
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.
Tobacco Basslet
Purple Tilefish
Spotted Moray Eel
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Peacock Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Chain Moray Eel
Coral Hawkfish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Ribbon Eel
Marcos’ Wrasse
Sixline Soapfish
Clown Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Lyretail Grouper
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
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....
Dusky Wrasse
Pastel Green Wrasse
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Axilspot Hogfish
Zebra Dartfish
Zigzag Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Moon Wrasse
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...