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.
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
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....
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...
Longfin Bannerfish
Humpback Grouper
Half Black Angelfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Decorated Goby
Curious Wormfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Scissortail Dartfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting reef slopes, lagoons, and sandy rubble areas. Recognizable by its slender body, pale bluish-grey coloration, and distinct black fins. Peaceful and shy nature, often observed hovering in open water above reefs or...
White-streaked Grouper
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Blue Gudgeon
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, frequently found over sand and rubble substrates near reefs. Distinctive slender body with a pale blue-green coloration and iridescent blue highlights along its sides. Known for peaceful and timid behavior, typically...
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...
Phantom Bannerfish
Neon Goby
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Barhead Spinefoot
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...
Speckled Blue Grouper
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Longnose Filefish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Masked Bannerfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Peacock Grouper
