
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
Twin-Spot Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Sharknose Goby
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Brown Tang
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
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...
Allen’s Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...
Banded Pipefish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Black Bar Chromis
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
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...
Yellow Clown Goby
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
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...
Decorated Goby
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Humpback Grouper
Blue Chromis
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Azure Damselfish
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Lyretail Grouper
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Lemon Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...
Blue Tang
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....
Curious Wormfish
Whitetail Damselfish
Messmate Pipefish
Black-Axil Chromis
Half Black Angelfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Diamond Goby
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Crown Squirrelfish
Goldbelly Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....
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...
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...