Saltwater Fish

Saltwater Fish

Description
Description

Saltwater fish, diverse inhabitants of the ocean's vast expanses, inhabit a variety of marine ecosystems, from shallow coral reefs to the abyssal depths. Evolving over millions of years, they've adapted to an array of habitats, developing unique traits to survive in saline environments. Their evolutionary journey is marked by astonishing diversity, comprising thousands of species, each with specialized adaptations like bioluminescence or camouflage. Saltwater fish play pivotal roles in marine food webs, maintaining ecological balance. They're crucial for human sustenance too, forming a significant portion of global dietary protein, and their vibrant presence also contributes to the allure of underwater exploration and marine tourism.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Saltwater fish boast a fascinating anatomy adapted for life in the ocean. They have streamlined bodies for efficient swimming, with fins aiding in direction and balance. Gills extract oxygen from water, crucial for their survival. Many have scales that protect against injury and parasites. Their senses are honed for marine life: eyes adapted for underwater vision, lateral lines detecting vibrations, and, in some, a keen sense of smell to locate food or mates. While they don't speak, some can produce sounds for communication. Their internal anatomy, with a swim bladder for buoyancy, enables them to navigate the varying pressures of ocean depths.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The bond between humans and saltwater fish is ancient, rooted in both sustenance and fascination. These creatures have long been a vital food source, supporting coastal communities and global economies. In pop culture, they captivate us in films like "Finding Nemo" and aquariums worldwide, highlighting their beauty and diversity.

Unfortunately, overfishing and habitat destruction threaten many species. Recognizing this, conservation efforts are increasing, with marine protected areas established and sustainable fishing practices promoted. Initiatives like coral reef restoration also aim to preserve the intricate ecosystems that saltwater fish call home, ensuring their survival and continued connection with humanity.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do saltwater fish eat?


Saltwater fish can carry carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore diets. Herbivore saltwater fish consume both microalgae and macroalgae as well as seagrasses. A carnivore’s diet typically consists of shrimp, plankton, and tiny crustaceans. Some carnivores may eat worms, clams, and parasites. Most carnivore saltwater fish will not eat algae even if they are starving.

Why can’t saltwater fish live in freshwater?

Saltwater fish are not able to live in freshwater because their bodies are concentrated from salt solution. Saltwater fish would not be able to osmoregulate correctly in freshwater. Freshwater would flow into their body up to the point where all cells can accumulate water causing them to bloat and die.

How do you acclimate saltwater fish?

Saltwater fish can be acclimated in a couple of ways. This can be done by modifying the water’s salinity, altering the pH of the water, and using the drip method or the floating method. It is important to acclimate saltwater fish because changes in salinity, water temperature, and water chemistry can cause stresses that shock the fish to death.

Animals

* Under Development *

.9”-1.5” | 2.4-3.8 cm
3.1”-5.1” | 8-13 cm
8-10 years
Amazon Puffer
3.800
13.000
10.00
3250
GUIDE
3D
Amazon Puffer
10”-23” | 25.4-58.4 cm
5.5’-14’ | 1.7-4.3 m
200-1800 lb | 90-816 kg
20-30 years
Atlantic Blue Marlin
58.400
430.000
816.000
30.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Blue Marlin
24”-50” | 61-127 cm
7’-15’ | 2.1-4.6 m
550–2000 lb | 250-907 kg
15-30 years
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
127.000
460.000
907.000
30.00
4300
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
13”-20” | 33-50.8 cm
7.5’-11’ | 2.3-3.4 m
132-220 lb | 60-100 kg
10-15 years
Atlantic Sailfish
50.800
340.000
100.000
15.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Sailfish
12”-19” | 30.5-48 cm
5’-8’ | 152-244 cm
60-280 lb | 27-127 kg
30-55 years
Atlantic Tarpon
48.000
244.000
127.000
55.00
700
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Tarpon
26”-49” | 66-125 cm
6.6-8.8 lb | 3-4 kg
10-15 years
Australian Ghost Shark
125.000
4.000
15.00
550
GUIDE
3D
Australian Ghost Shark
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
9.1”-13.8” | 23-35 cm
3-6 years
Big-Belly Seahorse
5.000
35.000
6.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Big-Belly Seahorse
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
16”-30” | 40-75 cm
7-20 lb | 3-9 kg
10-20 years
Bonefish
16.500
75.000
9.000
20.00
100
GUIDE
3D
Bonefish
3.5”-12.6” | 9-32 cm
10”-36” | 25.4-91.4 cm
11-22 lb | 5-10 kg
8-11 years
Common Hogfish
32.000
91.400
10.000
11.00
45080
GUIDE
3D
Common Hogfish
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2.75”-6.7” | 7-17 cm;
1-4 years
Common Seahorse
2.500
17.000
4.00
240800
GUIDE
3D
Common Seahorse
5.1”-5.9” | 13-15 cm
7”-8” | 18-20 cm
4-10 years
Copperband Butterflyfish
15.000
20.000
10.00
3700
GUIDE
3D
Copperband Butterflyfish
.1”-.2” | .3-.6 cm
1”-2” | 2.5-5.1 cm
1-2 years
Dwarf Seahorse
0.600
5.100
2.00
3900
GUIDE
3D
Dwarf Seahorse
7.9”-22” | 20-56 cm
10’-26.2’ | 3-8 m; 36’ | 11 m (Max)
882-1,322 lb | 400-600 kg
7-12 years
Giant Oarfish
56.000
800.000
600.000
12.00
21900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Oarfish
10”-20” | 25.4-50.8 cm
33”-67” | 85-170 cm
33-132 lb | 15-60 kg
10-25 years
Giant Trevally
50.800
170.000
60.000
25.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Trevally
3.3”-3.9” | 8.5-10 cm
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
.9-1.2 oz | .02-.03 kg
15-20 years
Hairy Frogfish
10.000
25.000
0.030
20.00
5250
GUIDE
3D
Hairy Frogfish
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
5”-7.5” | 13-19 cm
1-4 years
Lined Seahorse
3.500
19.000
4.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Lined Seahorse
6.5”-10.5” | 16.5-26.7 cm
33”-55” | 84-140 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
4-5 years
Mahi-Mahi
26.700
140.000
18.000
5.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Mahi-Mahi
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
1.5”-4” | 4-10 cm
.4-.7 lb | .2-.3 kg
3-6 years
Ocellaris Clownfish
3.500
10.000
0.300
6.00
10700
GUIDE
3D
Ocellaris Clownfish
5.5”-8.7” | 14-22 cm
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
2.5-3.5 lb | 1.1-1.6 kg
15-20 years
Queen Angelfish
22.000
45.000
1.600
20.00
7650
GUIDE
3D
Queen Angelfish
3.1”-4.3” | 8-11 cm
11-15” | 28-38 cm
1-2.6 lb | .5-1.2 kg
10-18 years
Red Lionfish
11.000
38.000
1.200
18.00
10100
GUIDE
3D
Red Lionfish
2.6”-4.3” | 6.5-11 cm
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm
.7-.9 lb | .3-.4 kg
9-12 years
Red-Lipped Batfish
11.000
40.000
0.400
12.00
11800
GUIDE
3D
Red-Lipped Batfish
3.7”-4.9” | 9.5-12.5 cm
9.8”-11.8” | 25-30 cm
5-10 years
Reef Triggerfish
12.500
30.000
10.00
5750
GUIDE
3D
Reef Triggerfish
13”-16.5” | 33-41.9 cm
48”-63” | 122-160 cm
25-80 lb | 11-36 kg
20-35 years
Roosterfish
41.900
160.000
36.000
35.00
3000
GUIDE
3D
Roosterfish
Wahoo
41000
6.5”-12” | 16.5-30.5 cm
40”-72” | 102-183 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
5-9 years
Wahoo
30.500
183.000
18.000
9.00
41000
GUIDE
3D
Wahoo
.6”-2.6” | 1.5-6.5 cm
3.9”-12.2” | 10-31 cm
5-8 years
Yellow Goatfish
6.500
31.000
8.00
430
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Goatfish
10.5”-20.5” | 26.7-52 cm
43”-83” | 110-210 cm
300-400 lb | 136-181 kg
5-10 years
Yellowfin Tuna
52.000
210.000
181.000
10.00
22000
GUIDE
3D
Yellowfin Tuna
Yellowfin Tuna
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Yellowfin Tuna compared to an average person

The Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) are members of the fish family Scombridae found in the tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. The Yellowfin Tuna is large and its name comes from the bright yellow coloring of its finlet, second dorsal and anal fin.

They are highly social, always traveling in groups among themselves, with other tuna species, dolphins, and porpoises. Their torpedo-shaped body gives them speed while their back and upper sides are metallic blue and belly yellow or silver. They are differentiated from other tunas by their slender body with a bright yellow dorsal fin. Besides being a popular cuisine, they are also valued by sports fishermen.

Yellowfin Tunas have a total length between 43”-83” (110-210 cm), body height of 10.5”-20.5” (26.7-52 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 300-400 lb (136-181 kg). The typical lifespan of the Yellowfin Tuna is 5-10 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Yellowfin Tuna seen from the side and front
The Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) are members of the fish family Scombridae found in the tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide. The Yellowfin Tuna is large and its name comes from the bright yellow coloring of its finlet, second dorsal and anal fin. They are highly social fish.

Yellowfin Tunas have a total length between 43”-83” (110-210 cm), body height of 10.5”-20.5” (26.7-52 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 300-400 lb (136-181 kg). The typical lifespan of the Yellowfin Tuna is 5-10 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Yellowfin Tuna seen from the side and front
Yellowfin Tuna
Height:
10.5”-20.5” | 26.7-52 cm
Width:
Length:
43”-83” | 110-210 cm
Depth:
Weight:
300-400 lb | 136-181 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Thunnus albacares
Lifespan
5-10 years

Drawings include:

Yellowfin Tuna side elevation, front

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Bonefish
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Bonefish to a typical person

The Bonefish (Albula vulpes) is a solitary traveler and member of the family Albulidae and are also called Banana fish or Ladyfish. They have slender and relatively long bodies with somewhat green backs and yellow pectoral fins. Bonefish exhibit high levels of speed and strength, preference for shallow coastal and island waters of warm seas.

They have a pointed piglike snout that holds their small mouth and deeply notched caudal fin. The bonefish is an important ingredient in fly-fishing for the people of Southern Florida, Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. They love to feed in areas of low tides and protected bays.

Bonefish have a total length between 16”-30” (40-75 cm), body height of 3.5”-6.5” (8.9-16.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 7-20 lb (3-9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Bonefish is 10-20 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Bonefish seen from the side and front
The Bonefish (Albula vulpes) is a solitary traveler and member of the family Albulidae. They have slender and relatively long bodies with somewhat green backs and yellow pectoral fins. Bonefish exhibit high levels of speed and strength, preference for shallow coastal and island waters.

Bonefish have a total length between 16”-30” (40-75 cm), body height of 3.5”-6.5” (8.9-16.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 7-20 lb (3-9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Bonefish is 10-20 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Bonefish seen from the side and front
Bonefish
Height:
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
Width:
Length:
16”-30” | 40-75 cm
Depth:
Weight:
7-20 lb | 3-9 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Albula vulpes
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Bonefish side elevation, front

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Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus)
Scale illustration of an average Amazon Puffer compared to other saltwater fish species

The Amazon Puffer, known scientifically as Colomesus asellus, is a small, freshwater puffer fish found in basins in tropical South America. While primarily a freshwater fish, the Amazon Puffer with live in slightly brackish, a mix of salt and fresh, waters, as well. The Amazon Puffer is also known as a Peruvian Puffer and is a popular aquarium fish. If being kept in an aquarium, the Amazon Puffer does better with company, although it will nip the fins of slower moving fish. The teeth of the Amazon Puffer grow very quickly and it is beneficial to feed them crunchy snacks.

Like other pufferfish, the Amazon Puffer inflates itself when threatened. It is migratory and non-territorial. This fish is easy to identify. Its body is green above and white below. Besides, it has a thicker black band across the dorsal surface of the body. This black band separates it from other similar-looking species it co-exists with and also makes it much sought after in the aquarium trade.



Amazon Puffers have a total length between 3.1”-5.1” (8-13 cm) and body height of .9”-1.5” (2.4-3.8 cm). The typical lifespan of the Amazon Puffer is in the range of 8-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Amazon Puffer
The Amazon Puffer, known scientifically as Colomesus asellus, is a small, freshwater puffer fish found in basins in tropical South America. While primarily a freshwater fish, the Amazon Puffer with live in slightly brackish, a mix of salt and fresh, waters, as well.

Amazon Puffers have a total length between 3.1”-5.1” (8-13 cm) and body height of .9”-1.5” (2.4-3.8 cm). The typical lifespan of the Amazon Puffer is in the range of 8-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Amazon Puffer
Amazon Puffer (Colomesus asellus)
Height:
.9”-1.5” | 2.4-3.8 cm
Width:
Length:
3.1”-5.1” | 8-13 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Colomesus asellus
Lifespan
8-10 years

Drawings include:

Amazon Puffer side elevation, front

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Big-Belly Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)
Scale illustration of an average Big-Belly Seahorse compared to other saltwater fish species

The Big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) is also called pot-bellied seahorse and is the largest breed found in the water of southeast Australia and New Zealand. They belong to the family Syngnathidae and love areas with rock reefs, seagrass, and algae. It’s identified by a prominent belly, long-snouted head tilted forward, and long coiled tail. These seahorses love to assume a vertical position and use their dorsal fin to swim. They feed by sucking prey. The animals can also change color, especially during courtship. The males are distinguished from females using their smooth, pouch-like abdomen. The Big-belly seahorse is popular in the aquarium and also sold as traditional medicine.

Big-Belly Seahorses have a total length between 9.1”-13.8” (23-35 cm) and body height of 1.4”-2” (3.5-5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Big-Belly Seahorse is in the range of 3-6 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Big-Belly Seahorse
The Big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) is also called pot-bellied seahorse and is the largest breed found in the water of southeast Australia and New Zealand. They belong to the family Syngnathidae and love areas with rock reefs, seagrass, and algae. It’s identified by a prominent belly.

Big-Belly Seahorses have a total length between 9.1”-13.8” (23-35 cm) and body height of 1.4”-2” (3.5-5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Big-Belly Seahorse is in the range of 3-6 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Big-Belly Seahorse
Big-Belly Seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis)
Height:
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
Width:
Length:
9.1”-13.8” | 23-35 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Hippocampus abdominalis
Lifespan
3-6 years

Drawings include:

Big-Belly Seahorse side elevation, front

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Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Scale illustration of an average Ocellaris Clownfish compared to other saltwater fish species

The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as Amphiprion ocellaris, is a small, vertically striped fish that is a part of the clownfish family. The Ocellaris Clownfish is very similar to the Amphiprion percula, as they have the same coloring and stripe patterns with the couple exceptions being the thickness of the black outlines on the stripes and the number of dorsal fins. The Ocellaris Clownfish has a relatively round body and can be either orange, brown-red, or black with white stripes. The color of the Ocellaris Clownfish’s body depends on its geographic location. As youths, the Ocellaris Clownfish, immune to the stings of anemone, form symbiotic relationships with anemone and take shelter in them.

One of the most sought-after aquarium fish is the Ocellaris Clownfish. Aquarium owners love it for its brilliant colors, which vary from fish to fish depending on where it lives. This fish is found in the western Pacific Ocean and Eastern Indian ocean, living among sea anemones. It is also called common clownfish or false percula clownfish. Most of them have three white bands with black outlines on their orange body. That is on the head, body, and tail. The body is stocky and oval. They are hermaphrodites and omnivores, born gender neutral and turn into male before changing sex to female.



Ocellaris Clownfish have a total length between 1.5”-4” (4-10 cm) and body height of .6”-1.4” (1.5-3.5 cm). The typical weight of the Ocellaris Clownfish is in the range of .4-.7 lb (.2-.3 kg). Ocellaris Clownfish have lifespans between 3-6 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Ocellaris Clownfish
The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as Amphiprion ocellaris, is a small, vertically striped fish that is a part of the clownfish family. The Ocellaris Clownfish is very similar to the Amphiprion percula, as they have the same coloring and stripe patterns with a couple exceptions.

Ocellaris Clownfish have a total length between 1.5”-4” (4-10 cm) and body height of .6”-1.4” (1.5-3.5 cm). The typical weight of the Ocellaris Clownfish is in the range of .4-.7 lb (.2-.3 kg). Ocellaris Clownfish have lifespans between 3-6 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Ocellaris Clownfish
Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Height:
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
Width:
Length:
1.5”-4” | 4-10 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.4-.7 lb | .2-.3 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Amphiprion ocellaris
Lifespan
3-6 years

Drawings include:

Ocellaris Clownfish side elevation, front

Downloads

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