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
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Sergeant Major
Pajama 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...
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...
Messmate Pipefish
Black-Axil Chromis
Herald’s Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
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....
Banded Pipefish
Green Chromis
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Marine Betta
Map Pufferfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Queen Triggerfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
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...
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...
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Atlantic Spadefish
Crowned Toby
Clown Triggerfish
Immaculate Pufferfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Azure Damselfish
Reticulated Damselfish
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
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...
Whitetail Damselfish
Blue Chromis
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
