
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.
Sargassum Triggerfish
Barhead Spinefoot
Rectangle Triggerfish
Redband Anthias
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, especially near coral reef drop-offs and outer reef slopes. Features a vibrant pink to reddish body with a distinct vertical red bar on the side, more prominent in males. Schooling species often seen swimming mid-water above...
Squarespot Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found on reef slopes and coral-rich lagoons. Distinctive appearance featuring a vibrant pinkish-purple body with a prominent square-shaped pink or lavender marking on its sides. A peaceful schooling species valued...
Threadfin Anthias
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, frequently found around reef slopes and coral-rich areas. Notable for its beautiful coloration, featuring a pinkish body, vibrant red-orange dorsal fins, and elongated thread-like fin rays in males. A peaceful schooling species...
Valentini Puffer
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Coral Rabbitfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Lyretail Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found on outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Males are bright orange to reddish-orange with long trailing fin extensions; females are yellow-orange and more slender. Highly active and social schooling fish that prefer...
Princess Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically found in outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Distinguished by its vivid pink and purple hues with subtle yellow highlights, especially in males. A peaceful, schooling species often seen swimming in the water column...
Lori’s Anthias
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, typically inhabiting outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Known for its vivid pink and red coloration, with males displaying a more intense hue and extended fin rays. A peaceful, active schooling species often found hovering in...
Dispar Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, especially around reef slopes and outer reef drop-offs. Displays vibrant orange to reddish coloration in males, while females are more subdued in color. A peaceful and active schooling fish, often seen mid-water in groups above...
Cooper’s Anthias
Overview Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly near coral slopes and reef drop-offs. Males display a bold reddish-pink body with a lavender hue, while females are more orange or yellow-toned. A mid-water schooling fish known for its beauty and...
Bicolor Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting coral reefs and reef slopes. Known for its vibrant coloration with males showcasing a striking mix of pink and orange, while females exhibit a softer yellowish-orange color. A schooling species, prized for its...
Bartlett’s Anthias
Overview Native to the Pacific Ocean, particularly common in coral reefs around the Marshall Islands and the Central Pacific. Features a striking coloration with vibrant yellow body, purplish-red upper half, and striking lavender highlights on fins. A schooling...