8 Regal Tang [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/blue-hippo-tang-tm.jpg] Ever since Finding Nemo came out, these fish are usually referred to as Dory Fish by children. Tangs belongto a family of fish called Surgeonfish,who possess a small, retractable calcareous blade toward their tail fin. This blade is mainly used for defense, they extract it and rub against an attacker, in an effort to fend it off. 7 Coral Beauty [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/02coral-beauty-centropyge-bispinosus.jpg] A small angelfish, usually available at your local pet store, they really area fish one needs to see in person to have a full appreciation of their color. These fish are usually keepable in any marine aquarium and are very hardy. 6 Flame Angel [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/flameangelwma-ap8sa.jpg] A close relative of the Coral Beauty, the Flame Angel has some of the boldest color of any fish Ive seen. As with the Coral Beauty, these fish are usually easily available and affordable, but from my experience are a bit more fickle than the Coral Beauty. 5 Koi [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/koi1-tm.jpg] Yeah sure, most of the Koi you have seen are probably nothing more thanorange or white. However, there are many (probably close to or more than 100) color variations of Koi (Justpick up a Koi traders magazine the next time youre at a bookstore). Koi can comer in many colors, including orange, red, white, gold, and black. Certain patterns are sought after by avid Koi collectors, some of whom will pay thousands of dollars for a single fish.

4 Moorish Idol [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/moorish-idol-zanclus-cornutus-tm.jpg] One of the most difficult fish to keep in a home aquarium (and very expensive as well), to most aquariststhese fish are the pinnacle of the hobby. You may think youve seen them before, but youre probably getting them confused with another species, the Bannerfish (also known as the False Idol). . 3 Lionfish [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/75378513.cvfnhicy.lionfish02-tm.jpg] Probably one of my favorite fish of all time, the Lionfish (or Zebrafish) is a fascinating species, and is easy to become mesmerized by one when watching it swim. The spines you seeon its back possess a painful and powerful venom. Thankfully the Lionfish is somewhat docile and not a fast swimmer, but all aquarists who own one must take extra care when cleaning their tank.

[img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/pompadour-discus-tm.jpg] 2 Discus Another freshwater species, Discus are probably the single most beautiful species of Freshwater fish. They are also probably the most expensive Freshwater species, second only to the Koi or the Arowana. A small 3 inch juvenile can be anywhere from *50-*80. There are many color variations of Discus, most of which are simply breathtaking. Although they are Freshwater species, they do require more experience and care than someSaltwater fish. 1 Mandarinfish [img=http://listverse.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/mandarinfish3-28-77-636x4-tm.jpg] A lesser-known species, these are probably the single most colorful andvibrant fish Ive ever seen. There are two varieties, the standard Mandarinfish and the Psychedelic Mandarin. The standard typically has more interesting patterns and colors than the psychedelic, but both are very beautiful fish. These small fish (usually no more than 6 inches full-grown) usually dont cost more than *20 for a specimen, but the main problem is feeding them. They only eat small micro-invertebrates that live within live rock in coral reefs. In order to sustain one in a home aquarium, one needs a sufficient amount of live rock that has been in the tank for at least a month prior to introducing the fish. As with some of the other species on this list, one really needs to see this fish in person to witness the amazing vibrance of its color. Contributor: GhostShip

nice share

Nice info

Awesome share! Absolutely gorgeous pics. I'm proud to announce that I have seen many (if not all!) Of these fishes in a few Aquariums in South Africa. It's beautiful to see them in real. I personally like the Flame Angel, Koi and Lion fish.