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
Tobacco Basslet
Rectangle Triggerfish
Yellowstripe Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found on coral-rich reef slopes and drop-offs. Recognizable by its vibrant purple body with a distinctive bright yellow stripe running along its dorsal region. A schooling species admired for its striking colors and active...
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...
Carberry’s Anthias
White-streaked Grouper
Speckled Blue Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Queen Triggerfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Tomato Clownfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Lyretail Grouper
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Banggai Cardinalfish
Overview Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots. Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef...
Purple Queen Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting outer reef slopes and deep coral reef environments. Characterized by its stunning lavender-purple coloration with subtle yellow accents on fins and face. Known for active schooling behavior and striking...
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...
Maroon Clownfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting coral reefs and lagoon areas. Recognizable by its deep maroon coloration with distinctive white or yellowish vertical bands. Known for bold personality, territorial nature, and striking appearance. Popular among...
Longnose Filefish
Longnose Hawkfish
Flame Hawkfish
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Humpback Grouper
Redbarred Hawkfish
Coral Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Bluelined Hind
Coral Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Half Black Angelfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Clown Triggerfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Percula Clownfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
