
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.
Sailfin Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Singular Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Sohal Tang
Brown Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Naso Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive appearance, including a prominent nose horn (more developed in males) and vibrant coloration. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Naso tangs are active swimmers and often seen...
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Pineapplefish
Black-Axil Chromis
Golden Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Rectangle Triggerfish
Red Sea bannerfish
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Whitecheek Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
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...
Horned Bannerfish
Whitetail Damselfish
Green Chromis
Copperband Butterflyfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Meyer’s Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Azure Damselfish
Schooling Bannerfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Sergeant Major
Blue Throat Triggerfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
Blue Tang
Pennant Bannerfish
Kole Tang
Black Bar Chromis
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Orangeface Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
Shortnose Unicornfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Barred Soapfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Queen Triggerfish
Purple Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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....
Bluespine Unicorn Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive long horn-like protrusion on their forehead, which develops with age. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Unicorn tangs are active swimmers and often seen grazing on algae....