
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
Smith’s Fangblenny
Red Sea bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Harlequin Bass
Flame Hawkfish
Horned Bannerfish
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Redbarred Hawkfish
Black Bar Chromis
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Orangeface Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Half Black Angelfish
Tobacco Basslet
Goldspot Blenny
Schooling Bannerfish
White-streaked Grouper
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Sergeant Major
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Lantern Bass
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...
Pennant Bannerfish
Leopard Blenny
Whitetail Damselfish
Coral Hawkfish
Blue Chromis
Melon Butterflyfish
Ornate Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Zebra Dartfish
Saddled Basslet
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Lyretail Grouper
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Lawnmower Blenny
Helfrich’s Firefish
Blackcap Basslet
Midas Blenny
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Black-Axil Chromis
Golden Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Azure Damselfish
Singular Bannerfish
Brazilian Basslet
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Spotted Hawkfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Longnose Hawkfish
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...