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
Spotted Mandarin
Carberry’s Anthias
Twospot Cardinalfish
Purple Tang
Mandarin Dragonet
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
Blue Tang
Helfrich’s Firefish
Fingered Dragonet
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Rectangle Triggerfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Brown Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Goldspecs Jawfish
Overview Found in various marine environments worldwide. Known for their characteristic large mouths and burrowing behavior. They have elongated bodies and are often colorful. Jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of building and inhabiting burrows....
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...
Kole Tang
Herald’s Angelfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Zebra Dartfish
Queen Triggerfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
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....
Pineapplefish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Starry Dragonet
Yellowhead Jawfish
Overview Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. Known for their bright yellow head and elongated body. They have a large mouth and are often seen hovering near their burrows. Yellowhead jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of...
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
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...
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Clown Triggerfish
Convict Tang
