
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
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
White-streaked Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Lyretail Grouper
Belted Wrasse
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Blackbelly 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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Humpback Grouper
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Barhead Spinefoot
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
Speckled Blue Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Spotted Wrasse
Moon Wrasse
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Hawkfish
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....
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Redbarred Hawkfish
Harlequin Tuskfish
Peacock Grouper
Split-Level Hogfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Tobacco Basslet
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Peacock Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Picasso Triggerfish
Flame Hawkfish
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Coral Hawkfish
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
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...