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.
Tobacco Basslet
Queen Angelfish
Valentini Puffer
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Lamarck’s Angelfish
Peacock Grouper
Eibli Angelfish
African Flameback Angelfish
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Zebra Dartfish
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
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...
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...
Black Velvet Angelfish
Keyhole Angelfish
Bicolor Angelfish
Crowned Toby
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Indian Yellowtail Angelfish
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...
Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
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...
King Angelfish
Atlantic Spadefish
Flame Angelfish
Golden Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Immaculate Pufferfish
Rock Beauty
Rusty Angelfish
White-Spotted Pufferfish
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...
Swallowtail Angelfish
Bluelined Hind
Lemonpeel Angelfish
Cherub Angelfish
Marine Betta
