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.

Starry Dragonet

Azure Damselfish

Pyramid Butterflyfish

Reticulated Damselfish

Pearlscale Butterflyfish

Mirror Butterflyfish

Saddleback Butterflyfish

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...

Longnose Filefish

Horned Bannerfish

Four-Stripe Damselfish

Green Chromis

Copperband Butterflyfish

Latticed Butterflyfish

Meyer’s Butterflyfish

Lined Butterflyfish

Collare Butterflyfish

Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish

Coral Beauty Angelfish

Spotted Mandarin

Singular Bannerfish

Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish

Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish

Vagabond Butterflyfish

Rainford’s Butterflyfish

Threadfin Butterflyfish

Lemon Damselfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...

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

Whitetail Damselfish

Black Bar Chromis

Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish

Fourspot Butterflyfish

Merten’s Butterflyfish

Orangeface Butterflyfish

Four-Eyed Butterflyfish

Blacktail Butterflyfish

Porkfish

Zebra Dartfish

Red Sea bannerfish

Barred Soapfish

Talbot’s Damselfish

Teardrop Butterflyfish

Spotband Butterflyfish

Sergeant Major

Goldbelly Damselfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....

Helfrich’s Firefish

Big Longnose Butterflyfish

Fingered Dragonet

Blue Chromis

Melon Butterflyfish

Ornate Butterflyfish

Blackback Butterflyfish

Klein’s Butterflyfish

Burgess’ Butterflyfish

Half Black Angelfish

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...

Schooling Bannerfish

Three-Spot Damselfish

Yellowtail Blue Damselfish

Tinker’s Butterflyfish

Raccoon Butterflyfish

Mandarin Dragonet

Allen’s Damselfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...

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...