
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.
Sargassum Triggerfish
Smith’s Fangblenny
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Lyretail Grouper
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Convict Blenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive eel-like body with striking black and white horizontal stripes, resembling a "convict" pattern. Known for its unique burrowing and schooling behavior, often...
Bicolor Blenny
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Peacock Grouper
Crowned Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Tobacco Basslet
Goldspot Blenny
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Queen Triggerfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Crown Squirrelfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...
Banded Pipefish
Atlantic Spadefish
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
White-streaked Grouper
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Lawnmower Blenny
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...
Leopard Blenny
Humpback Grouper
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Map Pufferfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Bluestriped Fangblenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found near coral reefs and lagoon habitats. Distinctive slender body with alternating bright blue and black horizontal stripes. Known for its unique behavior of mimicking cleaner wrasses to approach other fish and...