A filter intake suction guard for an aquarium or fish pond filter having a tubular filter intake tube. The suction guard having a substantially enclosed hollow housing with an outlet opening defined therein for receipt of a filter intake tube therein with a first open end of the filter intake tube in fluid communication within the housing interior. The housing also having a first wall which is spaced apart from the first open end of the filter intake tube, and having a plurality of intake openings defined therein and which are configured and dimensioned to prevent fish from entering the housing interior but allow water to enter the housing interior and exit the housing interior via the first open end of the filter intake tube.