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
Twin-Spot Goby
Shortnose Unicornfish
Yellow Watchman Goby
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
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....
Curious Wormfish
Bluelined Hind
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Yellow Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Violet Soldierfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Firefish Goby
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their striking appearance with elongated dorsal and caudal fin rays, and vibrant coloration, typically red, white, and yellow. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Magnificent dartfish are often seen...
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...
Neon Goby
Peacock Grouper
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Sharknose Goby
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Helfrich’s Firefish
Twospot Soldierfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in lagoons and seaward reefs. Recognized by its vibrant red or orange body, distinctive black tips on its dorsal fin, and large eyes. Nocturnal species, typically seeking shelter in caves or crevices during the...
Kole Tang
Half Black Angelfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Scissortail Dartfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting reef slopes, lagoons, and sandy rubble areas. Recognizable by its slender body, pale bluish-grey coloration, and distinct black fins. Peaceful and shy nature, often observed hovering in open water above reefs or...
Yellow Clown Goby
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Blue Gudgeon
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, frequently found over sand and rubble substrates near reefs. Distinctive slender body with a pale blue-green coloration and iridescent blue highlights along its sides. Known for peaceful and timid behavior, typically...
Decorated Dartfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their elegant appearance with elongated dorsal fin rays and vibrant coloration, often including shades of purple, red, and white. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Decorated dartfish are often seen...
Decorated Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Herald’s Angelfish
Spotted shrimp goby
