
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.
Barhead Spinefoot
Tobacco Basslet
Redcoat Squirrelfish
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...
Azure Damselfish
Fourline Wrasse
Purple Tilefish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Zigzag Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Sixline Soapfish
White-streaked Grouper
Speckled Blue Grouper
Barred Soapfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Clown Wrasse
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Spanish Hogfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Spotted Wrasse
Sergeant Major
Peacock Wrasse
Lyretail Grouper
Moon Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Coral Rabbitfish
Princess Parrotfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Crown Squirrelfish
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...
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...
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...
Peacock Wrasse
Allen’s Wrasse
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....