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.
Fourline Wrasse
Tail-spot wrasse
Redfin Fairy Wrasse
Spotted Wrasse
Pajama Cardinalfish
Blue Tang
Peacock Wrasse
Bicolor Cleaner Wrasse
Lamarck’s Angelfish
Ochre-striped Cardinalfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Lined Surgeonfish
Purple Tilefish
Sixline Soapfish
Seale’s Cardinalfish
Peacock Wrasse
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...
Longnose Filefish
Allen’s Wrasse
Radiant Wrasse
Kole Tang
Orange Skunk Clownfish
Maldives Clownfish
Marcos’ Wrasse
Watanabe’s Angelfish
Twospot Cardinalfish
Belted Wrasse
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...
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....
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....
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Lubbock’s Fairy Wrasse
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Convict Tang
Zigzag Wrasse
Solar Fairy Wrasse
Threadfin Cardinalfish
Orbiculate Cardinalfish
Multi-barred Angelfish
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...
Cleaner Wrasse
Swallowtail Angelfish
Orange-Lined Cardinalfish
Percula Clownfish
