Clownfish

The Clownfish is a very popular saltwater reef aquarium fish. They are generally hardy but this varies a bit in the  sub-species, with some being easier to keep than others. Clownfish often have a hard time getting used to a new environment, so be sure that your water condition is as good as possible.

Depending on the exact species, they are a small fish, usually around 2.5 inches long. Clownfish spawn year round in warm tropical waters. Their eggs are laid in large batches with a 4 or 5 day hatching period. In captivity, they can live for up to 5 years.

Generally, Clownfish are not aggressive towards other fish species, but can be quite territorial towards their own. Clownfish do not need an anemone although they have a mutually beneficial relationship with them in the wild. Each different clownfish species likes particular anemone species however anemones are difficult to keep so if you wish to go down that path you must look into anemone care as well as that of the clownfish.

In the wild, Clownfish eat small crustaceans and reef algae, as well as the remains of fish that anemones feed on. A Clownfish will even eat dead anemone tentacles and debris.

Some common Clownfish kept in marine aquariums include:

• Black Clownfish
• Breeding Clownfish
• Cinnamon Clownfish
• Clarkii Clownfish
• Maroon Clownfish
• Ocellaris Clownfish
• Percula Clownfish
• Pink Skunk Clownfish
• Saddleback Clownfish
• Tomato Clownfish

In captivity Clownfish enjoy a varied diet that includes marine flake food, vegetables, vitamin enriched flake food, frozen Cyclops and more.

Once you know the basics of keeping them happy and healthy, Clownfish are a great addition to any marine tank.