
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
Zebra Dartfish
Azure Damselfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Sharknose Goby
Barred Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Brown Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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...
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 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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Decorated Goby
Checkerboard Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Kole Tang
Green Chromis
Harlequin Tuskfish
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Axilspot Hogfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Twin-Spot Goby
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...
Shortnose Unicornfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Yellow Clown Goby
Three-Spot Damselfish
Clown Wrasse
Talbot’s Damselfish
Queen Triggerfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Diamond Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Picasso Triggerfish
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....
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....
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....
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Neon Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Black Bar Chromis
Atlantic Spadefish
Half Black Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Sargassum Triggerfish
Tobacco Basslet
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...
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Spotted Wrasse
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Peacock Wrasse
Moon Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
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...
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Humpback Grouper
Blue Chromis
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Rectangle 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...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Sixbar Wrasse
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...