
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
Smith’s Fangblenny
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Gray Angelfish
Overview Native to the Western Atlantic, commonly found near coral reefs and rocky outcroppings in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Large angelfish with a dark gray body covered in lighter scale markings and a broad, crescent-shaped tail fin. Juveniles feature a...
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...
Curious Wormfish
Leopard Blenny
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Flame Angelfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
African Flameback Angelfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Yellow Tang
Zebra Dartfish
Goldspot Blenny
Yellow Clown Goby
Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Lawnmower Blenny
Bluestriped Fangblenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found near coral reefs and lagoon habitats. Distinctive slender body with alternating bright blue and black horizontal stripes. Known for its unique behavior of mimicking cleaner wrasses to approach other fish and...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Decorated Goby
Neon Goby
Midas Blenny
Black Velvet Angelfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Bicolor Angelfish
Indian Yellowtail Angelfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Ward’s 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...
Rock Beauty
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Rusty Angelfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Indian Ocean Sailfin 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...
Convict Blenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive eel-like body with striking black and white horizontal stripes, resembling a "convict" pattern. Known for its unique burrowing and schooling behavior, often...
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...
Stark’s Tilefish
Swallowtail Angelfish
Bicolor Blenny
Half Black Angelfish
Lemonpeel Angelfish
Golden Angelfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Shortnose Unicornfish
Queen Angelfish
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Koran Angelfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found around coral reefs and lagoon environments. Known for its vibrant blue-green body with distinctive semicircular patterns and intricate blue markings on the fins. Juveniles have bold blue, black, and white...
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....