
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.
Tobacco Basslet
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Tomato Clownfish
Moon Wrasse
Pajama Cardinalfish
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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Humpback Grouper
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Sixline Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and rocky lagoons. Distinctive appearance with vibrant purple-blue body marked by six horizontal orange-red lines. Popular in aquariums for its active behavior and pest control, known to feed on small...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Spotted Wrasse
Saddleback Clownfish
Sixbar Wrasse
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
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...
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
Messmate Pipefish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
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...
Marcos’ Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Peacock Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
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...
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Carberry’s Anthias
Zigzag Wrasse
Speckled Blue Grouper
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Twospot Cardinalfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Lyretail Grouper
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
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...