
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
Smith’s Fangblenny
Schooling Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Magnificent Rabbitfish
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...
Allen’s Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...
Longnose Filefish
Decorated Goby
Neon Goby
Bicolor Blenny
Humpback Grouper
Black-Axil Chromis
Golden Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Coral Grouper
Spotted shrimp goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Goldspot Blenny
Pyramid Butterflyfish
White-streaked Grouper
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
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...
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...
Horned Bannerfish
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Copperband Butterflyfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Meyer’s Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish
Peacock Grouper
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...
Singular Bannerfish
Sharknose Goby
Speckled Blue Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral 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...
Bluestriped Fangblenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found near coral reefs and lagoon habitats. Distinctive slender body with alternating bright blue and black horizontal stripes. Known for its unique behavior of mimicking cleaner wrasses to approach other fish and...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Pennant Bannerfish
Leopard Blenny
Whitetail Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Orangeface Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
Barhead Spinefoot
Azure Damselfish
Red Sea bannerfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Yellow Watchman Goby
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Lawnmower Blenny
Goldbelly Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....
Convict Blenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive eel-like body with striking black and white horizontal stripes, resembling a "convict" pattern. Known for its unique burrowing and schooling behavior, often...
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...