
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
Tobacco Basslet
Sharknose Goby
Barred Soapfish
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Lyretail Grouper
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Princess Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes. Small, vibrant fish with a striking combination of electric blue and purple hues, often with subtle spots or lines on the body. Hardy and active, making it a popular...
Jewel Damselfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, especially around coral reefs, lagoons, and reef flats. Displays an iridescent blue body with jewel-like spots, which become more pronounced under reef lighting. Territorial and bold, especially as it matures, making it...
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...
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Lyretail Hogfish
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Three-Spot Damselfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Diamond Goby
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Lemon Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Easily identifiable by its vibrant yellow body and occasionally subtle blue markings around its face and fins. Known for being hardy, active, and moderately territorial; suitable...
Longnose Filefish
Decorated Goby
Whitetail Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Bluelined Hind
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Twin-Spot 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...
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Blackray Shrimp Goby
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
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...
Goldbelly Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, frequently found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich reefs. Characterized by its striking metallic blue body with a bright golden-yellow belly. Known for being hardy, active, and somewhat territorial; popular among marine hobbyists....
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...
Curious Wormfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Blue Chromis
Coral Grouper
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Barhead Spinefoot
Azure Damselfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Yellow Watchman Goby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sergeant Major
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
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...
Allen’s Damselfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in coral reefs and shallow lagoons. Distinctively bright metallic blue body with vibrant yellow anal and tail fins. Known for its active, playful behavior and striking appearance. Hardy and suitable for beginner and...