
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
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
Speckled Blue Grouper
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Blackray Shrimp Goby
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Curious Wormfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Atlantic Spadefish
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Axilspot Hogfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Tobacco Basslet
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
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Diamond Goby
Belted Wrasse
Blue Tang
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
Humpback Grouper
Bluelined Hind
Half Black Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Zigzag Wrasse
Yellow Clown Goby
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Moon Wrasse
Princess Parrotfish
Longnose Filefish
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
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Bicolor Parrotfish
Herald’s Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
The Golden Head Sleeper 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...
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Clown Wrasse
Spotfin Hogfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Peacock Wrasse
Sixbar 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...
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...