
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
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...
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Queen Triggerfish
Moon Wrasse
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Flame Hawkfish
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Coral Hawkfish
Atlantic Spadefish
Split-Level Hogfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
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...
Marcos’ Wrasse
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Sixbar Wrasse
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...
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...
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Checkerboard Wrasse
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Half Black Angelfish
Blackfin Hogfish
Clown Triggerfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Striated Wrasse
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral-rich reefs and rocky areas. Characterized by its slender, reddish body with horizontal white stripes and iridescent blue markings on the face and fins. Known for being shy and secretive, often seen...
Zigzag Wrasse
Clown Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Peacock Wrasse
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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
Allen’s Wrasse
Blackeye Thicklip Wrasse
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Pineapplefish
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Herald’s Angelfish
Diana’s Hogfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Zebra Dartfish
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Spotted Hawkfish
Spotfin Hogfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Belted Wrasse
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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...
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....