
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
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Red Lionfish
Sharknose Goby
Zebra Lionfish
Queen Triggerfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Diamond Goby
Pajama Cardinalfish
Radiata Lionfish
Longnose Filefish
Curious Wormfish
Humpback Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Twin-Spot Goby
Russell’s Lionfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Dwarf Lionfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Mombasa Lionfish
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....
Neon Goby
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Tobacco Basslet
Antennata Lionfish
White-streaked Grouper
Fu Manchu Lionfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Tomato Clownfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Banggai Cardinalfish
Overview Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots. Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef...
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...