
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
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 Watchman Goby
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Longnose Hawkfish
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...
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Crowned Toby
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Sharknose Goby
Spotted Hawkfish
Starry Pufferfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Flame Hawkfish
Decorated Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Map Pufferfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Yellow Clown Goby
Valentini Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
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...