Clownfish
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.
Common name: Skunk ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion akallopisos
Common name: Barrier Reef AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion akindynos
Common name: Allard's ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion allardi
Common name: Two-banded ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion bicinctus
Common name: Chagos ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion chagosensis
Common name: Mauritian ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion chrysogaster
Common name: Orange-fin AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion chrysopterus
Common name: Clarkii ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion clarkii
Common name: Red Saddleback AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion ephippium
Common name: Tomato ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion frenatus
Common name: Seychelles AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion fuscocaudatus
Common name: Wideband AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion latezonatus
Common name: Madagascar AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion latifasciatus
Common name: Whitebonnet AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion leucokranos
Common name: Whitesnout AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion mccullochi
Common name: Cinnamon ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion melanopus
Common name: Blackfinned ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion nigripes
Common name: Ocellaris ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion ocellaris
Common name: Oman AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion omanensis
Common name: Percula ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion percula
Common name: Pink Skunk ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion perideraion
Common name: Saddleback ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion polymnus
Common name: Australian AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion rubrocinctus
Common name: Orange Skunk ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion sandaracinos
Common name: Sebae ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion sebae
Common name: Thielle's ClownfishScientific name: Amphiprion thiellei
Common name: Three-Band AnemonefishScientific name: Amphiprion tricinctus
Common name: Maroon ClownfishScientific name: Premnas biaculeatus