
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
Twin-Spot Goby
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellow Watchman Goby
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Moon 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...
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....
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....
Stark’s Tilefish
Radiant Wrasse
Curious Wormfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Atlantic Spadefish
Marine Betta
Axilspot Hogfish
Percula Clownfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Yellow Tang
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...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Sixbar Wrasse
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...
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Flashing Tilefish
Checkerboard Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Pineapplefish
Half Black Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Ocellaris Clownfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
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...