
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
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...
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...
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...
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...
Carberry’s Anthias
Saddleback Clownfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Tomato Clownfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Fathead Sunburst Anthias
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...
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...
Lyretail Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found on outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Males are bright orange to reddish-orange with long trailing fin extensions; females are yellow-orange and more slender. Highly active and social schooling fish that prefer...
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...
Lori’s Anthias
Overview Native to the Western Pacific, typically inhabiting outer reef slopes and drop-offs. Known for its vivid pink and red coloration, with males displaying a more intense hue and extended fin rays. A peaceful, active schooling species often found hovering in...
Dispar Anthias
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, especially around reef slopes and outer reef drop-offs. Displays vibrant orange to reddish coloration in males, while females are more subdued in color. A peaceful and active schooling fish, often seen mid-water in groups above...
Cooper’s Anthias
Overview Found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly near coral slopes and reef drop-offs. Males display a bold reddish-pink body with a lavender hue, while females are more orange or yellow-toned. A mid-water schooling fish known for its beauty and...
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...
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....