
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
Spotted Mandarin
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...
Queen Triggerfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Princess Parrotfish
Longnose Filefish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Neon Goby
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Twin-Spot Goby
Sharknose Goby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Blackbelly Triggerfish
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...
Fingered Dragonet
Bicolor Parrotfish
Sleeper Banded Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Rectangle Triggerfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Decorated Goby
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Clown Triggerfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Starry Dragonet
Zebra Dartfish
Yellow Watchman Goby
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Mandarin Dragonet
Pajama Cardinalfish
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...