
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
Purple Tilefish
Schooling Bannerfish
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Moon Wrasse
Crown Squirrelfish
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...
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Humpback Grouper
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Melon Butterflyfish
Ornate Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Clown Wrasse
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Spotted Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
Filamented Flasher Wrasse
Overview Native to the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for the elongated filaments on the dorsal fin of males, used in their flashing displays. Small and slender-bodied, with vibrant coloration that intensifies during courtship. Peaceful and active, preferring reef...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Allen’s Wrasse
Horned Bannerfish
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Redbarred Hawkfish
Harlequin Tuskfish
Golden Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Zebra Dartfish
Singular Bannerfish
Zigzag Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Peacock Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
Longnose Hawkfish
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...
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their role in cleaning other fish by removing parasites. They have a slender body and a distinctive swimming pattern. Cleaner wrasses establish cleaning stations on the reef. Feeding They are primarily carnivores....
Pennant Bannerfish
Checkerboard Wrasse
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Coral Hawkfish
Copperband Butterflyfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Meyer’s Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish
Peacock Grouper
Split-Level Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Fourline Wrasse
Red Sea bannerfish
Tail-spot wrasse
Speckled Blue Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Spanish Hogfish
Lyretail Grouper
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Flame Hawkfish
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...