
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
Fourline Wrasse
Sixline Soapfish
Spanish Hogfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Sixbar Wrasse
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Blue Tang
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....
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their role in cleaning other fish by removing parasites. They have a slender body and a distinctive swimming pattern. Cleaner wrasses establish cleaning stations on the reef. Feeding They are primarily carnivores....
Dusky Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Bicolor Parrotfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Whitecheek Tang
Peacock Wrasse
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Filefish
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Clown Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Purple Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Belted Wrasse
Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Hawkfish
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
Coral Hawkfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Shortnose Unicornfish
Tail-spot wrasse
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotted Wrasse
Brown Tang
Moon Wrasse
Princess Parrotfish
Filamented Flasher Wrasse
Overview Native to the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for the elongated filaments on the dorsal fin of males, used in their flashing displays. Small and slender-bodied, with vibrant coloration that intensifies during courtship. Peaceful and active, preferring reef...