Clownfish

Ocellaris Clownfish, famous from the movie "Finding Nemo," are one of the most popular and beginner-friendly saltwater aquarium fish. These hardy, colorful fish are known for their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, though they can thrive without one in captivity. They are relatively easy to care for in the saltwater world and make excellent starter fish for those entering marine aquarium keeping.

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Clownfish are adaptable but need proper marine setup:

• Minimum 20 gallons (30+ recommended)
• Live rock (10-20 lbs per 10 gallons)
• Protein skimmer
• Powerheads for flow
• Heater to maintain 75-82°F
• High-quality marine lighting

Anemones are NOT required - despite popular belief, clownfish do fine without them and often host in corals or other decorations.

Water Quality (Marine)

• Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Phosphate: <0.03 ppm
• Calcium: 400-450 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH

Critical: Marine water parameters must be stable. Use quality salt mix and RO/DI water.

Feeding

Clownfish are omnivores and easy to feed:

• High-quality marine pellets or flakes
• Frozen Mysis shrimp
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Nori (seaweed) occasionally
• Quality marine frozen foods

Feeding Schedule: 2-3 times daily. They’re enthusiastic eaters.

Behavior & Compatibility

Clownfish are generally peaceful but territorial around their “host”:

• Good Tank Mates:

  • Tangs (Yellow, Blue, Kole)
  • Gobies (Shrimp Gobies, etc.)
  • Blennies
  • Cardinalfish
  • Dartfish
  • Firefish
  • Most peaceful reef fish

• Avoid:

  • Other clownfish species (will fight)
  • Aggressive fish (Triggers, large Angels)
  • Lionfish
  • Fish that may eat them (large predators)

Pair Dynamics

Clownfish form strong pairs:

• Keep as a pair (male and female)
• All clownfish are born male
• Dominant fish becomes female (larger)
• Subordinate stays male (smaller)
• Can be aggressive to new clownfish additions

Anemone Relationship

While not required, anemones are their natural host:

• Bubble Tip Anemone: Most common choice
• Carpet Anemone: Beautiful but challenging
• Sebae Anemone: Good choice
• Time to host: Can take weeks to months
• Not guaranteed: Some never host

Warning: Anemones are advanced care - require pristine water, strong lighting, and stable conditions.

Common Health Issues

1. Brooklynella: Parasite causing heavy slime coat; treat immediately
2. Marine Ich: White spots; copper treatment or tank transfer method
3. Uronema: Ulcer disease; difficult to treat
4. Bacterial Infections: Often from poor water quality

Breeding

Clownfish are one of the easiest marine fish to breed:

• Pairs spawn regularly in captivity
• Lay eggs on flat surfaces (pot, rock, glass)
• Both parents guard eggs
• Eggs hatch in 6-8 days
• Raise fry in separate tank
• Feed fry: rotifers, then baby brine shrimp

Commercially bred extensively - most clowns in stores are captive bred.

Tank Maintenance

• Weekly 10-20% water changes
• Top off evaporation daily with RO/DI water
• Clean protein skimmer regularly
• Test water parameters weekly
• Clean glass and equipment
• Monitor coral growth if present

Tips for Success

• Buy captive-bred (hardier, better for environment)
• Establish tank fully before adding (3+ months)
• Test water frequently
• Use RO/DI water, not tap
• Add as one of the first fish (they’re hardy)
• Provide a “host” (coral, decoration, or anemone)
• Feed varied diet
• Don’t add multiple clownfish species

Varieties

• Ocellaris (False Percula): Most common, orange with white stripes
• Percula: True Percula, more expensive, more white
• Black Ocellaris: Dark variant
• Snowflake: Extra white markings
• Picasso: Misbarred pattern
• Platinum: White with orange accents
• Wyoming White: Mostly white

Why “Intermediate” Not “Beginner”

While clownfish are hardy:

1. Requires marine setup knowledge
2. Saltwater parameters more complex
3. Equipment is more expensive
4. Water changes use salt mix
5. Cannot use tap water
6. Generally more expensive than freshwater

However, they’re the best starting point for saltwater keeping!