Aquariums welcome a part of nature into our homes that we may never otherwise see. Shaping these sunken communes, though, can come with a hefty price tag. After spending a fair bit of money on a tank, lighting, filtrations and corals, you're still missing the best part — the fish!
While all you may need is an imagination to concoct a fish tank, there is a lot to consider when it comes to a fish's value and compatibility with your tank's other aquatic life. Saltwater fish tend to be more expensive than freshwater fish because of their beauty, size and the risk involved in catching them. While a Yellow Tang would certainly brighten up any tank, an Orange Tail Fiji Puffer is half the price and more interactive. "Puffers have more personality than most other fish," said Brett Raymer, starring in Animal Planet's new show Tanked. "They know their owners and they are like puppies when it's time to eat."
Fish are amazing and unique pets. If you are looking to start a tank, here's a list of fish for every budget.
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Angelfish
They're called angels for good reason. These saltwater beauties are among the most colorful and popular aquarium fish. The Angelfish family is separated into two categories: Dwarf and Marine Large. Adult Dwarf Angelfish reach 6 inches in the wild and large Angelfish can grow up to 20 inches. While Angels are usually found in groups, they can get aggressive toward one another. So, if you plan on having more than one it's best to introduce them together. Angelfish can also be pricey. A Clarion, which is one of the rarest types, can cost upwards of $3,000. If you have your heart set on an Angel but aren't looking to spend that kind of cash, here are a few more affordable options.
The cost of a Golden Dwarf Angelfish begins around $200. These fish love hiding places and their beauty and rarity will surely set your tank apart from other aquarists.
If you're not willing to spend $200, try the Coral Beauty Angel, which is one of the most popular and affordable angels and is priced around $30. Coral Beauties acclimate to well-established tanks better than most, but they are prone to nipping at corals.
The Scribbled Large Angelfish is a favorite with many aquarists, but the $600 price tag can be a rough investment in this economy. In addition, this angel requires a 100 gallon tank. Instead, try the Blue Spotted Large Angelfish priced around $30 and only requiring a 55 gallon tank.
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Tangs
You're not going to have buyer's remorse if you get your hands on a Tang or Surgeonfish. There are 80 different Tang species and these lively fish can be found throughout the world enjoying a coral or rocky reef. The best part is that Tangs adapt well to saltwater aquariums and can grow up to 6 inches. Tangs, because of their small scales, are susceptible to Marine Ich and Lateral Line Erosion; however, with a good diet and caring owners, these diseases pose little threat.
The Purple Tang has a price tag of $130 to $200, but is worth every penny. This Tang is one of the most prized species of all saltwater fish. The Purple Tangs, like all Tangs, are high in maintenance and expense. If you're looking to house a Purple Tang, you will need at least a 100 gallon tank. However, the Blue Tang is less than half the price of a Purple Tang at between $30 and $60 and requires a 75 gallon tank. These tangs may come at a discount, but they never disappoint.
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Arowana
Arowana are more than just boney freshwater fish. They are gliding mosaics dating back to the Early Cretaceous Period. There are only 10 species of Arowanas and their rarity means big bucks if you're looking to buy one. These carnivores are expert hunters and are often called water monkeys because they are able to jump several feet out of the water. Arowanas are loners, but that's okay. After buying one, you may not have enough money to buy another fish!
The Platinum Arowana, one of the rarest forms of the Silver Arowana, is a genetic anomaly that could cost you more than $80,000. Yes, that number is correct. Aro Dynasty, a Singaporean company, was offered $80,000 for their Platinum Arowana, but they turned down the bid for the fish because of its purported good luck. Less rare Arowanas, however, are rarely that expensive. You can purchase a Blue Arowana for $250 or a small Silver Arowana for around $40, a great deal for such a graceful specimen.
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Butterflyfish
Butterflyfish may be easy on the eyes, but these elegant saltwater fish are only for the experts. They are known for their beautiful colors — colors that would make even the Discus, a bright freshwater fish, a little jealous. These peaceful fish grow up to 6 inches in an aquarium and up to 12 inches in the wild. Butterflyfish are usually found in pairs and are both high in demand and price.
A pair of Tinkerii Butterflyfish will run you $400 to $600. These treasured Butterflies stand out from the rest with their white, black and yellow scales. They require a 50-gallon fish-only tank because they are prone to eating corals.
A more affordable option is the Auriga Butterflyfish, a popular and readily available Butterflyfish found in the Red Sea. These fish start around $50 for a pair and are a hardy species. They are a bit shy and love to hide, but are enjoyable fish nonetheless!
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Puffers
If you think Puffer fish just swim around all day looking pretty, you're wrong. Puffers are known for their bubbly personalities and, of course, their ability to inflate their bodies two to three times their normal size. While Puffers can come in a variety of colors, they also can have spines, spikes or burrs on their bodies. These fish will acclimate well to your saltwater tanks if provided with a meaty meal, swimming room and hiding places.
The Guinea Fowl Puffer is known for its colorful phases of life. During its black phase, the Puffer is black with white dots and during its golden phase, it will have a gold or burgundy anterior with white dots. These puffers are priced around $460. The Black Spotted Puffer, also known as the Dog Face Puffer, would be a cost-saving alternative. They run around $25 each and also change colors throughout its lifetime. These Puffers have similar needs and require fish-only tanks over 100 gallons as well as meaty diets. Using a container while transferring Puffers is recommended — they are not keen on nets.
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Clownfish
While Clownfish will forever be synonymous with Nemo from Finding Nemo, these spirited fish are a great addition to any saltwater aquarium and are perfect for a novice aquarist. Clownfish, unlike many other marine fish, can be bred inside aquariums with relative ease and can live safely with aggressive fish given enough hiding places.
At the top of the budget, the Black and White Percula Clownfish runs about $40. Clownfish are usually found in groups or pairs and local fish stores are willing to lower the price if you buy in bulk. The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Percula Clownfish, looks like the Black and White Clown but is a third of the price!
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Wrasse
With more than 500 species dominating the coral reef, it is easy to see why the Wrasse is a staple fish to have in any saltwater aquarium. They are known as cleaner fish, but also community fish. Most reef fish recognize the Wrasse and won't eat them. These colorful coral fish are usually in groups and undergo drastic color changes throughout their lifetimes. These fish adapt well to aquarium life and require expert care, a well-sealed lid and good water conditions. Wrasses are also closely related to the Parrot fish, which are known for their vivid colors and powerful teeth.
The Mystery Wrasse or Five Bar Wrasse is known for its colorful smile. The shades of yellow, blue and purple circling the Wrasse's body outline a colorful smile on its face; though, the Wrasse is sure to smile at any good aquarist. This rarely-collected Wrasse has a price tag of $100 to $260. The Six Lined Wrasse is a great alternative if you're on a budget and also a novice aquarist. The Six Lined Wrasse is relatively easy to take care of and costs $15 to $20. Wrasses require a 30-gallon tank and can grow 3 to 6 inches in captivity.
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Triggerfish
One click of the fin and these Triggerfish can hide in the snuggest crevice. Triggers are colorful fish that love a tank with ample hiding places. Aquarists usually purchase Triggers when they are younger because they become more docile as they grow compared to those matured in the wild. These fish require tanks larger than 50 gallons and meaty foods supplemented with algae and seaweed.
The Bluelined Triggerfish has waves of blue and yellow lines on its anterior that accent its green eyes. The Bluelined Trigger will run you around $100. These fish are said to "talk," but the sounds coming from the Triggers are grunts. On the affordable end, Bluechin Triggerfish are known for their landscaping skills because they rearrange rocks and other materials in their tank. Male Bluechins can be discerned from female because they actually have the blue chins! This lively Trigger will run you between $20 and $30.
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Discus Fish
Peaceful and admired by most freshwater aquarist, the Discus fish will upgrade any experienced aquarist's tank. These fish flourish in aquariums, but are not fans of flake food. They love to munch on bloodworms, brine shrimp and yes, beef heart. Freshwater fish are known to be on the more affordable side, but these freshwater beauties still cost a pretty penny.
The Royal Blue Discus is not a novice-level fish — it requires high quality water conditions that are exactly like its shady habitat in South America. Though these Discuses are one of the most popular fish to have, they can cost upwards of $230.
A more affordable option is the Red Turquoise Discus costing around $30. This fish has already surpassed the Angelfish in popularity and can come in a vast assortment of colors.
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Goldfish
Ah, yes. The Goldfish. Goldfish were the first fish to be domesticated and are the most common freshwater aquarium fish. We may win them at the carnivals or find them in centerpieces, but they are and will always be special. Brett Raymer once built a $25,000 fish tank for one man's 10-year-old goldfish. While the goldfish is a common occurrence in fish tanks, there are several different kinds and they all have something unique about them.
The Red Ryukin Goldfish can cost between $7 and $70 depending on its size. They are known for the distinctive hump behind their heads. The Red Cap Oranda is one interesting Goldfish and a great alternative to the Red Ryukin. These goldfish are born without any head growth and it can take up to two years for their head to be fully developed. They also have wart-looking growths above their heads that look like an oversized brain. Sometimes, the Oranda's eyes are embedded inside the growths, which is pretty cool. These fish cost between $7 and $50 depending on their size.
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