
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
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...
Schooling Bannerfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Crown Squirrelfish
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...
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
Horned Bannerfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Half Black Angelfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Azure Damselfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
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...
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Pennant Bannerfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Herald’s Angelfish
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...
Singular Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
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...
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...
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Coral Beauty Angelfish
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...
Red Sea bannerfish
Barred Soapfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
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...
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...