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
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...
White-streaked Grouper
Spotted Hawkfish
Queen Triggerfish
Lyretail Grouper
Arabian 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...
Flame Hawkfish
Leopard Blenny
Humpback Grouper
Bluelined Hind
Compressed Toby
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Tobacco Basslet
Yellowhead Jawfish
Overview Found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. Known for their bright yellow head and elongated body. They have a large mouth and are often seen hovering near their burrows. Yellowhead jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of...
Speckled Blue Grouper
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Hawkfish
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...
Midas Blenny
Redbarred Hawkfish
Coral Grouper
Ambon Puffer
Map Pufferfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Smith’s Fangblenny
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
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...
Goldspecs Jawfish
Overview Found in various marine environments worldwide. Known for their characteristic large mouths and burrowing behavior. They have elongated bodies and are often colorful. Jawfish are peaceful and have a distinctive behavior of building and inhabiting burrows....
Helfrich’s Firefish
Bicolor Blenny
Coral Hawkfish
Peacock Grouper
Clown Triggerfish
Immaculate Pufferfish
Zebra Dartfish
Goldspot Blenny
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackbelly 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...
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
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 Hawkfish
Falco Hawkfish
Crowned Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
