Saltwater Invertebrates for Beginners

As a beginner saltwater aquarist, you can select from a wide array of invertebrates when populating your tank. The majority of invertebrates need excellent to near-perfect water quality in order to survive, though. Be sure to choose hardy invertebrates that are easy to keep.

Aquarium shrimp range from dutiful cleaner shrimp, which spend their time picking parasites from aquarium fish, to the predatory mantis shrimp, which plague many aquariums. Some predatory fish may try to eat shrimp, but most fish enjoy their company. Most shrimp grow to about 2" (5 cm). Types of shrimp recommended for beginners include skunk cleaner shrimp, banded coral shrimp, and peppermint shrimp.

Crabs are the workhorses of the saltwater aquarium. They feed on fish waste and uneaten food and are great at keeping algae in check. Not all crabs are safe for reef aquariums, though, so be sure to consult your dealer. Species of crab recommended for beginner saltwater aquarists are the blue-legged hermit crab and scarlet hermit crab, each of which grows to about 1–2" (2.5–5 cm).

Giant clams, because of their striking coloration, are becom­ing more popular in home aquariums. They require strong light and a permanent location on live rock high in the aquar­ium. Species recommended for beginners are the crocea clam and maxima clam. These species can grow up to 12" (30 cm).

Aquarium-friendly snails are good algae eaters and will slide over the glass, keeping it clean. To keep their shells in good condition, snails need plenty of calcium in their water. Any algae-eating snails are suitable for beginners, including the readily accessible turban snails, which grow to a maximum of 2" (5 cm).

Corals need a fully established marine aquarium with plenty of strong light and great water conditions. But even then, some can be difficult to keep. Don’t add corals to your tank—even those recommended for beginners—until you’re confident in your skill, the tank is fully established, and the water conditions are ideal. Corals can vary greatly in size and may be either hard and rocky or soft and almost plantlike. Recommended species include mushroom soft coral, green star polyp soft coral, cactus coral, and velvet branch coral.

The popular photos of clownfish resting in anemones make many reef aquarists eager to add anemones to their own aquariums. However, anemones can be very difficult to keep, as they need plenty of light and great water conditions. Only once your tank is established should you add anemones. Malu anemones—the type in which clownfish like to rest—are recommended for beginners. They grow to about 6" (15 cm) in diameter.

The echinoderms are a varied group of useful and attractive invertebrates that includes sea urchins, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. Many are easy to keep and excellent at keeping the tank clean, as they consume uneaten food and fish waste. They vary widely in size.