
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
Smith’s Fangblenny
Fourline Wrasse
Goldspot Blenny
Purple Tilefish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Zigzag Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Sixline Soapfish
White-streaked Grouper
Speckled Blue Grouper
Red Sea Mimic Blenny
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Spotted Wrasse
Peacock Wrasse
Belted Wrasse
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Pajama Cardinalfish
One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish
Magnificent Rabbitfish
Coral Rabbitfish
Lawnmower Blenny
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...
Convict Blenny
Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Distinctive eel-like body with striking black and white horizontal stripes, resembling a "convict" pattern. Known for its unique burrowing and schooling behavior, often...
Filamented Flasher Wrasse
Overview Native to the Western Pacific Ocean. Known for the elongated filaments on the dorsal fin of males, used in their flashing displays. Small and slender-bodied, with vibrant coloration that intensifies during courtship. Peaceful and active, preferring reef...
Peacock Wrasse
Allen’s Wrasse
Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse
Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region. Known for their role in cleaning other fish by removing parasites. They have a slender body and a distinctive swimming pattern. Cleaner wrasses establish cleaning stations on the reef. Feeding They are primarily carnivores....