
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
Singular Bannerfish
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
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...
Pennant Bannerfish
Pineapplefish
Melon Butterflyfish
Ornate Butterflyfish
Blackback Butterflyfish
Klein’s Butterflyfish
Burgess’ Butterflyfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Red Sea bannerfish
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Picasso Triggerfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Big Longnose Butterflyfish
Copperband Butterflyfish
Golden Butterflyfish
Eightband Butterflyfish
Oval Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Bennett’s Butterflyfish
Clown Triggerfish
Zebra Dartfish
Schooling Bannerfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
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....
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...
Banded Pipefish
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Latticed Butterflyfish
Meyer’s Butterflyfish
Lined Butterflyfish
Collare Butterflyfish
Eastern Triangle Butterflyfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
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...