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

Fourline Wrasse

Purple Tilefish

Marcos’ Wrasse

Zigzag Wrasse

Tail-spot wrasse

Sixline Soapfish

Solar Fairy Wrasse

Redfin Fairy Wrasse

Seale’s Cardinalfish

Twospot Cardinalfish

Threadfin Cardinalfish

Spotted Wrasse

Peacock Wrasse

Lyretail Grouper

Belted Wrasse

Orbiculate Cardinalfish

Pajama Cardinalfish

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...

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....