
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
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...
Marcos’ Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Cinnamon Clownfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Twospot Soldierfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in lagoons and seaward reefs. Recognized by its vibrant red or orange body, distinctive black tips on its dorsal fin, and large eyes. Nocturnal species, typically seeking shelter in caves or crevices during the...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Messmate Pipefish
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Peacock Grouper
Split-Level Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Tobacco Basslet
Violet Soldierfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Speckled Blue Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Tomato Clownfish
Lyretail Grouper
Belted Wrasse
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...
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
Banded Pipefish
Redbarred Hawkfish
Harlequin Tuskfish
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Rectangle Triggerfish
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Saddleback Clownfish
Moon Wrasse
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Longnose Hawkfish
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Coral Hawkfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
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...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Saddleback Clownfish
Peacock Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Flame 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....