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.
Tobacco Basslet
Azure Damselfish
Three-Spot Damselfish
Yellowtail Blue Damselfish
Crown Squirrelfish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Four-Stripe Damselfish
Green Chromis
Bluelined Hind
Lyretail Hogfish
Redcoat Squirrelfish
White-streaked Grouper
Reticulated Damselfish
Sergeant Major
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...
Whitetail Damselfish
Black Bar Chromis
Coral Grouper
Zebra Dartfish
Speckled Blue Grouper
Fiji Blue Devil Damselfish
Lyretail Grouper
Rosenblatt’s Jawfish
Darkfin Soldierfish
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their reddish coloration and deep body shape, typical of soldierfish. They have large eyes, adapted for nocturnal activity. Shadowfin soldierfish are often found in caves or under ledges. Feeding They are nocturnal...
Humpback Grouper
Blue Chromis
Peacock Grouper
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...
Barred Soapfish
Talbot’s Damselfish
Hawaiian Squirrelfish
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...
Banded Pipefish
Messmate Pipefish
Black-Axil Chromis
