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.
Sailfin Tang
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
Twospot Cardinalfish
Steinitz’s Shrimp Goby
Whitecheek Tang
Lyretail Grouper
Pajama Cardinalfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Blue Tang
Bluespine Unicorn Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive long horn-like protrusion on their forehead, which develops with age. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Unicorn tangs are active swimmers and often seen grazing on algae....
Flashing Tilefish
Kole Tang
Five-lined Cardinalfish
Peacock Grouper
Sleeper Banded Goby
Indian Ocean Mimic Tang
Lined Surgeonfish
Achilles Tang
Yellow Tang
Barhead Spinefoot
Shortnose Unicornfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Randall’s Shrimp Goby
Purple Tang
Diamond Goby
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
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...
Naso Tang
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their distinctive appearance, including a prominent nose horn (more developed in males) and vibrant coloration. They have a laterally compressed body and a lunate tail. Naso tangs are active swimmers and often seen...
Curious Wormfish
Pink Speckled Shrimp Goby
Atlantic Spadefish
Marine Betta
Periophthalma Shrimp Goby
Convict Tang
Powder Blue Surgeonfish
Ward’s Sleeper Goby
Tobacco Basslet
Sharknose Goby
Yellow Watchman Goby
Rainford’s Goby
Wide-Banded Shrimp Goby
Brown Tang
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...
Helfrich’s Firefish
Decorated Goby
Neon Goby
Humpback Grouper
Bluelined Hind
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Spotted shrimp goby
Mimic Tang
Powder Brown Surgeonfish
The Golden Head Sleeper Goby
Zebra Dartfish
Yellow Clown Goby
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Sohal Tang
Indian Ocean Sailfin Tang
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...
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...
Stark’s Tilefish
Banded Pipefish
Messmate Pipefish
Coral Grouper
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Diagonal Shrimp Goby
Orange Shoulder Tang
