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.
Sailfin Tang
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...
White-streaked Grouper
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
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...
Naso Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive appearance, including a prominent nose horn (more developed in males) and vibrant coloration. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Naso tangs are active swimmers and often seen...
Neon Goby
Humpback Grouper
Coral Grouper
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Yellow Tang
Tobacco Basslet
Shortnose Unicornfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Crown Squirrelfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
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
Messmate Pipefish
Peacock Grouper
Marine Betta
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Redcoat Squirrelfish
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
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...
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...
Decorated Goby
Kole Tang
Atlantic Spadefish
Half Black Angelfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
Atlantic Blue Tang
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Blue Tang
Bluespine Unicorn Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive long horn-like protrusion on their forehead, which develops with age. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Unicorn tangs are active swimmers and often seen grazing on algae....
Curious Wormfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
