The common Clownfish is a beautiful fish found widespread throughout the tropical Indo-Pacific. They possess the unique ability to hide in an anemone without getting hurt. They have a slimy coat similar to that of the anemones, which do not identify them as enemies. This helps to protect them from predators. It somewhat helps the anemone get food as Clownfish adds activity around the food-searching tentacles of the anemone. This relationship is called symbiosis, though it has been disputed whether the anemone benefits from the Clownfish at all.

More than one anemone must be available if more than one pair of Clownfish are to be kept in the same aquarium. The will fight otherwise.

Amphiprion ocellaris is the most commonly seen Clownfish in the hobby. Its body is bright orange with three vertical white bands edged in black. All fins are also edged in black.

Clownfish are especially susceptible to the disease Oodinium ocellatum.

Tank Setup

As previously stated, more than one anemone should be kept per pair of Clownfish. Do not keep these fish without anemones or with fish that will eat the anemones, such as certain types of Triggerfishes. The aquarium need not be large; 30 gallons will suffice.

Feeding

Clownfish are not picky eaters. As omnivores they accept a large variety of foods. They relish small live sea creatures as well as scraps of beef heart, flake foods and frozen worms of all types.

Water Chemistry

These hardy fish can live in water with a salinity level anywhere between 1.023-1.027 and with a temperature between 75-79 degrees F.

Breeding

Eggs are laid close to an anemone. These eggs and the resulting fry are cared for by both parents until they are young fish able to fend for themselves. Sexual differences are unknown.