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.
Ward’s Sleeper 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
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Flame Hawkfish
Radiant Wrasse
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Sleeper Banded Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
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
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Peacock Wrasse
Pajama Cardinalfish
Peacock Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellow Watchman Goby
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Curious Wormfish
Marine Betta
Spotted shrimp goby
Tobacco Basslet
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
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...
Decorated Goby
Neon Goby
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
