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

Zebra Dartfish

Queen Angelfish

Vermiculated Angelfish

Seale’s Cardinalfish

Whitecheek Tang

Lyretail Grouper

Arabian Angelfish

Overview Native to the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean, commonly inhabiting coral reefs and rocky reef slopes. Recognizable by its striking coloration: a deep blue-black body with a bold vertical yellow band and yellow tail fin. Juveniles display a unique coloration...

Gulf Toadfish

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....

Swallowtail Angelfish

Five-lined Cardinalfish

Coral Grouper

Potter’s Angelfish

Eibli Angelfish

Cherub Angelfish

Three-spot Angelfish

Pink Skunk Clownfish

Clarkii Clownfish

Orange Shoulder Tang

Atlantic Blue Tang

Yellow Tang

Yellowbar Angelfish

Overview Native to the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and northwestern Indian Ocean, typically found around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. Distinguished by its deep blue body, vibrant yellow vertical bar in the center, and blue-margined fins and tail. Juveniles display black...

Watanabe’s Angelfish

Scribbled Angelfish

Twospot Cardinalfish

Purple Tang

Orbiculate Cardinalfish

Blue Ring Angelfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found around coral-rich reefs and rocky structures. Identifiable by its beautiful blue-ringed pattern on a tan or yellowish body, with vibrant blue highlights around the fins and face. Adults and juveniles differ...

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...

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...

Lamarck’s Angelfish

Black Velvet Angelfish

Peacock Grouper

Flame Angelfish

Coral Beauty Angelfish

African Flameback Angelfish

Orange-Lined Cardinalfish

Percula Clownfish

Indian Ocean Mimic Tang

Lined Surgeonfish

Achilles Tang

Tobacco Basslet

Shortnose Unicornfish

White-streaked Grouper

Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish

Threadfin Cardinalfish

Brown Tang

Pajama Cardinalfish

Multi-barred Angelfish

Helfrich’s Firefish

King Angelfish

Kole Tang

Blue-spotted Angelfish

Half Black Angelfish

Herald’s Angelfish

Bicolor Angelfish

Marine Betta

Ochre-striped Cardinalfish

Ocellaris Clownfish

Convict Tang

Powder Blue Surgeonfish

Regal Angelfish

Rock Beauty

Speckled Blue Grouper

Rusty Angelfish

Sohal Tang

Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang

Emperor Angelfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs. Famous for its striking coloration; juveniles have distinct blue, white, and black circular patterns, adults develop vivid yellow and blue stripes with a distinctive...

Blue Tang

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...