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
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Queen Triggerfish
Sergeant Major
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Lemon Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...
Banded Pipefish
Messmate Pipefish
Black-Axil Chromis
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Tobacco Basslet
Speckled Blue Grouper
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
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...
Goldbelly Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Barred Soapfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Lyretail Grouper
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
Allen’s Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...
Whitetail Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Clown Triggerfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Azure Damselfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
Humpback Grouper
Blue Chromis
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
