
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
Yellow Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Barhead Spinefoot
Tobacco Basslet
Rectangle Triggerfish
Yellowstripe Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found on coral-rich reef slopes and drop-offs. Recognizable by its vibrant purple body with a distinctive bright yellow stripe running along its dorsal region. A schooling species admired for its striking colors and active...
Redband Anthias
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, especially near coral reef drop-offs and outer reef slopes. Features a vibrant pink to reddish body with a distinct vertical red bar on the side, more prominent in males. Schooling species often seen swimming mid-water above...
Squarespot Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found on reef slopes and coral-rich lagoons. Distinctive appearance featuring a vibrant pinkish-purple body with a prominent square-shaped pink or lavender marking on its sides. A peaceful schooling species valued...
Threadfin Anthias
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, frequently found around reef slopes and coral-rich areas. Notable for its beautiful coloration, featuring a pinkish body, vibrant red-orange dorsal fins, and elongated thread-like fin rays in males. A peaceful schooling species...
Carberry’s Anthias
Shortnose Unicornfish
Violet Soldierfish
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Clown Goby
White-streaked Grouper
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Whitecheek Tang
Purple Tang
Brown Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Lyretail Grouper
Diamond Goby
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Foxface Rabbitfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Coral Rabbitfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Princess Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically found in outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Distinguished by its vivid pink and purple hues with subtle yellow highlights, especially in males. A peaceful, schooling species often seen swimming in the water column...
Purple Queen Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting outer reef slopes and deep coral reef environments. Characterized by its stunning lavender-purple coloration with subtle yellow accents on fins and face. Known for active schooling behavior and striking...
Bicolor Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting coral reefs and reef slopes. Known for its vibrant coloration with males showcasing a striking mix of pink and orange, while females exhibit a softer yellowish-orange color. A schooling species, prized for its...
Bartlett’s Anthias
Overview Native to the Pacific Ocean, particularly common in coral reefs around the Marshall Islands and the Central Pacific. Features a striking coloration with vibrant yellow body, purplish-red upper half, and striking lavender highlights on fins. A schooling...
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....
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...
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...