
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
Tobacco Basslet
Shortnose Unicornfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Speckled Blue Grouper
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Brown Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Belted Wrasse
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Blue Tang
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....
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Humpback Grouper
Coral Grouper
Diana’s Hogfish
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Moon Wrasse
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
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...
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...
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....
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Peacock Grouper
Axilspot Hogfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Whitecheek Tang
Peacock Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Harlequin Tuskfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Percula Clownfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
Zebra Dartfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Purple Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Crown Squirrelfish
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...