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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.

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Sixline Wrasse

Sixline Wrasse

Pseudocheilinus hexataenia

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in coral reefs and rocky lagoons. Distinctive appearance with vibrant purple-blue body marked by six horizontal orange-red lines. Popular in aquariums for its active behavior and pest control, known to feed on small...

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Striated Wrasse

Striated Wrasse

Pseudocheilinus evanidus

Overview Native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting coral-rich reefs and rocky areas. Characterized by its slender, reddish body with horizontal white stripes and iridescent blue markings on the face and fins. Known for being shy and secretive, often seen...

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Schooling Bannerfish

Schooling Bannerfish

Heniochus diphreutes

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...

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Pyramid Butterflyfish

Pyramid Butterflyfish

Hemitaurichthys polylepis

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...

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Filamented Flasher Wrasse

Filamented Flasher Wrasse

Paracheilinus filamentosus

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...

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Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse

Hawaiian Cleaner Wrasse

Labroides phthirophagus

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....

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Pennant Bannerfish

Pennant Bannerfish

Heniochus chrysostomus

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....

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Bird Wrasse

Bird Wrasse

Gomphosus varius

Overview Found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to the Central Pacific. Recognized for its elongated, beak-like snout, which it uses to probe for food. Sexually dimorphic, with males displaying a vibrant green hue and females appearing brown or...

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