
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.
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Sergeant Major
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
Phantom Bannerfish
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Coral Grouper
Orange Shoulder Tang
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Lyretail Grouper
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
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....
Masked Bannerfish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Peacock Grouper
Lined Surgeonfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Sohal Tang
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
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...
Pennant Bannerfish
Humpback Grouper
Golden Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Whitecheek Tang
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Lemon Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...