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
Speckled Blue Grouper
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Brown Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
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...
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
Marine Betta
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Rectangle Triggerfish
Queen Triggerfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
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...
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
Clown Triggerfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Blue Tang
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...
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Percula Clownfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
