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
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
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...
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
Shortnose Unicornfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Purple Tang
Mandarin Dragonet
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Fingered Dragonet
Herald’s Angelfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Violet Soldierfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Brown Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
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....
Kole Tang
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Starry Dragonet
Zebra Dartfish
Queen Triggerfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Blackbelly 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
