Introduction to Brackish Water Fish
Brackish water, or Brack water, is a mixture of saltwater and fresh water. The salinity level is between the freshwater and saltwater. Fish found in brackish water are known as brackish water fish. Most brackish water fish are found in estuaries where freshwater meets seawater. Brackish aquariums are used to keep both freshwater and seawater species.
Table of Contents
Understanding Brackish Water Environments
To understand the brackish water environment, we discuss three main types of brackish water habitats.
Estuaries
Estuaries are the most extensive brackish water habitat worldwide. In this habitat freshwater meets with seawater.
Mangroves
Mangroves are the habitat where freshwater mixes with saltwater and their soil is soft and low in oxygen. In this habitat, fishes live in mud and eat different insects.
River Deltas
River Deltas is a triangle-shaped piece of land that is formed when a large river splits into a smaller river before it flows into the ocean due to sediment.
The salinity level in brackish water is between 0.5 to 30 ppt. The key difference between Fresh water, Brackish water, and Marine water is the salinity level.
Setting Up a Brackish Water Aquarium
For setting up a Brackish water aquarium consider the following things.
Tank Size
The minimum tank size in which any brackish water fish can live is 55 gallons.
Equipment Needed
First of all, the filtration system must be strong because brackish water fish produces a lot of waste. I recommend a canister filter. Secondly, you need a heater to maintain the temperature between 75°F and 82°F because these species live in warm water. I recommend a submersible heater. Thirdly you need lighting in your aquarium to provide energy to the plants and algae. I recommend LED lights. Fourthly you must maintain the salinity level between 1.005–1.015 specific gravity. I recommend a hydrometer for measuring salinity levels.
Best Brackish Water Fish Species for Beginners
Green Spotted Puffer
Green spotted puffer is a unique fish found both in fresh water and brackish water. It has a green back with many black fill circles.
Green Spotted Puffer size
The average size of a green spotted puffer is between 4 to 6 inches. Full-size green spotted puffer fish is about 6.7 inches.
Natural Defense Mechanism
Green spotted puffer fish puffed up to defer its predator.
Green Spotted Puffer lifespan
The lifespan of green spotted puffer fish is 10 years.
Green Spotted Puffer fish teeth
Another unique feature of green Spotted Puffer fish is its teeth. These teeth help in crushing hard shells.
Green spotted puffer price
The price of Green Spotted Puffer fish depends upon its age and size. Small-size puffer fish price is $10 and large-size puffer fish is $40. Visit Aquarium Fish to find green spotted puffers for sale.
Green Spotted Puffer care
For the caring of Green Spotted Puffer fish consider the following steps.
Tank size
The Green spotted puffer tank size is 30 gallons.
Green-Spotted Puffer tank mates
Green Spotted Puffers are kept alone but if someone wants to keep the other aquatic species with them, they need to keep them in a larger tank. Scats and Monos are the common aquatic mates.
Archerfish
Archerfish belongs to the family Toxotidae and is also known as spinner fish. There are many species of Archerfish but only three species live in brackish water. They are usually found near the surface. They have large mouths and flat bodies.
Archerfish size
The average size of Archerfish is about 12cm to 18 cm.
Archerfish behavior
Archerfish live in small groups and are known for the unique behavior that they show when they split the water from their mouth towards their prey which is mostly some insect outside the water. When water hits the prey the prey gets down in the water and archer fish eats it.
Archerfish price
The price of Archerfish is $42.49. For ordering the Archerfish visit the link.
Archerfish lifespan
The average lifespan of Archerfish is 10 years.
Archerfish care
Adopting Archerfish requires fulfilling the following conditions.
Archerfish tank size
The minimum tank size for archer fish is 110 gallons.
Water Temperature
The water temperature for Archerfish must be between 72 Fº and 78 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for Archerfish must be between 6.0 and 7.5.
Aquarium plants
Aquarium plants must be added for Archerfish as they help attract insects and provide a natural environment.
Feeding
Archerfish feed on insects and spiders. Must provide the living insects to them.
Figure 8 Puffer
Figure 8 puffer also known as eyespot puffer is a freshwater fish but can also live in brackish water. Figure 8 Puffer was found in brown to green color with a yellow outline on its back that looks like the spots and white color on its underside.
Figure 8 Puffer size
The average size of the Figure 8 puffer is 6cm. The maximum size of the Figure 8 puffer is 8cm.
Figure 8 Pufferfish behavior
Figure 8 Pufferfish feel happy to live alone but if found slow-moving fish then they nip their fins. Figure 8 Puffer increases its size to 2 to 3 times larger when it feels threatened.
Figure 8 puffer price
The price of the Figure 8 puffer is $12.99. For ordering the Figure 8 fish visit the link.
Figure 8 Puffer lifespan
The lifespan of the Figure 8 puffer is 15 years.
Figure 8 Puffer care
For adopting the Figure 8 puffer in the aquarium at home following conditions must be fulfilled.
Figure 8 puffer tank size:
30 gallons is the recommended tank size for Figure 8 Puffer.
Water Temperature
Water temperature for Figure 8 Puffer must be between 72 Fº and 78 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for Figure 8 Puffer must be between 6.5 and 7.5.
Figure 8 Puffer food
Figure 8 Puffer is a carnivorous fish and feeds on many small frozen meat foods and snails as well as unshelled shellfish like crab legs.
Sailfin Molly
Sailfin Molly is a beautiful and attractive fish found both in brackish and fresh water. Sailfin Molly is distinct from other fish due to its fins that look like the sails of a boat. Male Sailfin Mollies have a modified anal fin while female Sailfin Molly have a triangular anal fin. Male Sailfin Molly are more colorful and large in size than female Sailfin Molly. Sailfin Molly is found in different colors like black sailfin molly, green sailfin molly silver sailfin molly, etc.
Sailfin Molly size
The average size of male sailfin molly and female sailfin molly is 10cm and 8cm.
Sailfin Molly behavior
Sailfin Molly fish are active swimmers that help them grab food as compared to other fishes. They are highly social fish and are found in groups. They flare and fan their fins to impress their mates.
Sailfin Molly price
The price of Sailfin Molly is $16.99. For ordering the Sailfin Molly visit the link.
Sailfin Molly lifespan
The average lifespan of Sailfin Molly is 3 years.
Sailfin Molly care
For adopting Sailfin Molly in the aquarium at home following conditions must be fulfilled.
Sailfin Molly tank size
The minimum tank size for Sailfin Molly is 20 gallons.
Water Temperature
Water temperature for Sailfin Molly must be between 77 Fº and 82 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for the Salifin Molly must be between 7.5 and 8.0.
Sailfin Molly food
Sailfin Molly is an omnivorous fish and feeds on many small frozen meat foods and snails as well as unshelled shellfish like crab legs.
Guppies
Guppies fish are found in both freshwater and brackish water. In brackish water, they are typically found in estuaries. They are hardy in nature which helps them to survive in different conditions. Guppies are found in many colors. Male Guppy is smaller than female Guppy. The animated movie Bubble Guppies also cast on their name. A large number of people visited the cinema to watch Bubble Guppies. Examples of guppy fish are fancy guppy, cobra guppy delta tail guppy, etc.
Guppy fish size
The average size of Guppy fish is 2 inch where the female is .5 inch greater than male.
Guppies fish behavior
Guppies fish are found in groups and show fin-nipping when aggressive. They are calm nature fish but have the ability to move fast. They give birth to young ones in spite of laying eggs. Courtship display during mating season is noted. The chances of mating increase vibrant display.
Guppies fish lifespan
The average lifespan of guppy fish is about 2 to 5 years.
Guppies fish price
The price of guppy fish varies from species to species. The average price of a pair of guppy fish is $ 8.49. You can buy online by visiting the link https://aquariumfish.com/collections/guppy.
Guppies care
For adopting Guppies in the aquarium at home following conditions must be fulfilled.
Guppies tank size
The minimum tank size for Guppies is 10 gallons where more than one pair can live easily.
Water Temperature
Water temperature must be between 64 Fº and 84 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for Guppies must be between 7.5 and 8.0.
Guppies feed
Guppies an omnivorous fish and feed on anything available. Some people use guppy to control the population of mosquitos. In an aquarium, guppies need a balanced diet to remain healthy. Must provide pellets, live foods, frozen food, and freeze-dried food.
Bumblebee Goby
Bumblebee Goby is a brackish water fish whose body color looks like a bumblebee. Bumblebee Goby male is slightly slimmer than its female. Some parts of its body are transparent while some are colored. Female lay eggs under the rocks during their breeding season. Female Bumblebee Goby at once lays 200 eggs.
Bumblebee Goby size
The size of Bumblebee Goby is about 1 to 2 inches.
Bumblebee Goby behavior
Bumblebee Goby are peaceful nature fish and are found in groups. They show little aggressiveness to others sometimes. They like to spend most of their time at the bottom or on any rock.
Bumblebee Goby lifespan
The average lifespan of Bumblebee Goby is about 4 years.
Bumblebee Goby price
The price of Bumblebee Goby is $ 3.82. You can buy online by visiting the link.
Bumblebee Goby care
For adopting Bumblebee Goby in the aquarium at home following conditions must be fulfilled.
Bumblebee Goby tank size
The minimum tank size for Bumblebee Goby is 10 gallons where more than one pair can live easily.
Water Temperature
Water temperature must be between 72 Fº and 84 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for Bumblebee Goby must be between 7.0 and 8.5.
Bumblebee Goby feed
Bumblebee Goby is a carnivore fish and feeds on protein protein-rich diet. In live foods blood worms and tubifex worm is a good diet for them. If live food is not available then provide the frozen blood worms an alternative.
Advanced Brackish Water Fish Species
Freshwater Moray Eel
The Freshwater Moray Eel, also known as the Indian Mud Moray, is commonly found in estuaries and mangroves. Freshwater Moray Eel was a brackish water eel but sellers sold them as a freshwater eel. They can survive for a small period in freshwater because they are biologically adapted to brackish environments. Freshwater Moray Eel such as Gymnothorax tile looks like a snake. They have a pointed head, sharp teeth, and large expressive eyes. They have smooth skin with fins and a tail.
Freshwater Moray Eel size
The average size of Moray Eel is 1 meter.
Freshwater Moray Eel behavior
Freshwater Moray Eels are shy in nature. During the day time, they hide themselves under the water and at night time they are active in hunting. They wait for their prey for a long time to come near them and attack instantly on them with their teeth. In breeding season they become solitary and aggressive towards other eels and the same species.
Freshwater Moray Eel lifespan
The average lifespan of Freshwater Moray Eel is about 30 years.
Freshwater Moray Eel price
The price of Freshwater Moray Eel is $ 51.99. You can buy online by visiting the link.
Freshwater Moray Eel care
Adopting Freshwater Moray Eels for your home aquarium requires extra care because they are sensitive to water conditions.
Freshwater Moray Eel tank size
The minimum tank size for a single Freshwater Moray Eel is 50 gallons.
Decor
Put the rocks and caves in the aquarium where they hide them.
Water Temperature
Water temperature must be between 75 Fº and 82 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for Freshwater Moray Eel must be between 7.5 and 8.5.
Maintenance
Daily change the aquarium water.
Freshwater Moray Eel feed
Freshwater Moray Eels are carnivore fish that feed on a protein-rich diet. Blood worms and tubifex worms are good live food sources for them. If live food is not available, provide frozen blood worms as an alternative, but avoid dry food.
Dragon Goby
The Dragon Goby also known as Violet Goby is a brackish water fish mostly found in estuaries and mangroves. The shape of the body looks like an eels. They have poor eyesight. They detect movement in water with highly sensitive lateral lines. They have small but sharp teeth.
Dragon Goby size
The average size of Dragon Goby is 20 inches.
Dragon Goby behavior
Dragon Goby are peaceful in nature and spend most of the under the rocks or in sand. Their appearance characteristics are also similar to eels. They are also active during the night and hide their selves in the cave during day time. They like to dig in the sand. Dragon Goby shows little aggression to other Dragon Gobies if the aquarium size is small but they live peacefully if the aquarium is large.
Dragon Goby lifespan
The average lifespan of Dragon Goby is 5 to 10 years.
Dragon Goby price
The price of Dragon Goby is $ 24.99. You can buy online by visiting the link.
Dragon Goby care
Adopting Dragon Goby in the aquarium at home requires extra care because they are sensitive to the water conditions.
Dragon Goby tank size
The minimum tank size for a single Dragon Goby is 30 gallons.
Decor
Put the rocks and caves in the aquarium where they hide them.
Water Temperature
Water temperature must be between 75 Fº and 82 Fº.
Water Tank pH
The recommended pH level of the water tank for Dragon Goby must be between 7.5 and 8.5.
Maintenance
Daily change the aquarium water.
Dragon Goby feed
- In the Wild Dragon Goby feeds on different types of microorganisms and algae.
- In the Aquarium, you can provide a variety of food like live food, frozen food, and staple food.
Brackish Water Invertebrates and Tank Mates
Brackish water is home to various invertebrates, with some of the most popular ones described below:
Nerite Snails
Nerite Snails are known for their beautiful variety of colors of shells. They are used in aquariums for cleaning purposes because they eat algae that helps in cleaning tanks.
Ghost Shrimp
The other name for Ghost Shrimp is Glass Shrimp. Internal Organs can be seen easily because of their transparent body. This transparency helps them in the wild to avoid predators.
Compatible Tank Mates for Brackish Fish
A tank mate for brackish fish depends upon the species.
Peaceful Fish Species
These species are not aggressive in nature. Mollies, Guppies, Swordtails, and Endlers Livebearers are perfect tank mates.
Brackish-Specific Fish
These fish are naturally brackish water fish. Bumblebee Goby, Dragon Goby, Knight Goby, and Indian Glass Fish are perfect tank mates.
Invertebrates
The perfect Invertebrates tank mates are Nerite Snails, Ghost Shrimp, Fiddler Craps and Amano Shrimp.
Species to Avoid in Brackish Water Tanks
Must avoid the species that are aggressive in nature or predators. Some species that are to be avoided are knight Goby, Dragon Goby, Scats, and other Small Shrimp.
Maintaining a Healthy Brackish Aquarium
To maintain a healthy brackish aquarium must follow these steps:
- Regularly change the water and Adjust the Salinity level when needed.
- The system used for filtration must be of high quality.
- Common health issues like rapid gill movement, stress, and fungal infection can be cured by performing the first two steps with punctuality.
- White spots and flashing are caused due parasites introduced by new fish. Must quarantine every new fish before putting it into the aquarium.
Breeding Brackish Water Fish
All the Brackish water fish breeds but some of them like mollies and ghost shrimp are prolific breeders. Breeding is not an easy task but faces many challenges, especially in aquariums. The challenges and their solution are given below:
Optimize tank conditions
Water salinity level and water temperature must be optimal else breeders and their offspring die.
Separate Breeders
Provide the breeders and their offspring with separate places and ideal conditions.
FAQs
Q. 1 Are Green spotted puffer fish live in freshwater?
Ans. Yes, Green-spotted puffer fish also live in freshwater.
Q. 2 How long do Green Spotted Puffer fish live in freshwater?
Ans. Green spotted puffer fish can live an average of 2 years in freshwater because they are brackish water fish.
Q. 3 How big do green spotted puffer fish get?
Ans. The average size of Green Spotted Puffer fish is 6 inches.
Q. 4 What do green spotted puffer fish eat?
Ans. Green Spotted Puffer fish are carnivorous in nature and eat snails, insects crustaceans, and mollusks
Q. 5 Are green spotted puffer fish poisonous?
Ans. Yes, Green Spotted Pufferfish are poisonous when they eat toxic prey.
Q. 6 How to make brackish water for Green Spotted Pufferfish?
Ans. Brackish water can be easily made for Green Spotted Pufferfish by mixing marine water with fresh water.
Q. 7 Do green spotted puffer fish puff up?
Ans. Yes, Green Spotted Puffer fish puff up when they get frightened or for their defense.
Q. 8 How often should I check salinity?
Ans. I suggest to check the salinity of water every third day.
Q. 9 Can freshwater fish adapt to brackish water?
Ans. Some fishes like Mollies and Guppies adapt to live in brackish water but not all.
Q.10 What are the costs involved in maintaining a brackish tank?
Ans. The initial average cost of maintaining a brackish water tank is $250-$1000. The monthly average cost of maintaining a brackish water tank is $35.
Q.11 Are Sailfin Molly hardy?
Ans. Yes, Sailfin Molly is hardy but needs care in the aquarium.
Q.12 How long do guppies live?
Ans. The average lifespan of guppies is 3 years. If the ideal environment provides then their lifespan is 5 years.
Q.13 How many guppies are in a 10-gallon tank?
Ans. In a 10-gallon tank, 8 Adult Guppies can live easily.
Q.14 What do guppies eat?
Ans. Guppies eat both plant and animal-based food because of their omnivore nature.
Q.15 Is Bumblebee goby aggressive?
Ans. Yes, a Bumblebee goby shows aggression towards other fish in a small number group of fish.
Q.16 Are freshwater Moray Eel aggressive?
Ans. No, freshwater Moray Eel was not aggressive.
Q.17 What is the average size of Freshwater Moray Eel?
Ans. The average size of Freshwater Moray Eel is 3 feet.
Q.18 What kills Moray Eel?
Ans. The common predators of Moray Eel are Shark and Grouper.