
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
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...
Rock Beauty
Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
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...
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....
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...
King Angelfish
Midas Blenny
Half Black Angelfish
Lemonpeel Angelfish
Golden Angelfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Shortnose Unicornfish
Queen Angelfish
Rusty Angelfish
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...
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
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....
Swallowtail Angelfish
Bicolor Blenny
Keyhole Angelfish
Eibli Angelfish
Cherub Angelfish
Convict Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Zebra Dartfish
Smith’s Fangblenny
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Purple 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...
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...
Lamarck’s Angelfish
Kole Tang
Flame Angelfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
African Flameback Angelfish
Mimic Tang
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...
Goldspot Blenny
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Brown Tang
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...