
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.
Sailfin Tang
Shortnose Unicornfish
Whitecheek Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Humpback Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
White-streaked Grouper
Purple Tang
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Bluespine Unicorn Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive long horn-like protrusion on their forehead, which develops with age. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Unicorn tangs are active swimmers and often seen grazing on algae....
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Speckled Blue Grouper
Brown Tang
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Blue Tang
Naso Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive appearance, including a prominent nose horn (more developed in males) and vibrant coloration. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Naso tangs are active swimmers and often seen...
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellowhead Jawfish
Overview Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. Known for their bright yellow head and elongated body. They have a large mouth and are often seen hovering near their burrows. Yellowhead jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of...
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Goldspecs Jawfish
Overview Found in various marine environments worldwide. Known for their characteristic large mouths and burrowing behavior. They have elongated bodies and are often colorful. Jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of building and inhabiting burrows....