Saltwater Tropical Fish Identification
Many species of saltwater tropical fish can be kept in an aquarium, though the type of fish needs to be known in order to provide an appropriate environment. Understanding the water requirements of the fish species plays a great role in its survival in an aquarium. Identifying saltwater tropical fish requires understanding the characteristics and features of their major types.
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Types
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The lionfish is just one of many types of tropical fish. Some of the most popular types of saltwater fish are angelfish, butterfly fish, clownfish, damselfish, gobies, lionfish, parrotfish, puffer fish, trigger fish, tangs and wrasses. Starting with these categories will help you to narrow down the possible species when identifying a saltwater tropical fish. Of course, thousands of other species are less commonly seen.
Features
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Some species of tropical fish are in several colors. Saltwater tropical fish are popular for aquariums because of their vibrant colors. The color pattern and other physical features can help you determine a species of fish. Thousands of species of tropical fish exist, making this task difficult. A fish's size also can help you narrow down its possible species, particularly if you also know the fish's age. Saltwater tropical fish range greatly in size, from less than 1 inch to more than 1 foot long.
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Identification
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Fish behavior help identify species. Comparing the features, coloration and size of a saltwater tropical fish with its potential fish species can aid in identification. Pictures of tropical fish are online and can help you make a positive identification. Taking into account behaviors such as feeding can help if several species look like your fish; tropical fish species that look the same may not act the same. If you are still unable to identify the fish positively, a fish supply store specializing in exotic species may be able to supply its identification.
Considerations
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Saltwater tropical fish should be identified before added to an aquarium. One species of saltwater tropical fish may be known by several names, especially if it is a popular species for aquariums. Most fish have both a scientific name and a popular name. If you see several types of fish that look like yours, they may be the same species with several names.
If you plan to keep the fish in an aquarium, it should be identified first. Besides determining the care requirements, a proper identification enables you to determine whether two fish will get along well in the same aquarium. Not all saltwater tropical fish can be placed together and live happily in the same environment.
Misconceptions
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Piranhas are tropical fish. Many people assume that saltwater tropical fish are all brightly colored with delicate fins. Although many of them fit that description, not all do.
Even carnivorous piranhas, with their mouthful of sharply pointed teeth, are considered tropical fish.
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References
- Photo Credit emperor angelfish image by Steve Marquez from Fotolia.com lionfish image by pearlguy from Fotolia.com tropical fish, coral red blue underwater reef image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com Underwater landscape with school of yellowl fish and coral image by Olga Khoroshunova from Fotolia.com aquarium fish 9 image by cherie from Fotolia.com les piranhas image by black_multi from Fotolia.com
