
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
Rectangle Triggerfish
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...
Zigzag Wrasse
Yellow Clown Goby
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
Blue Gudgeon
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, frequently found over sand and rubble substrates near reefs. Distinctive slender body with a pale blue-green coloration and iridescent blue highlights along its sides. Known for peaceful and timid behavior, typically...
Flame Hawkfish
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Curious Wormfish
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Coral Hawkfish
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellow Watchman Goby
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Spotted Wrasse
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Blackbelly 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...
Firefish Goby
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their striking appearance with elongated dorsal and caudal fin rays, and vibrant coloration, typically red, white, and yellow. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Magnificent dartfish are often seen...
Allen’s Wrasse
Decorated Goby
Checkerboard Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Falco Hawkfish
Atlantic Spadefish
Split-Level Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Scissortail Dartfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly inhabiting reef slopes, lagoons, and sandy rubble areas. Recognizable by its slender body, pale bluish-grey coloration, and distinct black fins. Peaceful and shy nature, often observed hovering in open water above reefs or...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Moon Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
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....
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Neon Goby
Messmate Pipefish
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
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...
Marcos’ Wrasse
Sharknose Goby
Clown Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Peacock Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Hawkfish
Decorated Dartfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their elegant appearance with elongated dorsal fin rays and vibrant coloration, often including shades of purple, red, and white. They have a slender body and a peaceful demeanor. Decorated dartfish are often seen...