The common clownfish is the most recognizable marine fish in the hobby. Made famous by popular culture, these hardy fish are perfect for beginners. They are among the most widely captive-bred species, making them an eco-friendly choice. Their bold personality, hardiness, and symbiotic relationship with anemones make them endlessly fascinating to watch.
Fiche technique
| Scientific name | Amphiprion ocellaris |
| Max size | 4 in (10 cm) |
| Min tank size | 20 gal (75 L) |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reef safe | Yes |
| Care level | Easy |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
Présentation
The following sections detail exactly how to keep this species thriving in a saltwater reef environment.
Exigences du bac
A bonded pair thrives in a 20-gallon aquarium. Provide live rock for shelter and consider a host anemone such as a bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) once your tank is mature. Clownfish do not require an anemone to survive—they will host in corals, powerheads, or even corners of the tank. Water flow should be moderate, and lighting depends on whether you keep corals or an anemone host.
Paramètres de l'eau
Maintain standard reef aquarium parameters for long-term health:
- Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)
- pH: 8.0–8.4
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm (lower is better for a reef)
Stability is more important than hitting a specific number. Avoid sudden swings in any parameter.
Alimentation
Feed a varied diet of high-quality marine pellets, frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and occasional nori sheets. Clownfish are not picky eaters and will readily accept most prepared foods. Feed twice daily in small amounts that are consumed within two minutes. Supplement with vitamin-soaked foods periodically to boost immune health.
Comportement et compatibilité
Clownfish can be territorial, especially around their host anemone. Avoid keeping multiple pairs in the same tank unless it is very large (100+ gallons). They coexist well with most peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, and wrasses. Avoid highly aggressive tankmates like large dottybacks or triggers.
Reproduction
One of the easiest marine fish to breed in captivity. A bonded pair will lay eggs on a flat surface near their host. Eggs hatch after 6–10 days. Raising larvae requires rotifers and phytoplankton in a separate rearing tank.
Conseils pour réussir
- Buy captive-bred clownfish whenever possible—they are hardier and better for reef conservation.
- Introduce a pair simultaneously to reduce aggression during bonding.
- Avoid mixing clownfish species in the same tank.
- If you want anemone hosting, add the anemone first and let it settle before adding clowns.
- Watch for Brooklynella—clownfish are particularly susceptible to this disease.
Questions fréquentes
Can clownfish live without an anemone?
Yes. Clownfish do not need an anemone to survive. In captivity, they commonly host in torch corals, frogspawn corals, hammer corals, or even inanimate objects. An anemone is a nice addition once your tank is stable, but it is not a requirement.
How many clownfish can I keep?
A single bonded pair is ideal for most tanks. In the wild, clownfish live in hierarchical groups, but in aquariums only the dominant pair thrives. Adding a third clownfish usually results in severe bullying.
Are clownfish reef safe?
Yes. Clownfish do not eat corals. However, they may irritate corals they choose to host in by constantly rubbing against them. This is normal behavior and rarely causes lasting damage to healthy corals.
Articles connexes
- Poisson-clown et anémone hôte
- Guide du gramma royal
- Guide du gobie de feu
- Guide du gobie gardien jaune
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