
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.
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Tobacco Basslet
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Magnificent 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...
Banded Pipefish
Humpback Grouper
Black Bar Chromis
Bicolor Parrotfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Spotted shrimp goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Azure Damselfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
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...
Decorated Goby
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Messmate Pipefish
Blue Chromis
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Sharknose Goby
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
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....
Curious Wormfish
Whitetail Damselfish
Pineapplefish
Black-Axil Chromis
Peacock Grouper
Sleeper Banded Goby
Barhead Spinefoot
Yellow Clown Goby
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Princess Parrotfish
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...