Popular Saltwater Fish Species for your Aquarium
Here are some of the most popular saltwater fish species that are commonly kept in aquariums, each with unique characteristics and care requirements.
A common rule of thumb for how many marine fish you can keep in an aquarium is to allow 1 inch of fish per gallon of water; however, this can vary depending on the specific fish species and their size, with reef tanks generally requiring even more space per fish due to their larger waste output and need for swimming room.
Yellow Tang
Yellow Clown Goby
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
Decorated Goby
Kole Tang
Blue Chromis
Golden Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Lemon Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...
Neon Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Black-Axil Chromis
Ornate Butterflyfish
Orangeface Butterflyfish
Clown Triggerfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Achilles Tang
Twin-Spot Goby
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Pajama Cardinalfish
Goldbelly Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Copperband Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Banggai Cardinalfish
Overview Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots. Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef...
Allen’s Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...
Whitetail Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Melon Butterflyfish
Meyer’s Butterflyfish
Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
