
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
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Bicolor Parrotfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Horned Bannerfish
Copperband Butterflyfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Half Black Angelfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Chalk Bass
Pennant Bannerfish
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Sergeant Major
Magnificent Rabbitfish
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...