Best Tank Mates for Clownfish: 15 Compatible Fish for Your Reef

Clownfish are one of the most popular fish in the reef aquarium hobby, and for good reason. They're hardy, colorful, and full of personality. But what fish can you keep with them? Finding the right tank mates for your clownfish is essential for a peaceful, thriving reef.

This guide covers 15 of the best tank mates for clownfish, organized by category so you can build the perfect community.

Understanding Clownfish Behavior

Before adding tank mates, understand that clownfish can be territorial—especially around their host anemone or chosen spot. They're generally peaceful toward fish that don't look similar or compete for the same territory. The best tank mates are:

• Different body shapes and colors
• Peaceful or semi-aggressive temperament
• Occupy different areas of the tank
• Not small enough to be eaten

Best Gobies for Clownfish Tanks

1. Yellow Watchman Goby

The Yellow Watchman Goby is a perfect match. It stays near the sand bed, well away from your clownfish territory. Often pairs with pistol shrimp for an entertaining symbiotic relationship.

2. Diamond Goby

An excellent sand-sifter that keeps your substrate clean. Stays at the bottom and ignores clownfish completely.

3. Firefish Goby

These gorgeous fish hover in the water column, completely separate from clownfish territory. Their timid nature means zero conflict.

Best Wrasses for Clownfish

4. Six Line Wrasse

A hardy, colorful wrasse that helps control pests like flatworms and pyramidellid snails. Active swimmers that rarely interact with clownfish.

5. Fairy Wrasses

Stunning fish that stay in the upper water column. Peaceful and gorgeous—a perfect centerpiece alongside clownfish.

6. Melanurus Wrasse

Excellent pest control and hardy. Stays busy hunting through rockwork.

Best Dartfish and Blennies

7. Purple Firefish

Similar to the regular firefish but with purple coloration. Shy, peaceful, and completely compatible.

8. Tailspot Blenny

A fun little algae grazer that perches on rocks. Great personality and zero conflict with clownfish.

9. Midas Blenny

Larger blenny with beautiful yellow coloration. Active and entertaining.

Best Tangs for Larger Tanks

10. Yellow Tang

The classic reef tang. Requires a larger tank (75+ gallons) but gets along well with clownfish.

11. Kole Tang

A great algae grazer that's peaceful with clownfish. Smaller than most tangs.

Other Compatible Fish

12. Royal Gramma

A stunning purple and yellow fish that stays near caves and ledges. Peaceful with most tank mates.

13. Bangaii Cardinalfish

Slow-moving, peaceful, and interesting. Often schools in small groups.

14. Pajama Cardinalfish

Hardy and peaceful with unique spotted pattern. Good beginner fish.

15. Chromis

Peaceful schooling fish like Green Chromis add movement without aggression.

Fish to Avoid with Clownfish

• Other clownfish species: Different species often fight
• Dottybacks: Can be too aggressive for smaller clownfish
• Large angelfish: May bully or outcompete
• Triggerfish: Generally too aggressive for community tanks
• Small fish: Anything small enough to eat

Tank Size Considerations

• 20-30 gallons: Clownfish pair + 2-3 small tank mates (gobies, firefish)
• 40-60 gallons: Add wrasses, blennies, more variety
• 75+ gallons: Can add tangs and larger community

Finding Compatible Fish

Browse the ReefBay marketplace to find compatible tank mates from verified sellers. Look for fish that are eating and active, and always quarantine new additions.

Track your livestock and feeding schedules with the ReefBay app to stay organized as your community grows.

Final Tips

• Add clownfish first, then other fish
• Introduce fish in order of least to most aggressive
• Quarantine all new fish for 2-4 weeks
• Watch for aggression and have a backup plan
• Don't overstock—more fish means more maintenance

With the right tank mates, your clownfish will thrive as part of a colorful, active community. Take your time choosing compatible fish, and you'll be rewarded with a peaceful reef for years to come.