
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
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Moon 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...
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Humpback Grouper
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Split-Level Hogfish
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Zebra Dartfish
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Spotted Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
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
Redbarred Hawkfish
Harlequin Tuskfish
Peacock Grouper
Crowned Toby
Blackfin Hogfish
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
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...
Marcos’ Wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Clown Wrasse
Valentini Puffer
Spotfin Hogfish
Peacock Wrasse
Belted 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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Coral Hawkfish
Bluelined Hind
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Diana’s Hogfish
Map Pufferfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
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...