
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
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellow Clown Goby
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Moon Wrasse
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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Decorated Goby
Checkerboard Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Half Black Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Ocellaris Clownfish
Periophthalma Shrimp 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...
Purple Tilefish
Spotted Moray Eel
Yellow Watchman Goby
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Sixbar Wrasse
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their role in cleaning other fish by removing parasites. They have a slender body and a distinctive swimming pattern. Cleaner wrasses establish cleaning stations on the reef. Feeding They are primarily carnivores....
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Neon Goby
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Herald’s Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Sixline Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and rocky lagoons. Distinctive appearance with vibrant purple-blue body marked by six horizontal orange-red lines. Popular in aquariums for its active behavior and pest control, known to feed on small...
Marcos’ Wrasse
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Peacock Wrasse
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Filamented Flasher Wrasse
Overview Native to the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for the elongated filaments on the dorsal fin of males, used in their flashing displays. Small and slender-bodied, with vibrant coloration that intensifies during courtship. Peaceful and active, preferring reef...
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Dragon Moray Eel
Harlequin Tuskfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Ribbon Eel
Striated Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral-rich reefs and rocky areas. Characterized by its slender, reddish body with horizontal white stripes and iridescent blue markings on the face and fins. Known for being shy and secretive, often seen...