
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.
Sargassum Triggerfish
Azure Damselfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Three-Spot Damselfish
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Sergeant Major
Sixbar Wrasse
Pajama Cardinalfish
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....
Longnose Filefish
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Black-Axil Chromis
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Reticulated Damselfish
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Peacock Wrasse
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Princess Parrotfish
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...
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...
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Harlequin Tuskfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Sixline Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and rocky lagoons. Distinctive appearance with vibrant purple-blue body marked by six horizontal orange-red lines. Popular in aquariums for its active behavior and pest control, known to feed on small...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Belted Wrasse
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Whitetail Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Porkfish
Striated Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral-rich reefs and rocky areas. Characterized by its slender, reddish body with horizontal white stripes and iridescent blue markings on the face and fins. Known for being shy and secretive, often seen...
Marcos’ Wrasse
Barred Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Talbot’s Damselfish
Queen Triggerfish
Spotted Wrasse
Moon Wrasse
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Arabian Picasso 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...
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...
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....