Clownfish

28 species

Clownfish are some of the most popular and recognizable fish in the reefkeeping hobby, largely due to their vibrant colors and the famous association with sea anemones. They belong to the family Pomacentridae and are known for their hardy nature, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Clownfish are typically orange with white stripes, such as the Amphiprion percula and the Amphiprion ocellaris, although there are many variations and species.

One of the most fascinating aspects of clownfish is their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The anemones provide protection with their stinging tentacles, while the clownfish offer cleaning services and nutrients through their waste. This mutualistic relationship is not only interesting to observe but also beneficial for maintaining a balanced aquarium ecosystem.

Clownfish are relatively easy to care for. They thrive in a well-maintained saltwater tank with stable water parameters. A tank size of at least 75 liter (20 gallons) is recommended for a pair of clownfish. They are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods. It's also important to provide them with an anemone or suitable substitute, like a soft coral, to mimic their natural habitat and behavior.

Breeding clownfish in captivity is also achievable and can be a rewarding experience. They are protandrous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born male and can turn female if the dominant female in the group dies. This unique reproductive strategy adds another layer of intrigue to keeping clownfish in a home aquarium.

  1. Skunk Anemonefish (Amphiprion akallopisos) in a sea anemone
    Common name: Skunk Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion akallopisos
  2. Barrier Reef anemonefish (Amphiprion akindynos)
    Common name: Barrier Reef Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion akindynos
  3. Allard's Clownfish (Amphiprion allardi) with his anemone in the background
    Common name: Allard's Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion allardi
  4. Two-banded Clownfish (Amphiprion bicinctus) in the Red Sea, Egypt
    Common name: Two-banded Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion bicinctus
  5. Chagos Clownfish in sea anemone
    Common name: Chagos Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion chagosensis
  6. Mauritian Clownfish (Amphiprion chrysogaster)
    Common name: Mauritian Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion chrysogaster
  7. Orange-fin Anemonefish (Amphiprion chrysopterus)
    Common name: Orange-fin Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion chrysopterus
  8. Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
    Common name: Clarkii Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion clarkii
  9. Red Saddleback Anemonefish (Amphiprion ephippium)
    Common name: Red Saddleback Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion ephippium
  10. Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus)
    Common name: Tomato Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion frenatus
  11. Seychelles Anemonefish (Amphiprion fuscocaudatus) snuggles in its protective anemone
    Common name: Seychelles Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion fuscocaudatus
  12. Wideband Anemonefish (Amphiprion latezonatus)
    Common name: Wideband Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion latezonatus
  13. Common name: Madagascar Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion latifasciatus
  14. Whitebonnet Anemonefish (Amphiprion leucokranos) swimming in front of anemone in Papua New Guinea coral reef
    Common name: Whitebonnet Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion leucokranos
  15. Common name: Whitesnout Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion mccullochi
  16. Cinnamon Clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus)
    Common name: Cinnamon Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion melanopus
  17. Maldives Anemonefish (Amphiprion nigripes) above sea anemone
    Common name: Blackfinned Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion nigripes
  18. Ocellaris Clownfish by the purple mantle of its anemone host
    Common name: Ocellaris Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion ocellaris
  19. Oman Anemonefish (Amphiprion omanensis)
    Common name: Oman Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion omanensis
  20. Clownfish
    Common name: Percula Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion percula
  21. Pink Anemonefish
    Common name: Pink Skunk Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion perideraion
  22. Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus) close up
    Common name: Saddleback Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion polymnus
  23. Australian Anemonefish (Amphiprion rubrocinctus)
    Common name: Australian Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion rubrocinctus
  24. Orange Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) living in an anemone. Underwater life of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
    Common name: Orange Skunk Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion sandaracinos
  25. Sebae Clownfish (Amphiprion sebae) from Andaman Sea, Thailand
    Common name: Sebae Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion sebae
  26. Common name: Thielle's Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion thiellei
  27. Three-Band Anemonefish (Amphiprion tricinctus) with sea anemone
    Common name: Three-Band Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion tricinctus
  28. Spinecheek Anemonefish (Premnas biaculeatus)
    Common name: Maroon Clownfish
    Scientific name: Premnas biaculeatus