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.

Sargassum Triggerfish

Violet Soldierfish

Pyramid Butterflyfish

Teardrop Butterflyfish

Spotband Butterflyfish

Queen Triggerfish

Arabian Picasso Triggerfish

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...

Blue Hamlet

Banded Pipefish

Melon Butterflyfish

Ornate Butterflyfish

Blackback Butterflyfish

Klein’s Butterflyfish

Burgess’ Butterflyfish

Marine Betta

Pink Skunk Clownfish

Clarkii Clownfish

Rectangle Triggerfish

Singular Bannerfish

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Tinker’s Butterflyfish

Raccoon Butterflyfish

Blue Throat Triggerfish

Picasso Triggerfish

Helfrich’s Firefish

Horned Bannerfish

Messmate Pipefish

Golden Butterflyfish

Eightband Butterflyfish

Oval Butterflyfish

Saddleback Butterflyfish

Bennett’s Butterflyfish

Lyretail Hogfish

Percula Clownfish

Zebra Dartfish

Red Sea bannerfish

Pearlscale Butterflyfish

Mirror Butterflyfish

Saddleback Butterflyfish

Halfmoon Triggerfish

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...

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...

Pennant Bannerfish

Copperband Butterflyfish

Latticed Butterflyfish

Meyer’s Butterflyfish

Lined Butterflyfish

Collare Butterflyfish

Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish

Clown Triggerfish

Ocellaris Clownfish

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...

Schooling Bannerfish

Vagabond Butterflyfish

Rainford’s Butterflyfish

Threadfin Butterflyfish

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...

Twospot Soldierfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in lagoons and seaward reefs. Recognized by its vibrant red or orange body, distinctive black tips on its dorsal fin, and large eyes. Nocturnal species, typically seeking shelter in caves or crevices during the...