
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
Three-Spot Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Purple Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
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...
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...
Green Chromis
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Marine Betta
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Yellow Tang
Azure Damselfish
Reticulated Damselfish
Queen Triggerfish
Sohal Tang
Brown Tang
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
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...
Blue Tang
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Half Black Angelfish
Clown Triggerfish
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Whitecheek Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
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
Whitetail Damselfish
Blue Chromis
Herald’s Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Barhead Spinefoot
Barred Soapfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Sergeant Major
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
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...
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....