Saltwater Fish are fish that are found in the oceans or marine environments. Saltwater fish are categorized based on the marine environment they live in. Attributes that define a marine environment for a saltwater fish are, the temperature of the water, the depth or flow of the water, the water’s PH, the amount of salt in the water, the alkalinity of the water, and the location of the water including coastal environments to coral reefs and open oceans. Saltwater Fish can either live alone or in big groups of fish, called schools. Saltwater Fish can be hunted for food or to keep in captivity, such as aquariums, for entertainment.

What do saltwater fish eat?


Saltwater fish can carry carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore diets. Herbivore saltwater fish consume both microalgae and macroalgae as well as seagrasses. A carnivore’s diet typically consists of shrimp, plankton, and tiny crustaceans. Some carnivores may eat worms, clams, and parasites. Most carnivore saltwater fish will not eat algae even if they are starving.

Why can’t saltwater fish live in freshwater?

Saltwater fish are not able to live in freshwater because their bodies are concentrated from salt solution. Saltwater fish would not be able to osmoregulate correctly in freshwater. Freshwater would flow into their body up to the point where all cells can accumulate water causing them to bloat and die.

How do you acclimate saltwater fish?

Saltwater fish can be acclimated in a couple of ways. This can be done by modifying the water’s salinity, altering the pH of the water, and using the drip method or the floating method. It is important to acclimate saltwater fish because changes in salinity, water temperature, and water chemistry can cause stresses that shock the fish to death.

Saltwater Fish Guides
Browse through our curated Saltwater Fish Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Saltwater Fish. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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.9”-1.5” | 2.4-3.8 cm
3.1”-5.1” | 8-13 cm
8-10 years
Amazon Puffer
3.800
13.000
10.00
3250
GUIDE
3D
Amazon Puffer
10”-23” | 25.4-58.4 cm
5.5’-14’ | 1.7-4.3 m
200-1800 lb | 90-816 kg
20-30 years
Atlantic Blue Marlin
58.400
430.000
816.000
30.00
1500
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Blue Marlin
24”-50” | 61-127 cm
7’-15’ | 2.1-4.6 m
550–2000 lb | 250-907 kg
15-30 years
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
127.000
460.000
907.000
30.00
4300
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
13”-20” | 33-50.8 cm
7.5’-11’ | 2.3-3.4 m
132-220 lb | 60-100 kg
10-15 years
Atlantic Sailfish
50.800
340.000
100.000
15.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Sailfish
12”-19” | 30.5-48 cm
5’-8’ | 152-244 cm
60-280 lb | 27-127 kg
30-55 years
Atlantic Tarpon
48.000
244.000
127.000
55.00
700
GUIDE
3D
Atlantic Tarpon
26”-49” | 66-125 cm
6.6-8.8 lb | 3-4 kg
10-15 years
Australian Ghost Shark
125.000
4.000
15.00
550
GUIDE
3D
Australian Ghost Shark
1.4”-2” | 3.5-5 cm
9.1”-13.8” | 23-35 cm
3-6 years
Big-Belly Seahorse
5.000
35.000
6.00
1250
GUIDE
3D
Big-Belly Seahorse
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
16”-30” | 40-75 cm
7-20 lb | 3-9 kg
10-20 years
Bonefish
16.500
75.000
9.000
20.00
100
GUIDE
3D
Bonefish
3.5”-12.6” | 9-32 cm
10”-36” | 25.4-91.4 cm
11-22 lb | 5-10 kg
8-11 years
Common Hogfish
32.000
91.400
10.000
11.00
45080
GUIDE
3D
Common Hogfish
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2.75”-6.7” | 7-17 cm;
1-4 years
Common Seahorse
2.500
17.000
4.00
240800
GUIDE
3D
Common Seahorse
5.1”-5.9” | 13-15 cm
7”-8” | 18-20 cm
4-10 years
Copperband Butterflyfish
15.000
20.000
10.00
3700
GUIDE
3D
Copperband Butterflyfish
.1”-.2” | .3-.6 cm
1”-2” | 2.5-5.1 cm
1-2 years
Dwarf Seahorse
0.600
5.100
2.00
3900
GUIDE
3D
Dwarf Seahorse
7.9”-22” | 20-56 cm
10’-26.2’ | 3-8 m; 36’ | 11 m (Max)
882-1,322 lb | 400-600 kg
7-12 years
Giant Oarfish
56.000
800.000
600.000
12.00
21900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Oarfish
10”-20” | 25.4-50.8 cm
33”-67” | 85-170 cm
33-132 lb | 15-60 kg
10-25 years
Giant Trevally
50.800
170.000
60.000
25.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Trevally
3.3”-3.9” | 8.5-10 cm
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
.9-1.2 oz | .02-.03 kg
15-20 years
Hairy Frogfish
10.000
25.000
0.030
20.00
5250
GUIDE
3D
Hairy Frogfish
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
5”-7.5” | 13-19 cm
1-4 years
Lined Seahorse
3.500
19.000
4.00
1800
GUIDE
3D
Lined Seahorse
6.5”-10.5” | 16.5-26.7 cm
33”-55” | 84-140 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
4-5 years
Mahi-Mahi
26.700
140.000
18.000
5.00
6200
GUIDE
3D
Mahi-Mahi
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
1.5”-4” | 4-10 cm
.4-.7 lb | .2-.3 kg
3-6 years
Ocellaris Clownfish
3.500
10.000
0.300
6.00
10700
GUIDE
3D
Ocellaris Clownfish
5.5”-8.7” | 14-22 cm
11.8”-17.7” | 30-45 cm
2.5-3.5 lb | 1.1-1.6 kg
15-20 years
Queen Angelfish
22.000
45.000
1.600
20.00
7650
GUIDE
3D
Queen Angelfish
3.1”-4.3” | 8-11 cm
11-15” | 28-38 cm
1-2.6 lb | .5-1.2 kg
10-18 years
Red Lionfish
11.000
38.000
1.200
18.00
10100
GUIDE
3D
Red Lionfish
2.6”-4.3” | 6.5-11 cm
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm
.7-.9 lb | .3-.4 kg
9-12 years
Red-Lipped Batfish
11.000
40.000
0.400
12.00
11800
GUIDE
3D
Red-Lipped Batfish
3.7”-4.9” | 9.5-12.5 cm
9.8”-11.8” | 25-30 cm
5-10 years
Reef Triggerfish
12.500
30.000
10.00
5750
GUIDE
3D
Reef Triggerfish
13”-16.5” | 33-41.9 cm
48”-63” | 122-160 cm
25-80 lb | 11-36 kg
20-35 years
Roosterfish
41.900
160.000
36.000
35.00
3000
GUIDE
3D
Roosterfish
Wahoo
41000
6.5”-12” | 16.5-30.5 cm
40”-72” | 102-183 cm
15-40 lb | 7-18 kg
5-9 years
Wahoo
30.500
183.000
18.000
9.00
41000
GUIDE
3D
Wahoo
.6”-2.6” | 1.5-6.5 cm
3.9”-12.2” | 10-31 cm
5-8 years
Yellow Goatfish
6.500
31.000
8.00
430
GUIDE
3D
Yellow Goatfish
10.5”-20.5” | 26.7-52 cm
43”-83” | 110-210 cm
300-400 lb | 136-181 kg
5-10 years
Yellowfin Tuna
52.000
210.000
181.000
10.00
22000
GUIDE
3D
Yellowfin Tuna
Atlantic Blue Marlin
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Atlantic Blue Marlin compared to an average person

The Atlantic Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a large ocean fish that populates the warm and tropical waters worldwide. They belong to the family Istiophoridae and are fast swimmers with females being larger than males. They are highly recognized by their striking beauty, lethal, spear-shaped upper jaw, and pronounced dorsal fins.

The bill of the Atlantic Blue Marlin is also round and pointed, which separated them from other similar looking fish. The Blue Marlin loves the deep open ocean and migrates to follow the warm ocean currents. They are loved by sports fishermen because of their fighting spirit when caught and have also featured in the commonwealth of the Bahamas coat of arms.

Atlantic Blue Marlins have a total length between 5.5’-14’ (1.7-4.3 m), body height of 10”-23” (25.4-58.4 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 200-1800 lb (90-816 kg). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Blue Marlin is 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Atlantic Blue Marlin viewed from the front and side
The Atlantic Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a large ocean fish that populates the warm and tropical waters worldwide. They belong to the family Istiophoridae and are fast swimmers with females being larger than males. They are highly recognized by their beauty, lethal jaw, and dorsal fins.

Atlantic Blue Marlins have a total length between 5.5’-14’ (1.7-4.3 m), body height of 10”-23” (25.4-58.4 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 200-1800 lb (90-816 kg). The typical lifespan of the Atlantic Blue Marlin is 20-30 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Atlantic Blue Marlin viewed from the front and side
Atlantic Blue Marlin
Height:
10”-23” | 25.4-58.4 cm
Width:
Length:
5.5’-14’ | 1.7-4.3 m
Depth:
Weight:
200-1800 lb | 90-816 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Makaira nigricans
Lifespan
20-30 years

Drawings include:

Atlantic Blue Marlin side elevation, front

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Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae)
Scale illustration of an average Dwarf Seahorse compared to other saltwater fish species

These slow-moving fish are threatened by habitat loss. They are found in shallow oceanic regions of the Bahamas and also the United States. They belong to the family Syngnathidae, often white, but there are also individuals with brown, yellow, and green body colors. The dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae) holds its head at right angles and uses its dorsal fin and pectoral fin to steer. They are less aggressive, snake when hunting prey, and can live in solitary or pairs. They are the third-smallest seahorse species and can change color to mimic the soft coral habitat. Like other seahorses, males carry fertilized eggs in their brood pouch.

Dwarf Seahorses have a total length between 1”-2” (2.5-5.1 cm) and body height of .1”-.2” (.3-.6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Dwarf Seahorse is in the range of 1-2 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Dwarf Seahorse
These slow-moving fish are threatened by habitat loss. They are found in shallow oceanic regions of the Bahamas and also the United States. They belong to the family Syngnathidae, often white, but there are also individuals with brown, yellow, and green body colors.

Dwarf Seahorses have a total length between 1”-2” (2.5-5.1 cm) and body height of .1”-.2” (.3-.6 cm). The typical lifespan of the Dwarf Seahorse is in the range of 1-2 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Dwarf Seahorse
Dwarf Seahorse (Hippocampus zosterae)
Height:
.1”-.2” | .3-.6 cm
Width:
Length:
1”-2” | 2.5-5.1 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Hippocampus zosterae
Lifespan
1-2 years

Drawings include:

Dwarf Seahorse side elevation, front

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Hairy Frogfish (Antennarius striatus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Hairy Frogfish compared to other saltwater fish

The Hairy Frogfish, known scientifically as Antennarius striatus, is a blob-like carnivore fish that doesn’t swim, but rather walks on its wide fins, and can be found in the warm waters between Africa and Antarctica. The Hairy Frogfish gets its name from the long spines that cover its body, which resemble hair. The Hairy Frogfish is an expert at camouflaging due to its “hairs” making it capable of blending in seamlessly with corals and seaweeds. The Hairy Frogfish is carnivorous and will feast on other fish, either by stalking their prey or luring them with their extra-long spine they can wiggle as bait.

It inhabits warm waters around the earth, living in the coral reefs, rocky areas, and sandy habitat of the deep sea. Some people call it Striated frogfish. It is identified by a body covered in spines, which resemble hair strands and the unique wide fins. The body is rounded, mouth forwardly extensible to easily swallow prey. The fish relies on camouflage to protect itself from predators and also lure prey. Another feature is a special extra-long spine on the dorsal resembling a worm to lure prey within striking distance. 


Hairy Frogfish have a total length between 8.3”-9.8” (21-25 cm) and body height of 3.3”-3.9” (8.5-10 cm). The typical weight of the Hairy Frogfish is in the range of .9-1.2 oz (.02-.03 kg). Hairy Frogfish have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hairy Frogfish
The Hairy Frogfish, known scientifically as Antennarius striatus, is a blob-like carnivore fish that doesn’t swim, but rather walks on its wide fins, and can be found in the warm waters between Africa and Antarctica. The Hairy Frogfish gets its name from the long spines that cover its body.

Hairy Frogfish have a total length between 8.3”-9.8” (21-25 cm) and body height of 3.3”-3.9” (8.5-10 cm). The typical weight of the Hairy Frogfish is in the range of .9-1.2 oz (.02-.03 kg). Hairy Frogfish have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Hairy Frogfish
Hairy Frogfish (Antennarius striatus)
Height:
3.3”-3.9” | 8.5-10 cm
Width:
Length:
8.3”-9.8” | 21-25 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.9-1.2 oz | .02-.03 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Antennarius striatus
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

Hairy Frogfish side elevation, front

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Common Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Common Seahorse compared to other saltwater fish

The Common seahorse is native to Indo-Pacific and is also called spotted seahorse, yellow seahorse, Hippocampus, kuda, and estuary seahorse. It’s a member of the family Syngnathidae identified by its large elongated body lacking spines and rounded bumps. It has a large head when compared to its body and short thick snout. It also shows filaments in its rear and often has a dark complexion with some showing yellow, reddish, and cream blotches. The common seahorse (Hippocampus kuda) love estuaries, harbors, mangroves, rocky bottom, and where it can cling to seaweed. Besides, it also easily adapts to living in the aquarium.

Common Seahorses have a total length between 2.75”-6.7” (7-17 cm) and body height of .4”-1” (1-2.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Seahorse is in the range of 1-4 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Common Seahorse
The Common seahorse is native to Indo-Pacific and is also called spotted seahorse, yellow seahorse, Hippocampus, kuda, and estuary seahorse. It’s a member of the family Syngnathidae identified by its large elongated body lacking spines and round bumps. It has a large head when compared to its body.

Common Seahorses have a total length between 2.75”-6.7” (7-17 cm) and body height of .4”-1” (1-2.5 cm). The typical lifespan of the Common Seahorse is in the range of 1-4 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Common Seahorse
Common Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda)
Height:
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
Width:
Length:
2.75”-6.7” | 7-17 cm;
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Length (Max): 11.8” | 30 cm

Scientific Name
Hippocampus kuda
Lifespan
1-4 years

Drawings include:

Common Seahorse side elevation, front

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Bonefish
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Bonefish to a typical person

The Bonefish (Albula vulpes) is a solitary traveler and member of the family Albulidae and are also called Banana fish or Ladyfish. They have slender and relatively long bodies with somewhat green backs and yellow pectoral fins. Bonefish exhibit high levels of speed and strength, preference for shallow coastal and island waters of warm seas.

They have a pointed piglike snout that holds their small mouth and deeply notched caudal fin. The bonefish is an important ingredient in fly-fishing for the people of Southern Florida, Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. They love to feed in areas of low tides and protected bays.

Bonefish have a total length between 16”-30” (40-75 cm), body height of 3.5”-6.5” (8.9-16.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 7-20 lb (3-9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Bonefish is 10-20 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Bonefish seen from the side and front
The Bonefish (Albula vulpes) is a solitary traveler and member of the family Albulidae. They have slender and relatively long bodies with somewhat green backs and yellow pectoral fins. Bonefish exhibit high levels of speed and strength, preference for shallow coastal and island waters.

Bonefish have a total length between 16”-30” (40-75 cm), body height of 3.5”-6.5” (8.9-16.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 7-20 lb (3-9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Bonefish is 10-20 years.

Pair of elevation illustrations of the Bonefish seen from the side and front
Bonefish
Height:
3.5”-6.5” | 8.9-16.5 cm
Width:
Length:
16”-30” | 40-75 cm
Depth:
Weight:
7-20 lb | 3-9 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Albula vulpes
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Bonefish side elevation, front

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