
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
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Starry Dragonet
Spotted Mandarin
Twin-Spot Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Rectangle Triggerfish
Zebra Dartfish
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
Red Sea bannerfish
Schooling Bannerfish
Pyramid Butterflyfish
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Clown Goby
Yellow Longnose Butterflyfish
White-streaked Grouper
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Pearlscale Butterflyfish
Vagabond Butterflyfish
Teardrop Butterflyfish
Tinker’s Butterflyfish
Mirror Butterflyfish
Rainford’s Butterflyfish
Spotband Butterflyfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Saddleback Butterflyfish
Threadfin Butterflyfish
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Lyretail Grouper
Diamond Goby
Mandarin Dragonet
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Picasso Triggerfish
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
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
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...