
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
Shortnose Unicornfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Speckled Blue Grouper
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Twospot Cardinalfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Whitecheek Tang
Peacock Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
Blue Tang
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....
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....
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Yellow Tang
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Tomato Clownfish
Purple Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
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...
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Harlequin Tuskfish
Peacock Grouper
Split-Level Hogfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Tobacco Basslet
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Spotted Wrasse
Saddleback Clownfish
Brown Tang
Moon Wrasse
Pajama Cardinalfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
Kole Tang
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Zebra Dartfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
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...
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...