Saltwater Aquarist.com logo with a cartoon fish, over a reef aquarium with corals and a yellow tang

Saltwater Fish Species

Browse our saltwater fish species profiles, each with care requirements, tank size, diet and reef compatibility.

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.

Filters
Schooling Bannerfish

Schooling Bannerfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in reef slopes, lagoons, and outer reef environments. Closely resembles the Moorish idol but is distinguishable by its deeper body shape and more rounded snout. Often seen in large schools, forming synchronized...

read more
Pyramid Butterflyfish

Pyramid Butterflyfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to Hawaii and the central Pacific. Named for the distinctive white triangular "pyramid" shape on its body, contrasting with a yellow dorsal area. A peaceful and social species, often found in large...

read more
Pennant Bannerfish

Pennant Bannerfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific reefs. Easily identified by its black-and-white striped pattern with a golden-yellow snout. Often mistaken for the Moorish idol due to its elongated dorsal fin resembling a pennant....

read more
Longfin Bannerfish

Longfin Bannerfish

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the Red Sea to the central Pacific islands. Easily recognized by its elongated white dorsal fin resembling a banner, along with bold black and white stripes. Commonly mistaken for the Moorish idol due to its similar...

read more