
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
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Rectangle Triggerfish
White-streaked Grouper
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Kole Tang
Atlantic Spadefish
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Twin-Spot Goby
Shortnose Unicornfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Princess Parrotfish
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...
Decorated Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Bluelined Hind
Half Black Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Barhead Spinefoot
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Blue Tang
Curious Wormfish
Humpback Grouper
Bicolor Parrotfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Yellow Clown Goby
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Diamond Goby
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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....