
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
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Red Lionfish
Sharknose Goby
Zebra Lionfish
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Diamond Goby
Pajama Cardinalfish
Radiata Lionfish
Blue Tang
Decorated Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Porkfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Twin-Spot Goby
Russell’s Lionfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Dwarf Lionfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Mombasa Lionfish
Longnose Filefish
Curious Wormfish
Humpback Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Tobacco Basslet
Antennata Lionfish
White-streaked Grouper
Fu Manchu Lionfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Arabian 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...
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....
Neon Goby
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Rectangle Triggerfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
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...
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...