
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
Zebra Dartfish
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Queen Triggerfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Crown Squirrelfish
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...
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...
Peacock Grouper
Crowned Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Tobacco Basslet
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...
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Lyretail Grouper
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
Humpback Grouper
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
White-streaked Grouper
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Map Pufferfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Moorish Idol
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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...