
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
Tobacco Basslet
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...
White-streaked Grouper
Queen Triggerfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
Banggai Cardinalfish
Overview Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots. Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef...
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...
Flame Hawkfish
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Coral Hawkfish
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Rectangle Triggerfish
Carberry’s Anthias
Speckled Blue Grouper
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Magenta Dottyback
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, commonly found inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Recognized by its striking magenta-purple coloration that can vary slightly in intensity. Known for its bold and territorial behavior, suitable for aquarists with some...
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...
Decorated Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Falco Hawkfish
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Bicolor Dottyback
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive two-tone coloration with a vibrant purple front half and bright yellow rear half. Popular aquarium species for its bright colors, active nature, and...
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Twospot Cardinalfish
Tomato Clownfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Orchid Dottyback
Overview Native to the Red Sea, often found in coral reefs and rocky crevices. Known for its vibrant, deep purple or orchid coloration, making it popular among marine aquarists. Displays bold, inquisitive behavior while being less aggressive compared to other...
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...
Curious Wormfish
Humpback Grouper
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Sunrise Dottyback
Overview Native to the Red Sea, typically found inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. Distinctive bright coloration featuring a vibrant blue body with a striking yellow-orange head and dorsal region. Known for its bold personality and territorial behavior, ideal for...
Yellow Clown Goby
Spotted Hawkfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Pajama Cardinalfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Diadem Dottyback
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive coloration featuring a vivid purple body with a yellow dorsal stripe running from head to tail. Known for its bold and territorial nature, suitable for...