Clownfish

[callen]

Scientific Name Amphiprion ocellaris

Common Names Clownfish, Anemone Fish, Anemone Fish, Nemo

Care Level Easy to moderate, great for beginners

Size 3 - 4 inches (10 cm)

Tank Size 30 gallon minimum

pH 8 - 8.4

Temperature 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

Specific Gravity 1.023 - 1.025
 
Lifespan 3 - 6 years generally,  but have been known to live longer

Origin / Habitat Indo-Pacific to Oceania

Temperament / Behavior Usually they are a very peaceful marine fish. You should avoid mixing breeds of clowns and best kept as a pair or just one.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction They have been bred in captivity and it is usually better to buy a tank raised fish because they will adapt better in the home aquarium and less apt to bring in diseases.  Very easy to breed.

Compatible Tank Mates Do not keep them with Lionfish, Snappers, Groupers, Triggers, Eels in other words predatory fish that are big enough to eat them.

Diet / Food Omnivore - need a varied diet with live food, frozen food, zooplankton, freeze-dried and they will also accept flake food.  Wild clownfish that are not as easy to feed you can help with this by adding garlic drops to the food to stimulate their appetite.  You should also include vegetable matter in the mix.

Tank Region All over

Gender All are males when they are born. As they mature and start to pair off the dominant one will change into a female. The female is usually larger than the male and will be the primary defender of their territory.

General Information They do not need an Anemone to survive and most tank raised clownfish do not even take to an Anemone.  This is something they are trained to do in the wild.  It has been documented that if you place a picture of a clownfish in an Anemone on to the tank wall it will take too an Anemone in the tank.

Written By Callen
Picture By Rob Allen