
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
Zebra Dartfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
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...
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....
Helfrich’s Firefish
Neon Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Black Bar Chromis
Bicolor Parrotfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Percula Clownfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
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...
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
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...
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...
Banded Pipefish
Humpback Grouper
Blue Chromis
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Azure Damselfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
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...
Decorated Goby
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Messmate Pipefish
Black-Axil Chromis
Peacock Grouper
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Tobacco Basslet
Sharknose Goby
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Princess Parrotfish
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...
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...