyjama Cardinalfish is a unique fish to add to your tank. It’s a multicolored creature with red eyes, a yellow face, and a spotted tail. They are most active at night and like to hide during the day, so you must ensure they have plenty of hiding spaces. Pyjama Cardinalfish love to live in groups and will perform impressive schooling displays. They are active and need lots of space, especially if you keep a school of them.
Pyjama Cardinalfish are mouthbrooders, and males keep the eggs in their mouths until hatching time. They are sociable, peaceful fish and love to live among coral. You must keep Pyjama Cardinalfish with other peaceful fish because they are an easy target for bullying. They are carnivores and may eat small tank invertebrates like shrimp.
6. Yellow Watchman Goby Bond with Pistol Shrimp
Size: 4 inches
Lifespan: 10 years
Care level: Beginner
The final entry on our list of the most inexpensive saltwater fish is the Yellow Watchman Goby. This striking, bright yellow bottom-dweller has a long, distinctive body covered in light blue spots. Watchman Gobies have a symbiotic relationship with Pistol Shrimp, which have poor vision. The Watchman Gobies alert the shrimp to predators, and in exchange, the shrimp allow them to live in their holes.
Yellow Watchman Gobies are easy saltwater fish for beginners because they’re hardy and not fussy about what they eat. They are readily available in pet stores and are common in saltwater tanks. Watchman Gobies enjoy burrowing under sand and stones and need a deep aquarium substrate. They are famous for leaping out of their tank, so you need a secure lid. Watchman Gobies are sociable with other peaceful fish but may be aggressive with other Gobies; you can only keep one mated pair in a tank.
