Temperate

One of the more obscure types of fish tanks, the temperate marine tank holds fish of temperate climate areas. With temperatures ranging from around 50-75F these tanks aren't as aesthetically pleasing as their tropical counterparts, since most coldwater fish are gray or dull in color. They also tend to require extra skill to maintain.

Since coldwater cnidarians are rare and corals almost non-existent hobbyists are almost strictly confined to fish, crustaceans and mollusks. Since there are very few commercially available coldwater fish, hobbyists have to physically acquire specimens for oneself. The most common way of doing this is by trolling or seining. Unlike commercially available tropical fish, whose behavior patterns and tank compatibilities are well documented, coldwater fish require much local ichthyology knowledge in order to maintain.