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
Russell’s Lionfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Dwarf Lionfish
Purple Tang
Radiata Lionfish
Longnose Filefish
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....
Longfin Bannerfish
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Antennata Lionfish
White-streaked Grouper
Fu Manchu Lionfish
Brown Tang
Mombasa Lionfish
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...
Kole Tang
Peacock Grouper
Lyretail Hogfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Zebra Dartfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Phantom Bannerfish
Humpback Grouper
Half Black Angelfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Red Lionfish
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...
Zebra Lionfish
Whitecheek Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Blue Tang
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...
Masked Bannerfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Convict Tang
