
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
Rectangle Triggerfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Brown Tang
Moon Wrasse
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Filamented Flasher Wrasse
Overview Native to the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for the elongated filaments on the dorsal fin of males, used in their flashing displays. Small and slender-bodied, with vibrant coloration that intensifies during courtship. Peaceful and active, preferring reef...
Peacock Wrasse
Dusky Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Peacock Grouper
Split-Level Hogfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Striated Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral-rich reefs and rocky areas. Characterized by its slender, reddish body with horizontal white stripes and iridescent blue markings on the face and fins. Known for being shy and secretive, often seen...
Zigzag Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Sixbar Wrasse
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Blue Tang
Allen’s Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Harlequin Tuskfish
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Barhead Spinefoot
Shortnose Unicornfish
Tail-spot wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Peacock Wrasse
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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....
Cleaner Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Convict Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Fourline Wrasse
Sixline Soapfish
Purple Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Belted Wrasse
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Picasso Triggerfish
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...