
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
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...
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Gulf Toadfish
Humpback Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Crowned Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Tobacco Basslet
White-streaked Grouper
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
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...
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Lyretail Grouper
Blackbelly 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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Map Pufferfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Percula Clownfish
Zebra Dartfish
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Queen Triggerfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso 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...
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...