
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.
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...
Queen Angelfish
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Spanish Hogfish
Sixbar Wrasse
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...
Peacock Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Harlequin Tuskfish
Flame Angelfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
African Flameback Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Fourline Wrasse
Zigzag Wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Belted Wrasse
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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Dusky Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Black Velvet Angelfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Bicolor Angelfish
Marine Betta
Axilspot Hogfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish
Peacock Wrasse
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
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....
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Swallowtail Angelfish
Half Black Angelfish
Lemonpeel Angelfish
Golden Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Indian Yellowtail Angelfish
Rock Beauty
Sixline Soapfish
Rusty Angelfish
Moon Wrasse
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...