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.

Tobacco Basslet

Zebra Dartfish

Azure Damselfish

Singular Bannerfish

Red Sea bannerfish

Schooling Bannerfish

Pyramid Butterflyfish

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Barred Soapfish

Three-Spot Damselfish

Reticulated Damselfish

Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish

Talbot’s Damselfish

Yellowtail Blue Damselfish

Seale’s Cardinalfish

Twospot Cardinalfish

Threadfin Cardinalfish

Orbiculate Cardinalfish

Pajama Cardinalfish

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...

Helfrich’s Firefish

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...