Clownfish are among the most iconic and beloved fish in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Made famous by "Finding Nemo," these vibrant fish are not just beautiful—they're also hardy, fascinating to watch, and perfect for beginners and experienced reefers alike.
Why Clownfish Make Great Reef Tank Additions
Clownfish are naturally reef-safe, meaning they won't harm your corals or invertebrates. Their symbiotic relationship with anemones is one of nature's most fascinating partnerships, though they can thrive perfectly well without an anemone host.
Looking for clownfish? Browse our selection of clownfish from trusted ReefBay sellers.
Tank Requirements for Clownfish
Tank Size
- Minimum tank size: 20 gallons for a pair
- Recommended: 30+ gallons for a community reef
- Multiple clownfish: 50+ gallons (only in very large tanks with multiple territories)
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- Salinity: 1.020-1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Track your water parameters easily with the ReefBay app to ensure your clownfish always have optimal conditions.
Popular Clownfish Species
Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
The most common and beginner-friendly species. Features bright orange coloration with three white bars. Hardy and peaceful.
Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula)
Similar to Ocellaris but with thicker black outlines around the white bars. Slightly more demanding but equally beautiful.
Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus)
The largest clownfish species, reaching up to 6 inches. More aggressive than other species—best kept as a single specimen or mated pair.
Designer Clownfish
Tank-bred varieties like Picasso, Snowflake, and Black Ice offer unique patterns. These are just as hardy as standard varieties.
Clownfish and Anemone Relationships
While clownfish don't require anemones to survive in captivity, many reefers love watching this natural symbiotic behavior.
Recommended Anemone Species
- Bubble Tip Anemone (BTA) - Most commonly accepted host, easier to keep
- Long Tentacle Anemone - Good for certain clownfish species
- Magnificent Anemone - Challenging to keep but stunning
Browse anemones available on ReefBay from experienced sellers.
Pro tip: Anemones require mature tanks (6+ months), strong lighting, and stable parameters. Only add one after your tank is well-established.
Feeding Your Clownfish
Clownfish are omnivores with hearty appetites. A varied diet keeps them healthy and vibrant.
Recommended Foods
- Pellet foods: High-quality marine pellets as a staple
- Frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood
- Live foods: Copepods and other live foods for enrichment
- Vegetables: Occasional spirulina or nori for fiber
Feeding Schedule
Feed 1-2 times daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality.
Tank Mates for Clownfish
Compatible Fish
- Tangs (in larger tanks)
- Gobies and blennies
- Cardinalfish
- Wrasses (most species)
- Royal grammas
Fish to Avoid
- Aggressive triggerfish
- Large angelfish
- Groupers
- Other clownfish species (unless tank is very large)
Breeding Clownfish
Clownfish are among the easiest marine fish to breed in home aquariums.
Pairing
All clownfish are born male. The dominant fish in a pair becomes female. Once a pair forms, they remain bonded for life.
Spawning
Mated pairs spawn every 2-4 weeks. The male guards and aerates the eggs, which hatch in 6-11 days.
Raising Fry
Requires a separate rearing tank, live food cultures (rotifers initially, then baby brine shrimp), and dedication.
Common Health Issues
Brooklynella (Clownfish Disease)
A parasitic infection specific to clownfish. Signs include excess mucus, rapid breathing, and loss of appetite. Treat with formalin baths.
Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon)
White spots on body and fins. Quarantine and treat with copper-based medications or hyposalinity.
Prevention Tips
- Always quarantine new fish for 4-6 weeks
- Maintain stable water parameters
- Avoid stress from aggressive tank mates
- Purchase from reputable sellers on ReefBay
Final Thoughts
Clownfish are the perfect gateway into saltwater fishkeeping. Their hardiness, personality, and stunning colors make them a favorite for good reason. Whether you're setting up your first reef tank or adding to an established system, clownfish will bring joy for years to come.
Ready to find your perfect clownfish? Browse clownfish on ReefBay from verified sellers, and use the ReefBay app to track your tank's parameters and get care reminders.
