
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
Redcoat Squirrelfish
White-streaked Grouper
Twospot Cardinalfish
Tomato Clownfish
Purple Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Blue Tang
Kole Tang
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Rectangle Triggerfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Brown Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
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....
Humpback Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Carberry’s Anthias
Queen Triggerfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Crown Squirrelfish
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...
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...
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Percula Clownfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Shortnose Unicornfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
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...