
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
Rectangle Triggerfish
Schooling Bannerfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Purple Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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....
Pennant Bannerfish
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Orangeface Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Clown Triggerfish
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Yellow Tang
Shortnose Unicornfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Queen Triggerfish
Brown Tang
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Melon Butterflyfish
Ornate Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Half Black Angelfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Sargassum Triggerfish
Singular Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Crown Squirrelfish
Blue Tang
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...