
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
Striated Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral-rich reefs and rocky areas. Characterized by its slender, reddish body with horizontal white stripes and iridescent blue markings on the face and fins. Known for being shy and secretive, often seen...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Moon Wrasse
Princess Parrotfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Filefish
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Midas Blenny
Redbarred Hawkfish
Harlequin Tuskfish
Peacock Grouper
Split-Level Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Tobacco Basslet
Smith’s Fangblenny
Marcos’ Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Clown Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Peacock Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
Lawnmower Blenny
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...
Longnose Hawkfish
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their role in cleaning other fish by removing parasites. They have a slender body and a distinctive swimming pattern. Cleaner wrasses establish cleaning stations on the reef. Feeding They are primarily carnivores....
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Bicolor Blenny
Coral Hawkfish
Bluelined Hind
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Rectangle Triggerfish
Fourline Wrasse
Zigzag Wrasse
Speckled Blue Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackbelly 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...
Flame Hawkfish
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Bicolor Parrotfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Sixline Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and rocky lagoons. Distinctive appearance with vibrant purple-blue body marked by six horizontal orange-red lines. Popular in aquariums for its active behavior and pest control, known to feed on small...
Goldspot Blenny
Tail-spot wrasse
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Lyretail Grouper
Belted Wrasse
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Filamented Flasher Wrasse
Overview Native to the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for the elongated filaments on the dorsal fin of males, used in their flashing displays. Small and slender-bodied, with vibrant coloration that intensifies during courtship. Peaceful and active, preferring reef...