
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
Rectangle Triggerfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Sergeant Major
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Blackbelly 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...
Goldspecs Jawfish
Overview Found in various marine environments worldwide. Known for their characteristic large mouths and burrowing behavior. They have elongated bodies and are often colorful. Jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of building and inhabiting burrows....
Whitetail Damselfish
Blue Chromis
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Barhead Spinefoot
Yellowhead Jawfish
Overview Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. Known for their bright yellow head and elongated body. They have a large mouth and are often seen hovering near their burrows. Yellowhead jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of...
Barred Soapfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Princess Parrotfish
Arabian 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....
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Humpback Grouper
Black-Axil Chromis
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Tobacco Basslet
Azure Damselfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Lyretail Grouper
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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...
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...
Green Chromis
Bluelined Hind
Half Black Angelfish
Clown Triggerfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Queen Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Crown Squirrelfish
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...