
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.
Barhead Spinefoot
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Sergeant Major
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Princess Parrotfish
Goldbelly Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....
Flame Hawkfish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Coral Hawkfish
Blue Chromis
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Azure Damselfish
Spotted Hawkfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
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...
Allen’s Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...
Phantom Bannerfish
Whitetail Damselfish
Falco Hawkfish
Black-Axil Chromis
Herald’s Angelfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
Masked Bannerfish
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Green Chromis
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Lemon Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...