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.
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Smith’s Fangblenny
White-streaked Grouper
Saddleback Clownfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Blue Gudgeon
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, frequently found over sand and rubble substrates near reefs. Distinctive slender body with a pale blue-green coloration and iridescent blue highlights along its sides. Known for peaceful and timid behavior, typically...
Firefish Goby
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their striking appearance with elongated dorsal and caudal fin rays, and vibrant coloration, typically red, white, and yellow. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Magnificent dartfish are often seen...
Decorated Goby
Midas Blenny
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Percula Clownfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Goldspot Blenny
Speckled Blue Grouper
Cinnamon Clownfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Curious Wormfish
Bicolor Blenny
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Sharknose Goby
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Tomato Clownfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Crown Squirrelfish
Bluestriped Fangblenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found near coral reefs and lagoon habitats. Distinctive slender body with alternating bright blue and black horizontal stripes. Known for its unique behavior of mimicking cleaner wrasses to approach other fish and...
Decorated Dartfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their elegant appearance with elongated dorsal fin rays and vibrant coloration, often including shades of purple, red, and white. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Decorated dartfish are often seen...
Neon Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Peacock Grouper
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Barhead Spinefoot
Scissortail Dartfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting reef slopes, lagoons, and sandy rubble areas. Recognizable by its slender body, pale bluish-grey coloration, and distinct black fins. Peaceful and shy nature, often observed hovering in open water above reefs or...
Yellow Clown Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Saddleback Clownfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Lawnmower Blenny
Convict Blenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive eel-like body with striking black and white horizontal stripes, resembling a "convict" pattern. Known for its unique burrowing and schooling behavior, often...
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...
Leopard Blenny
Humpback Grouper
Half Black Angelfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
