Saltwater Fish Species For The Aquarium

For those who are looking to add some new and exotic species to their saltwater aquarium, there are a number of options to consider. From colorful angelfish to graceful seahorses, the world of saltwater fish is full of fascinating creatures that can add a touch of beauty and intrigue to any aquarium.

1. Angelfish

Angelfish are a popular choice for saltwater aquariums thanks to their vibrant colors and graceful movements. These fish come in a variety of species and can range in size from just a few inches to more than a foot long. Some of the most popular angelfish species for aquariums include the queen angelfish, the French angelfish, and the emperor angelfish.

2. Clownfish

Clownfish are another popular choice for saltwater aquariums, thanks in part to their popularity as characters in the movie Finding Nemo. These fish are known for their bright orange and white stripes, as well as their unique relationship with sea anemones. In the wild, clownfish live in symbiosis with anemones, using them for protection and shelter. In an aquarium, they can be kept without anemones, but do require a well-established tank and proper care.

3. Tangs

Tangs are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and unique shapes. These fish are popular in aquariums thanks to their hardy nature and their ability to help keep the tank clean by eating algae. Some of the most popular tang species for aquariums include the blue tang, the yellow tang, and the sailfin tang.

4. Seahorses

Seahorses are a unique and fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium. These fish are known for their distinctive shape and their ability to change colors to match their surroundings. Seahorses require specialized care, including a gentle current and a diet of live shrimp or other small prey.

5. Gobies

Gobies are a family of small saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular goby species for aquariums include the neon goby, the clown goby, and the yellow watchman goby.

6. Triggerfish

Triggerfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and their ability to change colors. These fish are often kept in larger aquariums due to their size, and require plenty of hiding spaces to feel secure. Some of the most popular triggerfish species for aquariums include the Picasso triggerfish, the bluejaw triggerfish, and the undulate triggerfish.

7. Wrasses

Wrasses are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and unique shapes. These fish can range in size from just a few inches to more than a foot long, and require a well-established tank and proper care. Some of the most popular wrasse species for aquariums include the sixline wrasse, the yellow coris wrasse, and the dragon wrasse.

8. Blennies

Blennies are a family of small saltwater fish that are known for their unique shapes and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular blenny species for aquariums include the lawnmower blenny, the bicolor blenny, and the sailfin blenny.

9. Eels

Eels are a unique and fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium. These fish are known for their long, snake-like bodies and their ability to hide in small crevices and holes. Eels can be challenging to care for, however, and require a well-established tank and proper feeding.

10. Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and unique body shapes. These fish are often kept in larger aquariums due to their size, and require plenty of swimming space to remain healthy. Some of the most popular surgeonfish species for aquariums include the blue tang, the yellow tang, and the powder blue tang.

11. Groupers

Groupers are a family of large saltwater fish that are known for their impressive size and strength. These fish can reach lengths of more than three feet and require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots. Some of the most popular grouper species for aquariums include the panther grouper, the giant grouper, and the goliath grouper.

12. Lionfish

Lionfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes. These fish are often kept in larger aquariums due to their size, and require plenty of hiding spaces to feel secure. Some of the most popular lionfish species for aquariums include the zebra lionfish, the red lionfish, and the volitans lionfish.

13. Puffers

Puffers are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular puffer species for aquariums include the dogface puffer, the valentini puffer, and the porcupine puffer.

14. Cardinals

Cardinals are a family of small saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular cardinal species for aquariums include the banggai cardinal, the pajama cardinal, and the yellowstriped cardinal.

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15. Chromis

Chromis are a family of small saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular chromis species for aquariums include the green chromis, the blue green chromis, and the blackaxil chromis.

16. Butterflyfish

Butterflyfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their vibrant colors and unique shapes. These fish can range in size from just a few inches to more than a foot long, and require a well-established tank and proper care. Some of the most popular butterflyfish species for aquariums include the copperband butterflyfish, the longnose butterflyfish, and the raccoon butterflyfish.

17. Damselfish

Damselfish are a family of small saltwater fish that are known for their bright colors and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular damselfish species for aquariums include the azure damselfish, the three stripe damselfish, and the sergeant major damselfish.

18. Foxface

Foxface are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and stunning colors. These fish require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots, and can be challenging to care for. Some of the most popular foxface species for aquariums include the magnificent foxface, the one-spot foxface, and the bristletooth tomini tang.

19. Hawkfish

Hawkfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and playful personalities. These fish are often kept in pairs or small groups and can provide hours of entertainment for their owners. Some of the most popular hawkfish species for aquariums include the flame hawkfish, the longnose hawkfish, and the arc-eye hawkfish.

20. Mandarinfish

Mandarinfish are a unique and fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium. These fish are known for their vibrant colors and unique shape, and require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots. Mandarinfish are also known for their unusual feeding habits, which can make them a challenging fish to care for.

21. Rabbitfish

Rabbitfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and stunning colors. These fish require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots, and can be challenging to care for. Some of the most popular rabbitfish species for aquariums include the foxface rabbitfish, the golden rabbitfish, and the spotted rabbitfish.

22. Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and stunning colors. These fish require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots, and can be challenging to care for. Some of the most popular scorpionfish species for aquariums include the stonefish, the lionfish, and the devil firefish.

23. Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and stunning colors. These fish require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots, and can be challenging to care for. Some of the most popular squirrelfish species for aquariums include the banded squirrelfish, the soldierfish, and the blotched squirrelfish.

24. Tangaroa Shrimp Goby

The Tangaroa Shrimp Goby is a unique and fascinating addition to any saltwater aquarium. This fish is known for its distinctive shape and its ability to form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp. In the wild, pistol shrimp and goby fish work together to create a burrow, with the shrimp digging and the goby keeping watch for predators. In an aquarium, these fish require a well-established tank and proper care.

25. Triggerfish

Triggerfish are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and stunning colors. These fish require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots, and can be challenging to care for. Some of the most popular triggerfish species for aquariums include the bluejaw triggerfish, the clown triggerfish, and the Niger triggerfish.

26. Wrasse

Wrasse are a family of saltwater fish that are known for their unique shape and stunning colors. These fish require a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots, and can be challenging to care for. Some of the most popular wrasse species for aquariums include the cleaner wrasse, the fairy wrasse, and the Christmas wrasse.