
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
Zebra Dartfish
Red Sea bannerfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Longnose Filefish
Decorated Goby
Neon Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Blue Chromis
Pacific Double-Saddle Butterflyfish
Fourspot Butterflyfish
Merten’s Butterflyfish
Orangeface Butterflyfish
Four-Eyed Butterflyfish
Blacktail Butterflyfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper 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...
Schooling Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
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...
Horned Bannerfish
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Humpback Grouper
Black-Axil Chromis
Melon Butterflyfish
Ornate Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Bluelined Hind
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Azure Damselfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
Pajama Cardinalfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Pennant Bannerfish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Copperband Butterflyfish
Golden Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Coral Grouper
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Singular Bannerfish
Sharknose Goby
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond 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 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...