
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
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...
Valentini Puffer
Starry Pufferfish
Foxface Rabbitfish
Coral 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...
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...
Swallowtail Hawkfish
Crowned Toby
Clown Triggerfish
Immaculate Pufferfish
Barhead Spinefoot
Violet Soldierfish
Caribbean Sharpnose Puffer
White-Spotted Pufferfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Blackbelly Triggerfish
Longnose Filefish
Helfrich’s Firefish
Redbarred Hawkfish
Compressed Toby
Black-Spotted Pufferfish
Narrow-Lined Pufferfish
Rectangle Triggerfish
Long-Spined Pufferfish
Hawaiian Whitespotted Toby
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Arabian Picasso Triggerfish
Longnose Hawkfish
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...
Coral Hawkfish
Ambon Puffer
Guineafowl Pufferfish
Masked Pufferfish
Zebra Dartfish
Spotted Hawkfish
Queen Triggerfish
Halfmoon Triggerfish
Orange-Spotted Spinefoot
Picasso Triggerfish
Flame Hawkfish
Twospot Soldierfish
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, often found in lagoons and seaward reefs. Recognized by its vibrant red or orange body, distinctive black tips on its dorsal fin, and large eyes. Nocturnal species, typically seeking shelter in caves or crevices during the...