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.
Sargassum Triggerfish
Tobacco Basslet
Smith’s Fangblenny
White-streaked Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Pajama Cardinalfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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...
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
Bicolor Blenny
Redbarred Hawkfish
Bluelined Hind
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Rectangle Triggerfish
Goldspot Blenny
Speckled Blue Grouper
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Lawnmower Blenny
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...
Longnose Filefish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Neon Goby
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Coral Hawkfish
Coral Grouper
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Sharknose Goby
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
Longnose Hawkfish
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...
Leopard Blenny
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Falco Hawkfish
Peacock Grouper
Sleeper Banded 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
Yellow Watchman Goby
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Flame Hawkfish
Decorated Goby
Midas Blenny
Humpback Grouper
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Clown Triggerfish
