
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
Yellow Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
Regal Angelfish
Zebra Dartfish
Shortnose Unicornfish
Rock Beauty
Queen Angelfish
Singular Bannerfish
Red Sea bannerfish
Schooling Bannerfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Vermiculated Angelfish
Scribbled Angelfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish
Rusty Angelfish
Valentini Puffer
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Starry Pufferfish
White-Spotted Pufferfish
Sohal Tang
Whitecheek Tang
Purple Tang
Brown Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
Foxface Rabbitfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Coral Rabbitfish
Multi-barred Angelfish
Blue Tang
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
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...
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....
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...