
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
Russell’s Lionfish
White-streaked Grouper
Dwarf Lionfish
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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...
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...
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Map Pufferfish
Tobacco Basslet
Antennata Lionfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Fu Manchu Lionfish
Queen Triggerfish
Lyretail Grouper
Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Filefish
Humpback Grouper
Peacock Grouper
Crowned Toby
Clown Triggerfish
Immaculate Pufferfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Zebra Dartfish
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Radiata Lionfish
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...
Atlantic Spadefish
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Red Lionfish
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...