
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
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Curious Wormfish
Humpback Grouper
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
White-streaked Grouper
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
Crown Squirrelfish
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...
Neon Goby
Messmate Pipefish
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Spotted shrimp goby
Twin-Spot 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...
Speckled Blue Grouper
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond 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...
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...
Banded Pipefish
Atlantic Spadefish
Half Black Angelfish
Porkfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
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...