Marine Dwarf Angels or Pygmy Angels belong to the Pomacanthidae family. The majority of these fish are classified in the genus Centropyge, and a few in the genus Paracentropyge. Most Angels in this group reach a size of up to four inches in an aquarium. In the wild, the largest reach an adult size of no more than six inches in length.
Dwarf Angels are among the most colorful and most popular of all marine fish. All Angelfish can be distinguished from their closest relative the Butterflyfish, by their characteristic spine on the lower edge of their cheek. This spine is used defensively when the fish is harassed, but it can also be used aggressively. These Angels are found throughout the world and are most commonly associated with coral reefs. They inhabit lagoons, reef slopes, drop offs, rocky areas, rubble areas, and areas of rich coral formations. Most Dwarf Angels are found in pairs, but a few species are solitary and territorial. Dwarf Angels usually do not mix well together in the average home aquarium unless the tank is larger than 70 gallons. If Dwarf Angels are going to be maintained together, try to vary the sizes of the fish, and add the Dwarf Angelfish to the aquarium simultaneously. This will help prevent one specimen from developing too large a territory and becoming overly aggressive.
As with most species of marine fish, sexual differences are not distinguishable. The Dwarf Angels are hermaphroditic, and the breeding of these fish in an aquarium is extremely difficult.
In the wild, the diet of these fish consists mainly of algae and tunicates. The majority of Dwarf Angels adapt well to life in an aquarium, as long as ample hiding places are provided along with algae for grazing.

Marine Large Angelfish belong to the Pomacanthidae family, and are classified into seven different genera which include: Pomacanthus, Holacanthus, Pygoplities, Apolemichthys, Euxiphipops, Chaetodontoplus, and Genicanthus. Some Angels in this group undergo drastic color changes from juvenile to adult patterns. Unlike most other Angelfish, some members of genus Genicanthus have distinguishing color differences between males and females. Males are usually larger and more colorful than females of the same species. The largest Pomacanthus Angel reaches a maximum size of over 20 inches in the wild. All Angelfish can be distinguished from their closest relative the Butterflyfish, by the characteristic spine on their lower cheek. This spine is used defensively, but can also be used in aggression.
Angels are found throughout the world, and are most commonly associated with coral reefs. They inhabit lagoons, reef slopes, drop offs, rocky areas, rubble areas, and areas of rich coral formations.
Most members of this group of fish are found in pairs or harems in the wild. A harem consists of one male and several females. Most Angels that form harems in the wild are capable of changing sex. If the male of the harem is eaten by a predator or dies, the dominant female can change sex to become the dominant male. The fish will actually change form, and will also have the ability to successfully spawn with other females.
The breeding of Angelfish in an aquarium is extremely difficult. It is advisable not to introduce Angels from the same genus into one aquarium, as fighting will usually occur.In the wild, the diet of Large Angelfish consists of microalgae, macroalgae, sponges, and zooplankton. Some juvenile Angels in this group act as cleaners when very young, picking parasites and dead tissue from other fish in the wild. In an aquarium, most angelfish should be fed a diet including vegetable matter and meaty items. High-quality angelfish preparations containing sponges are also advised.

Anthias belong to the Serranidae family, and the Anthiinae subfamily. The genera of Anthias include: Anthias, Holanthias, Luzonichthys, Nemanthias, Plectranthias, Pseudanthias, Rabaulichthys, and Serranocirrhitus. Anthias are closely related to Sea Basses and Groupers. These fish can be recognized by their brilliant colors and elongated bodies. Anthias are found throughout the world, and exclusively inhabit coral reefs. Most Anthias reach a size of about four inches in an aquarium, and the largest reach an adult size of over eight inches in the wild.
In the wild, Anthias are seen in massive shoals where they hover above coral formations devouring zooplankton that pass by in the current. Most fish in this group are relatively hardy, but require food often (3 or 4 times per day) in order to thrive in the home aquarium.
Due to the complex social structure of Anthias in the wild, it is advisable to keep one specimen per tank in the average home aquarium. If the aquarium is over four feet in length, and has extensive hiding places, it is possible to maintain a small group of Anthias in an aquarium, as long as all of the fish are added simultaneously. Fish within this group should be maintained with other peaceful tankmates.
Male Anthias are usually larger and more colorful than females of the same species. Anthias have the ability to change sex. If the dominant male of the group should perish, the largest female will change color form, and will have the ability to successfully spawn with other females. The breeding of these fish in an aquarium is extremely difficult.

Basslets belong to the Grammidae family. These fish are commonly known as Fairy Basslets, or Pygmy Basslets, and consist of the genera Gramma and Lipogramma. Closely related to Groupers, Basslets are found mostly in the Western Atlantic, and most commonly associated with coral reefs. Some of the species are found at depths of more than 300 feet. Basslets are found on reef slopes close to caves, ledges, or coral formations.
Most Basslets reach a size of two inches in length in an aquarium, and the largest reaches an adult size of four inches in the wild. Basslets are colorful, hardy, and generally peaceful aquarium specimens, although they can become territorial. If more than one member of the species is added to the aquarium, it is imperative to add these fish simultaneously, as severe conflicts may arise. Offer these fish plenty of hiding places, in the form of rockwork or coral decorations.Most Basslets feed on zooplankton and other small crustaceans.
No distinctive color forms or markings differentiate males and females. The breeding of these fish in an aquarium has been accomplished successfully, but the rearing of the fry is often difficult.

Batfish belong to the Ephippididae family. The majority of the species that are available for sale in the aquarium trade are from the genus Platax. Batfish can reach a size of around 15 inches in an aquarium, and over 20 inches in the wild. Batfish are usually recognized by their elongated dorsal (top) and anal (bottom) fins when young. As the fish grow, the fins become shorter and the body becomes longer.
Batfish live in tropical and subtropical oceans throughout the world. Juvenile Batfish live in inshore waters with mangroves, floating on the surface of the water in order to mimic a floating leaf. Larger Batfish usually are found on or around coral reefs. Depending on the age of the fish, Batfish can be found in schools, or as solitary individuals. The diet of Batfish consists of invertebrates such as worms, small anemones, hydroids, and small crustaceans.
Most Batfish adapt well to the average home aquarium. Please remember that Batfish grow extremely fast in an aquarium and an adequately sized tank with plenty of swimming room must be considered. As with most other marine fish, sexual differences are not distinguishable. Due to the large adult size, the breeding of these fish in an aquarium is extremely difficult.

Blennies are a diverse group of fish, most of which belong to the families Blenniidae and Chaenopsidae. The most popular aquarium specimens belong to the genera Ecsenius, Salarias, and Meiacanthus. Most Blennies reach a size of three inches in an aquarium, while the largest of the group can reach over seven inches in length in the wild. Blennies are closely related to Gobies, and often are recognized by the cirri or eyelashes over their eyes and nostrils. These fish are usually bottom dwellers, and are most commonly associated with coral reefs or rocky areas. Blennies are found in tropical and temperate waters throughout the world, and most aquarium specimens come from the Indo-Pacific region. Most Blennies spend their time on the reef grazing on microalgae and small crustaceans.
Blennies in an aquarium are somewhat territorial in nature, and only one species per tank is recommended for most of the fish in this group. The exception to this rule is fish from the genus Meiacanthus, which can be kept together in a small group. With all Blennies, extensive rockwork and a good growth of microalgae are necessary to successfully maintain them in an aquarium. Most Blennies are ideally suited for life in the home aquarium. They are relatively hardy, and adjust well to an aquarium.
No distinguishing characteristics are present to identify males from females, although most females are larger than males. The breeding of these fish in an aquarium is difficult.

Boxfish belong to the Ostraciidae family, and are often referred to as Trunkfish or Cowfish. Most of these fish are members of the genera Ostracion, Lactoria, or Tetrasomus. Boxfish reach an average size of three inches in an aquarium, while in the wild, they can grow to over 19 inches in length. Boxfish are closely related to both Puffers and Filefish. In most cases male Boxfish are larger and more colorful than their female counterpart.
Boxfish are easily recognized by their distinctive square or boxlike shapes. Their sides are actually bony plates covered by a thin skin. This becomes important if there are so-called cleaner fish in your tank, as the Cowfish's delicate skin may not tolerate this behavior. Two pairs of bony horns distinguish the Cowfish - one on the head and one just above the caudal fin. The horn-like protrusions from the head and above the caudal fin serve to deter predators. Some Boxfish have the ability to release a toxin called ostracitoxin, which is used to ward off predators. It is important to note that if this toxin is released into the aquarium, all the tank inhabitants can be killed, although this does not occur often.
Only the fins of the Cowfish are moveable, which they use to slowly propel themselves through the water. Since they have poorer locomotion, it is necessary to carefully monitor their eating habits, since more aggressive tank mates may prevent them from reaching the food. Cowfish are omnivorous bottom feeders, consuming both algae and crustaceans and sampling polyps on occasion.
Boxfish are found throughout the world, and are most commonly associated with coral reefs. They can also be found near rocky areas, sand flats or grass beds. Most of these fish are found in harems of one male and several females. The breeding of these fish in an aquarium is extremely difficult.
It is imperative to maintain Boxfish with peaceful tank mates as they are often easy targets for more aggressive fish. If more than one Boxfish is to be kept in the aquarium, it is advisable to introduce similar sized fish to the aquarium simultaneously.

Butterflyfish belong to the Chaetodontidae family and are classified into 11 genera which consist of Amphichaetodon, Chaetodon, Chlemon, Clelmonops, Coradion, Forcipiger, Hemitaurichthys, Heniochus, Johnrandallia, Parachaetodon, and Prognathodes. Most of these fish reach an adult size of six inches in an aquarium, and they can grow to almost 12 inches in length in the wild. As adults, they live exclusively on coral reefs around the world.The majority of Butterflyfish are brightly colored, and some have a dark spot or eye band on the posterior of the body. This spot or eye band is called a false eye and is used to confuse predators so the Butterflyfish can escape from aggression or attack.
Most Butterflyfish use their sharp dorsal or top fin to defend themselves, but are relatively peaceful toward other tank inhabitants. A larger tank with ample hiding places is needed in order to successfully maintain some species of Butterflyfish.
Most members of this grouping of fish are found in pairs, while others may form small schools. Very few species of butterflies are solitary and territorial in nature.
In the wild, the diet of these fish varies greatly among the different genera, and include live coral polyps, sessile invertebrates, and zooplankton. The captive care of this group of fish varies a great deal due to the special feeding requirements (live coral polyp) of some species.
As with most species of marine fish, sexual differences are not distinguishable. The breeding of these fish is extremely difficult in an aquarium.
Butterflyfish in general have a very elegant look. They are the Discus of the marine aquarium: sensitive, yet with remarkable patterns; high in price and demand, but very enjoyable for the right owner. Such an owner has a good maintenance record and keeps excellent water conditions; he or she is probably not a beginning or intermediate hobbyist.