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
Tobacco Basslet
Queen Angelfish
Yellow Watchman Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Pajama Cardinalfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Neon Goby
Marine Betta
Spotted shrimp goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Sharknose Goby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’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...
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...
Swallowtail Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Diagonal 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...
Yellow Clown Goby
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Banggai Cardinalfish
Overview Endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia, typically inhabiting shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Recognizable for its distinctive silver body, bold black vertical stripes, and white spots. Calm and peaceful nature, making it suitable for community reef...
Decorated Goby
Lamarck’s Angelfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Barhead Spinefoot
Rock Beauty
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
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...
Curious Wormfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
