
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.
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
Sergeant Major
Longnose Filefish
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Peacock Grouper
Crowned Toby
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Lyretail Grouper
Flashing Tilefish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Golden Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Masked Pufferfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Starry Pufferfish
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...
Horned Bannerfish
Humpback Grouper
Latticed Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Valentini Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
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...