Clownfish Spotlight – A Complete Care Guide With Tips How to Keep This Beautiful Fish In Your Reef Tank.

Throughout my years of working, studying and enjoying coral reefs, I’ve developed a certain fondness for clownfish. This delightfully colored reef inhabitant may be small, but come with a giant personality. From its vibrant design to its affinity for stinging anemones, it’s no surprise the clownfish is among the most popular fish among reef tank enthusiasts.

Of course, its popularity was stimulated after a certain film, which shall go unnamed. Unfortunately, the proliferation of interest around this delicate creature resulted in untold numbers dying due to improper care.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to dive into the moral, ethical and statistical issues surrounding the media-influenced attraction to the clownfish. Instead, I want to discuss the intricacies of selecting, caring for and supporting this hilariously beautiful fish.

While the clownfish may be familiar in name, did you know this single term actually represents over 30 identified species? Although all clownfish share similar characteristics, each species offers its own unique set of characteristics, which are oftentimes categorized into six main complexes, or groupings.

If you’re interested in learning more about this surprisingly varied reef inhabitant, it’s best to start at the beginning. Join me in exploring the bright, complicated and interesting world of clownfish.

The Complexities of Clownfish Complexes - 6 Main Groups.

Before diving into the finer details of this popular saltwater tank fish, it’s important to hold a basic understanding of how this fish is categorized. The following is a brief breakdown of each complex grouping, which will help guide you to finding the ideal species for your tank.

While I’m not going to list out each specific species, this is a useful guide to help narrow your options and gain a broader understanding of this species.

Skunk Complex - 2 Species.

Out of this entire list, I find the Skunk Complex species to be the most unique. Just as its name suggests, both species (Pink Skunk and Orange Skin Clownfish) feature similar markings on their back as skunk. While not the most dynamic design, I find its band placement to be a fun and interesting quality for such a notorious fish.

At the end of this article, we’ll describe the top 10 clownfish species for reef tanks. Until then, let’s learn a little more about the life and care requirements of these beloved critters.

​Percula Complex - 4 Species.

There are a total of four clownfish species categorized in this grouping. Two out of the four species are the most commonly seen clownfish in our hobby. Because the Percula Complex species is so popular, it’s among the most commonly bred in captivity. As you dive deeper into these four species, you’ll notice certain color adaptations, which is a direct result of generations of captive breeding.

The True Percula Clownfish is the classic orange fish with white stripes. As mentioned above, this species has undergone unique design development. The Picasso Clownfish, also known as the Picasso Percula Clownfish, is a variety of this species and features a white horizontal band within its center.

Maroon Complex - 2 Species.

Considered some of the most visually attractive clownfish species, Maroon Complex clownfish feature prominent pattern bands. The Maroon Clownfish is desired due to its unique beauty, but be careful! This species is notoriously territorial. Similarly beautiful, the Gold Striped Maroon Clownfish is named due to its band colors.

Clarkii Complex - 11 Species.

Talk with any aquarists about the Clarkii Complex, and you’ll hear the same response. These fish are hardy, brilliantly designed and are relatively easy to care for. The most common species within this complex is Clark’s Clownfish. However, the Three-Band Clownfish is the most desirable, but also the rarest. This species can grow up to 5.1-inches and offers a variety of colors ranging from black to a golden-yellow hue.

Saddleback Complex - 3 Species.

Out of all the fish categorized in this complex, the Sebae Clownfish is often the most recognized (and requested). With a maximum grow size of 6-inches, this clownfish variety is easy to care for and offers a beautiful coloration of black, white and orange.

Tomato Complex - 2 Species.

Although the Tomato Complex includes some of the most common species found in saltwater aquariums, they are relatively bland in terms of coloring and patterns. Both species (Tomato Clownfish, Cinnamon Clownfish) feature only a single white band, which is typically around their eyes.

No Laughing Matter - Clownfish and Sea Anemones.

During my childhood school years, I remember first learning about this strange marine creature. While I was vaguely familiar with this fish, I had no idea such a small and cute reef inhabitant could be so interesting.

As with many of us, its desired living arrangement is what jumpstarted my intrigue. Typically, the majority of sea creatures avoid anemones, and for good reason. Outfitted with stinging tentacles, brushing up against its shocking branches would often lead to a very bad day for the poor, unassuming creature.

While most underwater inhabitants avoid sea anemones, the clownfish considers them the perfect place to call home.

Regardless of its danger, these two species have a symbiotic relationship. Essentially, the clownfish, who is quite territorial, helps the anemone by fighting off potentially dangerous creatures, cleaning its surface and providing nutrients.

To return the favor, the sea anemone provides an incredibly potent security system. Its stinging tentacles shields the clownfish from predators, but how does the clownfish stay safe from its stinging host? Basically, the clownfish is completely immune to the dangers of its living home.

Talk about a beneficial living situation!

Interestingly, multiple clownfish can call a single anemone home. However, in this situation, the dominant fish is always female, while her roommates are always male.

While sea anemones and clownfish are an essential pairing in the wild, what about your aquarium? Do clownfish require anemone in an aquarium environment?

This may surprise you, but no. Clownfish are highly adaptable, and can form its instinctual attachment to pre-existing structures, such as corals or larger rock structures. If you choose to install an anemone, there’s only around 10 species known to safely house clownfish. Some of the most popular choices include Sebae Anemone, Long Tentacle Anemone, Adhesive Sea Anemone and Saddle Anemone.

The Captive Clownfish - Facts Every Aquarist Should Know.

When it comes to this reef tank inhabitant, there’s more cool and important facts than there is time to easily discuss them all. So, in an effort to streamline your clownfish education, I’ve compiled a quick and easy factsheet.

Fact #1 - Clownfish Develop Anemone Immunities Over Time.

Okay, earlier I stated clownfish are immune to the stinging effects of anemones, but I failed to elaborate. Like most immunities, to build this resistance the clownfish must be exposed to the anemone’s toxins.

They safely accomplish this by gently brushing specific body parts against the anemone. By doing so, a protective mucus layer forms. Ultimately, this “bonds” the two creatures together and supports a symbiotic relationship.

Fact #2  - Clownfish Change Gender.

The most interesting element of clownfish biology is its gender, or more specifically, its ability to change genders. Classified as a sequential hermaphrodites, all clownfish are born male.

In a “community” of clownfish, there is a large female joined by several smaller male companions. While the rest of her cohorts are male, there is the “lead” male, who is larger than the rest. He ensures his size, and dominance over smaller males, by consuming greater quantities of food.

When the female clownfish lays eggs, the largest male fertilizes them and assists in caring for the eggs. Interestingly, if the female dies, the entire pecking order is altered. The largest male now has no female competing with food sources, so he begins to gain weight. Ultimately, through a complex biological process, the once-largest male now becomes the dominant female.

Fact #3 - Aggression is Related to Native Environment (Tank or Wild).

Clownfish are aggressive, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t suitable for an already populated tank. To understand the source of their aggression, you simply have to consider its instinctual purpose. In the wild, clownfish rarely leave their anemone home. In fact, part of its purpose is to defend the anemone from other fish.

However, clownfish bred in aquariums (without an anemone home) may still have this instinct, but it’s much calmer than wild harvested species.

Of course, there’s very little you can do to reduce the natural desire to protect their territory. Most importantly, be aware of where your clownfish come from (wild harvested or bred in captivity). As many aquarists have learned, clownfish born in captivity are often more accepting of other aquarium fish. This is especially true if the fish were raised in groups without a sea anemone.

Fact #4 - Clownfish are Omnivores.

A primary reason why so many aquarist are drawn to clownfish is their easy diet. As an omnivore, clownfish can eat anything from plants to meat. I feed my clowns different type of food, frozen Rod's Food the Original Mix and the New Life Spectrum Thera-A. However, they typically enjoy a nice meal of algae, worms, zooplankton and tiny crustaceans. When feeding, you’ll notice the smaller a clownfish is, the less he travels from his designated “safety zone.” Be sure to drop the fish food near this area to keep the clownfish healthy and happy.

Fact #5 - Caring for Clownfish is Super Easy (Especially Aquarium-Raised Species).

If you’re looking for a beautiful fish that’s easy to care for, then you’ll likely end up browsing the clownfish selection at your local aquarium store. These fish are acclimate well to any tank. However, aquarium-raised clownfish tend to weave into their new tank environment much easier than wild caught species.

Capable of living anywhere from three to six years, clownfish can live happily for a long time (as long as you keep them healthy).

Regarded as a hardy species, clownfish aren’t extremely susceptible to diseases. Of course, this isn’t a guaranteed statement. Aquarium environment and underlying health issues all play a part in clownfish health. As with many saltwater fish, clownfish can be susceptible to a range of diseases and problems aptly called, “saltwater diseases.”

These include ammonia poisoning, dropsy, HITH/HLLE, cryptocaryon (Ick) and nitrite/nitrate poisoning.

Where to Buy Quality Clownfish?

There are many places online you can get quality livestock, but for clownfish we're always shopping at AlphaAquaculture.com

The Reef Hacks Top 10 Clownfish - Our Favorite Species.

As with many elements of reefing, the “best” of anything is a highly subjective answer. So, before closing out this article, we decided to collect the Top 10 Clownfish for reef tanks from all of us at Reef Hacks.

Of course, this list isn’t in any particular order. It’s a quick list of the clownfish species we’ve all grown to love and appreciate.

#1 - Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris).

Also known as the False Percula Clownfish, the Ocellaris is native to the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 3.2-inches in the wild. However, aquarium raised Ocellaris tend to stick around 2-inches.

The primary advantage of this clownfish species, not including its beautiful design, is its hardiness. This is an excellent fish for beginner aquarists, has a relatively peaceful temperament and requires at least 20 gallons.

#2 - Picasso (Amphiprion percula).

This Percula Clownfish variant are native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Primarily identified by its extraordinarily white center stripe, this clownfish variety is sought after due to its brilliant coloration and rarity among this fish species.

If you’re looking for a unique clownfish, you should definitely give the Picasso a chance. However, due its uniqueness, be prepared to pay extra when compared to more standard clownfish species.

#3 - Black Ice Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris).

With a name as cool as Black Ice, this clownfish is destined to deliver a dose of interestingness to your tank. Remember earlier when I mentioned captive bred clownfish have developed new colorations? This is a perfect example.

The Black Ice Clownfish is a cross between Darwin Ocellaris and Snowflake Ocellaris species. The coloration is a mixture of bright orange, rust orange, black and irregular-shaped white bands. This is a definitely a uniquely distinctive clownfish.

#4 - Pink Skunk (Amphiprion perideraion).

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, this is the epitome of a “home body” fish. In the wild, this non-migratory clownfish rarely leaves the immediate area around its home anemone.

As its name suggests, the Pink Skunk features an orangeish-pink color hue highlighted by a white stripe that runs from its caudal fin to its head. There is also a vertical stripe near its head region. While capable of growing up to 4-inches in the wild, aquarium Pink Skunks typically average around 2-inches.

#5 - Tomato Clown (Amphiprion frenatus).

This hardy clownfish is native to the Western Pacific region and can grow up to 6-inches in the wild, but typically grows to 3.5-inches in aquarium environments. As an aggressive eater, it’s important to make sure this beautiful clownfish has easy and ample food to prevent it from becoming extra-aggressive.

It’s important to note, the Tomato Clownfish shouldn’t be housed with passive or shy feeding fish. This is mainly because it’s a territorial creature, who tends to become more aggressive as it ages. The Tomato Clownfish derives its name due to its rounder dark-orange-red color, which features a narrow white stripe near its eyes.

#6 - Black Storm (Amphiprion ocellaris).

Originally known as the Black DaVinci, the Black Storm Clownfish is by-far the most visually unique clownfish in this list. Its name is derived from its interesting coloration, which typically features a primarily white body highlighted by irregular black spots.

Noted as being a relatively calm and docile clownfish, this hardy species is known to appreciate aquariums with or without sea anemones. If you choose to install an anemone, Black Storm generally enjoyed the Bubble Tip Anemone.

#7 - Peacekeeper Maroon (Premnas biaculeatus).

Also known as the Spine-Cheeked Anemonefish, the Maroon Clownfish features a vibrant red body with wide white bands along its forehead, anal fin and midsection. While this is a visually stunning species, it’s known throughout the reefing community as being more aggressive than other varieties.

Perhaps the most noteworthy consideration is its delicate nature. You shouldn’t ever move the Maroon Clownfish with a net as its cheek spines can easily become tangled.

Peacekeeper Type is Exclusive at AlphaAquaculture.com

#8 - Snowflake (Amphiprion ocellaris).

Highlighted by three large white bands, the Snowflake Clownfish is similar to a standard Ocellaris Clownfish. While its design may appear unique, its temperament and ideal environment is almost identical to the aforementioned species. As a relatively tranquil and decently hardy clownfish, Snowflakes are ideal for novice aquarists.

#9 - Frostbite (Amphiprion ocellaris).

Known as a “designer clownfish,” Frostbites are a cross-breed variety of Snowflake Ocellaris and Wyoming White Clownfish. This results in a stunning visual design. This species tends to demonstrate a predominately white body, which is highlighted by orange and black fins. If you’re looking for a clownfish that’s unlike almost any other, then you should definitely check out this guy.

#10 - Clarkii (Amphiprion clarkii).

This boldly designed clownfish can grow up to 5-inches long and features a distinct color pattern. As a hardy clownfish, Clarkii differ from other species as it’s not afraid to swim around your aquarium. While most clownfish tend to stick to their little home, this species jolts out and explores its environment. Of course, this means you should give Clarkii ample space to swim. Smaller tanks around 30 gallons are “officially” slated to be an appropriate size, but bigger is definitely better for this audacious clownfish.

The Colorful Side of Nature - Final Thoughts.

While clownfish are brilliant, their temperament and maximum growth sizes demand special considerations. However, these fish are popular for more than just being highlighted in a movie.

Clownfish add a uniquely beautiful element to any reef tank. From a wide array of color options, to their fun and dynamic personalities, it’s no surprise millions of reef tank owners have invited this spunky fish to call their aquarium home.

What’s your experience with clownfish? Do you have a favorite species not listed above? Visit the Reef Hacks Facebook page and leave us a comment or send us a message.

On behalf of the entire Reef Hacks team, we’re always here to answer your questions or concerns. And, as always, Happy Reefing!

by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.

Featured Photo of the Article by jeff~