
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
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
Sharknose Goby
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Curious Wormfish
Humpback Grouper
Atlantic Spadefish
Half Black Angelfish
Compressed Toby
Blackfin Hogfish
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Spotted shrimp goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
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
Yellow Clown Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spanish Hogfish
Spotted Wrasse
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Belted Wrasse
Allen’s Wrasse
Decorated Goby
Checkerboard Wrasse
Bird Wrasse
Pineapplefish
Bluelined Hind
Herald’s Angelfish
Ambon Puffer
Diana’s Hogfish
Map Pufferfish
Blue-Spotted Wrasse
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
White-streaked Grouper
Yellowtail Coris Wrasse
Valentini Puffer
Spotfin Hogfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Moon 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...
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....