Thinking about adding a pair of clownfish to your reef tank? Great choice! Clownfish, with their vibrant colours and engaging behaviours, are a popular addition to many aquariums. They are reef-safe, relatively easy to care for, and offer endless fascination as they dart around their aquatic homes. But did you know there’s more to clownfish than just the famous “Nemo”? Let’s dive into the world of clownfish and explore 9 popular types you can consider for your reef tank.
1. Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Overview
The ocellaris clownfish, commonly known as the “false percula,” is the most recognizable and widely kept clownfish species. Often referred to as “Nemo,” these clownfish are cherished for their striking orange and white colouration, with black accents that highlight their vibrant patterns.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 4 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons
- Price: Around $20
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Special Traits: Less territorial, suitable for nano tanks
Habitat and Behavior
Ocellaris clownfish are naturally found in reefs from the Eastern Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific. They are known for their relatively docile nature compared to other clownfish species, making them ideal for community tanks. Selective breeding has produced various designer morphs, including the DaVinci, Snowflake, and Darwin clownfish, which offer unique colour patterns and variations.
Care Tips
Ocellaris clownfish are hardy and adapt well to various tank conditions. They are less aggressive and can coexist with other small fish like firefish gobies, wrasses, and cardinalfish. Ensure they have a well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding spots and live rock to simulate their natural environment.
2. Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula)
Overview
Percula clownfish are often mistaken for ocellaris clownfish due to their similar appearance. However, particulars have thicker black banding around their stripes, setting them apart visually. They are among the smallest clownfish species, making them a popular choice for smaller tanks.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 3.5 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons
- Price: From $25
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Special Traits: Extensively bred for various colour morphs, such as the Picasso clownfish
Habitat and Behavior
Native to the Western Pacific, including northeastern Australia and Indonesia, particulars are slightly more feisty than their ocellaris counterparts. They can tolerate peaceful tankmates like royal grammas, gobies, and blennies. Percula clownfish are also known for their extensive colour morphs, making them a visually appealing addition to any reef tank.
Care Tips
Perculas are hardy and relatively easy to care for. They do well in tanks with peaceful species and can be kept with invertebrates such as cleaner shrimp and snails. Regular water changes and proper tank maintenance will keep them thriving.
3. Maroon Clownfish (Amphiprion biaculeatus)
Overview
The maroon clownfish is a striking species with bold colouration and distinctive patterns. Previously classified under the genus Premnas, it was reclassified to Amphiprion in 2021. Maroon clownfish are known for their territorial behaviour and aggressive nature.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 6 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
- Price: From $30
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Special Traits: Aggressive, multiple-colour morphs including red and white variations
Habitat and Behavior
Maroon clownfish are found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific, overlapping with the ranges of ocellaris and percula clownfish. In an aquarium setting, they can be quite territorial and may not tolerate other fish well. A single-species setup is often recommended, with the possibility of including cleaner shrimp and snails.
Care Tips
Due to their aggressive nature, maroon clownfish are best kept in a large tank with ample space. Avoid housing them with other clownfish or timid species. Providing plenty of hiding spots and a well-established environment can help reduce their aggression.
4. Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
Overview
The Clarkii clownfish is a hardy species with a wide natural range and adaptable nature. It is usually brown to black with white vertical stripes and yellow fins, and it is known for its resilience in various tank conditions.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 6 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
- Price: From $20
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Special Traits: Adaptable to different anemones, can be territorial
Habitat and Behavior
Clarkii clownfish have a broad distribution, from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. They are less fussy about their anemone hosts, making them versatile in a reef tank setup. However, they can be territorial and may nip at tankmates if they feel their space is threatened.
Care Tips
Provide Clarkii clownfish with a spacious tank and avoid keeping them with other clownfish or very timid species. They are adaptable to various anemones and corals, making them a flexible choice for reef tanks.
5. Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus)
Overview
The tomato clownfish, named for its vibrant orange-red colouration, is a popular choice for its striking appearance and hardy nature. It is known for its round body and distinctive white cheek stripe.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 5 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
- Price: From $20
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Special Traits: Moderately aggressive, commonly found with bubble-tip anemones
Habitat and Behavior
Tomato clownfish are native to the Western Pacific and are associated with bubble-tip anemones in the wild. They are relatively easy to care for but can be moderately aggressive. It’s best to house them with nimble, non-timid species.
Care Tips
Ensure the tank is large enough to accommodate a pair of tomato clownfish and their anemone if used. They are hardy and can adapt to various conditions, but be mindful of their aggression towards other fish.
6. Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymers)
Overview
The saddleback clownfish is known for its distinctive saddle-shaped white bar running across its body. It is a relatively peaceful clownfish compared to some of its more aggressive relatives.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 5 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
- Price: From $30
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Special Traits: Blacktail, colour variations based on anemone host
Habitat and Behavior
Saddleback clownfish are found in the Indo-Pacific Ocean, particularly in the Coral Triangle. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other fish and invertebrates, making them a good choice for a community reef tank.
Care Tips
Saddleback clownfish are relatively easy to care for and can adapt to different anemones. They thrive in a well-maintained tank with plenty of hiding spots and a stable environment.
7. Pink Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion perideraion)
Overview
The pink skunk clownfish is part of the skunk clownfish complex and is known for its attractive pinkish-to-orange body and distinctive white stripes. It is a smaller species that adds a splash of colour to any reef tank.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 4 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 20 gallons
- Price: Around $25
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Special Traits: Less aggressive, pairs well with peaceful tankmates
Habitat and Behavior
Native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Melanesia, pink skunk clownfish are typically found in association with various anemones. They are less aggressive than some other clownfish species and can be kept with peaceful tankmates like gobies and firefish.
Care Tips
Pink skunk clownfish are hardy and adaptable, but they do require a well-maintained tank with suitable hiding spots. They can thrive with or without an anemone, making them a versatile choice for reef aquariums.
8. Cinnamon Clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus)
Overview
The cinnamon clownfish, with its bright orange-red body and brown flanks, is a visually striking species. It is known for its somewhat aggressive behaviour, which sets it apart from more docile clownfish types.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 5 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
- Price: From $25
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Special Traits: Aggressive, prefers bubble-tip anemones
Habitat and Behavior
Found in the Western Pacific, cinnamon clownfish are associated with bubble-tip anemones. They can be quite aggressive and may bully other tankmates if not given enough space.
Care Tips
Provide a spacious tank with ample hiding spots and avoid housing cinnamon clownfish with timid species. They are hardy but require careful management to ensure a peaceful tank environment.
9. Sebae Clownfish (Amphiprion sebae)
Overview
The Sebae clownfish is a less commonly kept species but offers a unique look with its black, white, and yellow colouration. It is named after the Dutch zoologist Albertus Seba and has distinctive pairing habits with specific anemones.
Key Features
- Size: Up to 5.5 inches
- Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
- Price: From $25
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Special Traits: Prefers Stichodactyla haddoni anemone, distinct colouration
Habitat and Behavior
Native to the northern Indian Ocean, Sebae clownfish are known for their exclusive association with the Stichodactyla haddoni anemone. They are not as aggressive as some other clownfish species but can still be territorial.
Care Tips
Ensure a spacious tank with the appropriate anemone species if you wish to replicate their natural habitat. They are moderately challenging to pair up but can thrive with proper care and tank conditions.
Conclusion
Clownfish are a fantastic choice for reef tanks, offering both beauty and intriguing behaviours. With various species to choose from, each with its unique traits and requirements, you can find the perfect clownfish to fit your aquarium setup. Whether you opt for the iconic Ocellaris clownfish, the vibrant Tomato clownfish, or the distinctive Saddleback clownfish, these fascinating fish will add a splash of colour and personality to your reef tank.