At least, those interested in getting into the saltwater aquarium hobby. 

I don’t know what, but there is something satisfying about watching these fish swim. 

Maybe it is the contrast they make with their beautiful vibrant yellow colors. Or the way they graze algae from the rocks. Or maybe, it is something else entirely. 

Whatever the reason is, these fish are certainly one of the most desired fish in the aquarium hobby. And, like with other types of fish, we do need to know their requirements, before we buy one. 

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about keeping tangs, including the size of the tank they need.

You’ll learn the size yellow tangs reach, why you can’t keep them in smaller tanks, and how fast they’ll grow in adults. In addition, we’ll answer some related questions, as well.

Let’s get started!

How Big Do Yellow Tangs Get 

The Yellow Tang is probably the most popular fish in the saltwater aquarium hobby next to the clownfish. 

Quite often, when beginners see these fish in person, they immediately fall in love and want to have them in their tanks. Many people fail victims of this, including myself. 

However, I am aware that I can’t keep them. At least, not yet. I can’t provide the right conditions for a yellow tang, so I’ll probably stay away from that idea. But, a man can only dream. 

Yellow tangs can get quite big, reaching sizes up to 8 inches. Fish with that size needs a lot of space for swimming and exploration. 

How Fast Do Yellow Tangs Grow

I’ve heard people debating about keeping baby yellow tangs in smaller tanks until they reach a certain size. 

While this approach might work with other types of fish, I wouldn’t recommend it doing it with tangs. Why you might ask? 

Firstly, people say that they will upgrade the tank when their yellow tangs outgrow it but they never do. 

At least, most of the hobbyists. To be honest, nobody wants to upgrade tanks every year to suit certain types of fish. The best practice is to make a stocking plan from the beginning, make a list of fish you want to keep, and from there buy according to that plan. 

With proper care, you can expect your yellow tang to grow about 1 to 2 inches yearly. Assuming the fish is in great health condition. 

However, despite that, there are a lot of different factors that can influence the yellow tang growth. Their diet, genetics, and environment can have an impact on the size, as well. 

Minimum Tank Size for Yellow Tang 

Yellow Tangs need at least a 100-gallon tank with a minimum length of 4ft. That’s the bare minimum, and it’s probably good only for a baby yellow tang. 

If you want to see your tang thrive consider setting up a 150 gallon or even 200-gallon tank. That way, you can truly enjoy watching these beautiful fish. 

With yellow tangs is more about length, than about water volume. Keep that in mind before you choose the size of your tank. 

They are strong swimmers, so naturally, they’ll be happier in longer tanks. Think about 5ft or 6ft tanks. Anything smaller will stress them out in the long run. And stressed tangs are more prone to diseases. 

What about people keeping yellow tangs successfully in smaller tanks? 

While I’ve seen yellow tangs successfully kept in smaller tanks, I wouldn’t recommend it doing it. 

Those cases are exceptions, not the norm. 

More importantly, don’t fell in the trap of some fish stores that will say anything in order to sell fish. It’s not rare to see stores recommending keeping tangs in tanks smaller than 100 gallons. 

Don’t listen to that advice, unless you want to end up disappointed. 

Related Questions 

Can you put a yellow tang in a 55-gallon tank? 

A 55-gallon tank is a way too small tank for a yellow tang. Consider upgrading to a larger size. 

How many gallons does a tang need?

A Yellow Tang needs at least a 100-gallon tank. 

Are yellow tangs good for beginners? 

Yellow tangs are not difficult to take care of. Assuming you provide it with the right conditions, a good diet, and a proper size of a tank, you can keep them even as a beginner aquarist. 

Can a yellow tang live in a 20-gallon tank? 

Yellow Tangs can’t live in 20-gallon tanks. Even baby yellow tangs need at least a 100-gallon tank in order to thrive. Adding a tang in that small tank will certainly end up with the death of the fish. 

Final Thoughts 

You should not keep yellow tang in a smaller tank. If you do, the Tang Police will get you! 

For those not familiar with that term, it is an internal joke among reefers. Kidding aside, the joke has its point. It’s good for beginners to be aware that they can’t keep yellow tangs in small tanks. 

Unfortunately, many people don’t follow the advice given by more experienced aquarists. Often, they buy a tang and add it to a smaller tank with a hope that it will live without any problems. 

However, in many cases that don’t happen. The yellow tang dies, and they replace it with another. I would strongly advise you to not follow that practice. 

If you are interested in keeping tangs, do it the right way. Set up an appropriate tank from the start, and enjoy watching these beautiful fish. 

Otherwise, don’t even try.

As a responsible hobbyist, you probably want to learn as much as possible in order to provide the best living conditions for your clownfish. That brings us to the question. What do clownfish eat? 

Feeding a clownfish is an easy task to do. But finding the best food for clownfish is a tricky one. In this article, we’ll deep dive into the subject and find out what is the right diet for your clownfish. But before we do that, let’s answer the question. 

What do clownfish eat? Clownfish are omnivores which means their diet consists of zooplankton from the water column, small crustaceans, and small portions of algae.

What Do Clownfish Eat in the Wild

Clownfish are opportunistic feeders in the wild. They don’t have constant access to food like those kept in home aquariums, so whenever they get the chance to eat, they eat as much as they can. 

Often, even tank raised clownfish imitate this type of behavior. It’s quite interesting to observe those little pals eating almost everything you throw in front of them. 

The diet of the wild clownfish primarily consists of zooplankton and seaweeds. 

What do Clownfish eat in Aquarium 

In aquariums, it is a different scenario. 

They don’t have such problems compared to the wild ones. They get plenty of food on a daily basis. 

Clownfish should be fed with a variety of foods in order to get all the necessary nutrients. In the next section, we’ll closely look at all the types of foods clownfish can eat. 

What to Feed a Clownfish 

The food you are giving to your clownfish can be divided into three categories :

1. Pellets
2. Frozen Foods 
3. Live Foods

Pellets for Clownfish 

Pellets are the most common food given to clownfish. And probably the easiest food to be found in fish stores. Here are some brands that make good clownfish food:

• New Life Spectrum
• Soft Clownfish Pellets by Faunamarin 
• Omega One Marine Pellets 

Frozen Foods for Clownfish 

Frozen foods are also a great choice to enrich your clownfish diet. Here are some of the best frozen foods for clownfish on the market :

• San Francisco Bay Frozen Brine Shrimp 
• Rod’s Food Fish Eggs 
• LRS Fish Frenzy 

Live Foods for Clownfish 

Feeding your clownfish with live food is an excellent way to wake up their natural instinct. 

Especially for breeding purposes. Some of the most common live foods given to clownfish are Mysis and Brine shrimp. 

How often to feed Clownfish 

You’ve probably heard different opinions on this matter. While most of them are good, quite often they don’t see the big picture. How often to feed your clowns? It depends. Actually, it depends on many factors. 

Yes, you can feed them once and call it a day. There is nothing wrong with that. But if you want to raise a healthy and big clownfish that will live a long life you should be aware of some things. Not every clownfish will need the same amount of food. Some need more food, others don’t. 

The amount of food will be based on the size of the clownfish, age of the clownfish, and the size of the tank. And of course, based on the other inhabitants in the tank. 

Juvenile clownfish need frequent feedings. In general, a couple of times in a day should be sufficient. In fact, a lack of food in the early stages may stunt their growth. On the other hand, older clownfish can be fed every other day. 

The tank size is also an important factor that determines the frequency of the feedings. Smaller tanks can’t support a heavy feeding schedule. Beginners are prone to making these types of mistakes. 

They buy a clownfish, set up a small tank, and start feeding their fish whenever they can. I know the urge to feed your fish every time you pass by your tank. I am guilty of doing that, too. And with fish always begging for food, it’s hard to resist feeding them. 

The best way to bypass this problem is to set up an exact amount of food per day according to the size of the clownfish and the size of the tank. Split that food into several feedings per day. That way, your clownfish will be well-fed, at the same time, you will avoid polluting your tank with food. 

Tips for Feeding a Clownfish 

Your clownfish should be always interested in the food you are giving it. If it’s not begging for food, it’s probably not hungry. It’s a sign you should not ignore. Uneaten food can quickly pollute your tank. It’s the last thing you want to do. It can have a big impact on your clownfish overall health. 

Most clownfish are vigorous eaters which means they’ll hunt down food all over the tank. However, some types are shier than others, and they will require manual assistance. Often, new additions to the tank or juvenile clownfish will have a spot in the tank where they feel safe. Feed them at those spots until they get familiar with the tank. 

Clownfish can get picky after eating the same food for a prolonged time. Try to mix it up once in a while to avoid such problems. 

Turn your pumps off. Clownfish are slow swimmers, and sometimes it’s difficult for them to get to the food if the water flow is strong. By turning the pumps off you can monitor the amount of food that has been eaten and how much you should feed them. Of course, you can experiment with this and see what happens if the pumps are on. 

Best food for clownfish? 

So, what’s the conclusion? If you have to choose what would be the best food to feed your clownfish?

While I can’t say that one type of food is better than the others, I suspect it’s a little bit of everything. Clownfish are omnivores which means their diet should consist of foods from animal and plant origin.

A diverse diet is necessary if you want your clownfish to reach its maximum potential. The best food is the food that will help your clownfish grow and stay healthy. 

All of the foods mentioned above are great. Pick your favorite, experiment according to your clownfish, and once in a while mix it up. That way, your clownfish will always be interested in the food you are giving to it. 

Final Thoughts 

Feeding your clownfish is one of the most interesting aspects of the hobby. It’s always fun watching those little pals begging for food. Despite the fact that you’ve just fed them a moment ago. I know, for sure, I enjoy feeding all of my fish. I bet, you do, as well. 

I know, as well, that you are aware of the importance of a good diet for your clownfish. And, that has a great impact on the overall health of fish. So, I’m sure you’ll make your clownfish happy by giving them the best possible foods. 

While, in most cases, it is nothing you need to worry about, there are still things you should be aware of.

Fish are not like dogs or cats where you can easily notice if something is wrong. Often, there are underlying problems that can’t be noticed until it’s too late.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the reasons why your clownfish isn’t eating, and what you should do to prevent this from happening in the first place.

Let’s get started!

Observe Your Clownfish Before You Make Any Assumptions

Before you make any rash decision, it is important to observe your clownfish for a while. Keep eye on it, monitor the situation.

Sometimes it seems that it’s not eating, however, it’s the quite opposite. Your clownfish may eat small amounts of food without you realizing it.

If the problem persists, you should start looking for the reasons that may cause the problem. Don’t worry! Most of these things are not serious and will go away in no time.

Possible Reasons Why Your Clownfish Is Not Eating

While there are a lot of possible reasons why your clownfish is not eating, the following are the most common.

Adjusting to a New Tank

It’s not uncommon for clownfish to stop eating when it has been transferred to a new tank. It’s pretty normal. As soon they get comfortable with the new environment, they’ll start eating.

The Tank Is Not Cycled Yet

While I believe you’ve added the clownfish in a fully cycled tank, there still hobbyists that do the quite opposite. Clownfish are known as hardy fish, therefore used by people to speed up the process of cycling the tank. I would not recommend doing this which may end up bad for the fish.

Their Diet Has Changed

Sometimes they are used to different types of foods compared with the ones you’re offering. If they are still not eating, try feeding them with live foods to increase their appetite.

Wild Caught or Tank Raised

Wild-caught clownfish may take some time to adjust to flakes and pellets. On the other hand, clownfish born in captivity are get used to these types of foods from the start.

Nothing to worry about, though. Once your clownfish get hungry enough, they’ll start eating.

Problem Occurs More Than Once

If your clownfish shows signs of lack of appetite on more than one occasion, you should look for other reasons. Maybe there is something wrong with water parameters. Or, your clownfish is sick. All these things demand further investigation.

How many days can clownfish go without food?

Leaving our fish without food it’s not something we want to do. But like with other things in life stuff happens. We run out of food, we are not home for a few days, or even worse, we are going on vacation that may last for a couple of weeks.

Of course, leaving a fish tank without maintenance for that long will certainly end disastrously. But, I am quite sure, every responsible hobbyist would not risk the health of his fish leaving them without food for a prolonged time.

But what to do if you aren’t able to feed your clowns for a couple of days. Or a week?

How long can you leave them like that, without sacrificing their health? Will they survive?

Well, a couple of days without food won’t hurt your clownfish. In fact, they’ll be fine even for a week. Of course, if they are in a good health condition and they have been fed frequently before. However, if you want to stay on the side, and you are reluctant to take any risks, I would advise you to set up an automatic fish feeder.

Or make sure someone else feeds them in your absence.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve found this article helpful and you learn something new about the clownfish.

As you’ve seen there are a lot of reasons that may cause your clownfish to not eat.

While most of these reasons are not something you should be worried about, there are some things you should keep a close eye on.

Without food and proper nutrition, your clownfish may get sick. And if you do not act quickly enough you may lose your fish.

If you search the answer to this question, you’ve probably bought a clownfish. And now, you are wondering what’s the average lifespan of a clownfish. 

Clownfish can live between 10 to 15 years in captivity. In some cases, even more than 20 years. Their lifespan mainly depends on the care they get, the environment they live, and the food they eat. 

I get it. You probably love your clownfish, and you will do everything it needs to be done to ensure it has a quality life. In this article, we’ll cover that topic in depth. I’ll show you some tips on how to prolong your clownfish’s life. And if that’s not enough, I’ll answer some related questions, as well.

Let’s get started! 

Average Lifespan of a Clownfish in Captivity

Everyone is familiar with the Clownfish. Even those not involved in the aquarium hobby. Finding Nemo has brought all of us closer to these fascinating species. 

Now, every kid knows what kind of fish is Nemo. Which brings us to the question: How long do clownfish live? 

Well, it depends. In fact, there are a lot of factors in play that determines the lifespan of the clownfish. Most clownfish raised in home aquariums will live between 4 and 6 years. However, that’s not even close to their potential lifespan. With proper care, a good diet and clean water, you can extend their lifespans to 10, 15, or even 20 years. 

How Long Do Clownfish Live in the Wild 

Clownfish in the wild tend to live a shorter life, somewhere between 6 to 10 years, if they are lucky. The most common problems to wild clownfish are predators and shortage of food. Something that tank-raised clownfish don’t face. 

How to Increase Your Clownfish Life Expectancy 

Not all of the clownfish will have the same lifespan. Some will live longer, others won’t. 

Sometimes whatever you do, you’ll still not be able to save your fish. And, that’s ok. It’s the way nature works. 

However, you can still do something in order to make your clownfish’s life better. Something that will definitely prolong its life. Some things are only in your power. If you pay attention to these factors, I’m confident that you can influence your clownfish’s longevity. 

Diet

A good diet will improve your clownfish overall health. And with that, its life expectancy, as well. Make sure that you feed your clowns well, and on a frequent basis. We have a separate article on that subject. Feel free to check it out. Everything is covered in depth. 

• What Do Clownfish eat 

Genetics

Genetics play a big role in the overall health of the fish, too. Nowadays, there are a lot of new designer varieties entering the saltwater aquarium hobby.

I suspect some of these types of clownfish won’t live long compared to some natural types. However, most of these claims are just assumptions. The best thing to do is before you buy a clownfish to make sure that it’s from a reputable breeder that knows his stuff. 

Environment 

One of the most common reasons why clownfish live only for a couple of years in captivity is poor tank conditions. Inappropriate tank size is also an issue worth mentioning. Smaller tanks are often harder to maintain resulting in poor living conditions for your fish. If you are interested to learn more on this subject check out these articles. 

• How Big Do Clownfish Get
• Minimum Clownfish Tank Size

Oldest Clownfish in Captivity 

What’s the oldest clownfish that have ever lived? I was curious about this, so I’ve made some research. 

Researching through reef forums, and reading other people’s experiences, I was pleasantly surprised by what I’ve found. Many of the hobbyists keep clowns that are 10, 15, even 20 years old. Apparently there is a mated pair of clownfish that are more than 30 years old. Talk about a long lifespan. 

While I can’t know the accuracy of this piece of information, it is good to see that a lot of hobbyists take good care of their clownfish. 

Final Thoughts 

If you think about it, all fish are like humans. Including the clownfish. Less stress leads to a longer lifespan.

And, if you make sure that your clownfish live in a healthy environment, with clean water and enough food, it will certainly live a long and happy life. 

Now I’d like to hear from you. What’s the oldest clownfish have you ever seen? Let me know in the comments below! 

What’s the recommended tank size for clownfish? Clownfish need a minimum tank size of 20 gallons. For every additional clownfish, the size of the tank should be increased by 10 gallons. 

If you are planning to set up a clownfish tank, there are several things you should know. 

Clownfish Minimum Tank Size 

Clownfish can live in 10-gallon tanks. In fact, if you browse through reef forums, you’ll see a lot of people posting successful tanks in which they keep clownfish. It’s achievable. However, if someone is successful in doing something, it doesn’t mean it’s the norm. And, it certainly does not mean it’s the right thing to do. 

The minimum tank size for smaller types of clownfish should be at least a 20-gallon tank. Maroon clownfish need at least a 30-gallon tank.

Keeping clownfish in tanks less than 20 gallons requires previous experience in the hobby. Even with appropriate filtration, you’ll still need to do regular water changes. And, it is not just about the filtration. Would you lock a man in one room for his whole life, just because he can live within it? I don’t think so. 

Different kinds of problems arise with people keeping clownfish in smaller tanks. Beginners often take that as an example and try it themselves. Often, failing miserably. 

In my opinion, regardless of your experience level, you should always keep clownfish in larger tanks. 

Do Clownfish Need a Big Tank? 

In general, clownfish are small fish, so they don’t really need much in order to thrive. However, the bigger the tank is, the easier the maintenance gets. If you are a beginner, consider getting a bigger tank from the start. That way, you’ll have more room for errors. And if you make a mistake, it won’t result in losing your fish. 

Can I Have Other Fish in My Clownfish Tank?

Clownfish can live with other fish without problems. Of course, you should first check the compatibility with the other species. And, if you are interested in adding more fish to your tank, you should consider upgrading the tank. Or, plan ahead, and set up a larger tank where you can gradually add more fish over some period of time. 

Related Questions 

How many clownfish can fit in a 10-gallon tank? 

The required tank size for a clownfish is 20-gallon, however, you can get away with 10-gallon only if you keep one juvenile clownfish. When it reaches its adult stages, you should upgrade the tank. 

Can I put two clownfish in a 10-gallon tank? 

A 10-gallon tank is small even for one clownfish. Consider upgrading the tank to at least 20-gallon. 

Can a clownfish live in a 5-gallon tank?

Clownfish can’t live in a 5-gallon tank. The required size for a clownfish is a 20-gallon tank. 

How many clownfish can I put in a 20-gallon tank? 

In a 20-gallon tank, you can keep one clownfish or a pair at most. 

How many clownfish can I put in a 30-gallon tank? 

30-gallon tanks are ideal for keeping a pair of clownfish. They are big enough, yet they don’t take much space. 

Can a clownfish live alone? 

You can keep just one clownfish, however, they will feel better if they live in small groups. 

Should I get one or two clownfish? 

In most cases, it’s best to keep a pair of clownfish in one tank.

Final Thoughts 

As you have seen, clownfish don’t need much space in order to live a healthy and comfortable life. Set up a 20-gallon tank and you are set for life. 

However, if you like to add more fish, or possibly corals in your tank, you should increase the tank size appropriately. After all, it’s up to you! The bigger the tank is, the more space they’ll have for swimming and exploration. 

Now I’d like to hear from you. What’s your opinion on this subject? Let me know in the comments below! 

How Big Do Clownfish Get? Clownfish can reach between 2 to 5 inches in length, depending on the species. Some types such as the Maroon clownfish are an exception, often reaching sizes up to 6.7 inches. In general, males are a lot smaller than females.

If you are planning to get a clownfish but you are afraid that it won’t fit your plans, have no fear because in this guide you will learn everything you need to know about clownfish size. 

And, if owning a clownfish tank is a dream of yours, I am sure you will do everything it needs to be done to achieve that. 

Even if it means upgrading your current tank to be suitable for the clownfish needs. In a matter of fact, we have a guide on that subject, as well. Check out what’s the minimum tank size for clownfish, and what it takes to keep these beautiful fish in your home. 

Ocellaris Clownfish Size

The animated movie Finding Nemo has made the Ocellaris clownfish the most popular fish in the saltwater aquarium hobby. These fish are found in the Eastern Indian Ocean and in the Western Pacific Ocean, where they live in small groups, inhabiting sea anemones, with which they have a symbiotic relationship. 

The Ocellaris Clownfish often referred to as the Common Clownfish or the False Percula Clownfish, is a small saltwater fish reaching a maximum size of 4.3 inches. 

Size Differences in Other Popular Clownfish Types 

There are different types of clownfish, each with different sizes and growth rates. In this section, we’ll cover the most popular types available in the aquarium industry.

Percula Clownfish Size

The Percula Clownfish, also known as the Orange Clownfish and Anemone Fish is a small saltwater fish from the Percula Complex. It’s found in the Western Pacific where it inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs. The Percula Clownfish is often confused with the Ocellaris Clownfish mainly because they share almost identical appearance. They are easily bred in captivity which led to developing different “‘designer” varieties. One of the most commonly sold is Picasso clownfish. 

The True Percula Clownfish is the smallest of all the clownfish reaching size around 3 inches in length. 

Maroon Clownfish Size 

The Maroon Clownfish is a saltwater fish from the Maroon Complex. It’s found in the Indo Pacific and into the Australian Archipelago, including India. They are one of the most aggressive types of clownfish. 

The Maroon Clownfish is the biggest of all the clownfish reaching size around 7 inches length. 

Clarkii Clownfish Size 

The Clarkii Clownfish is a small saltwater fish from the Clarkii Complex. It is found in the Indo-West Pacific Ocean. 

Full Grown Clarkii Clownfish can reach size around 4 to 5 inches in length. 

Tomato Clownfish Size 

The Tomato Clownfish is a saltwater fish native to the Western Pacific. 

Full Grown Tomato Clownfish can reach size around 5 inches in length.

Factors That Influence Clownfish Growth Rates

It’s very hard to estimate the size your clownfish will reach. There are so many factors that determine the growth rate of one fish. The type, the gender, or its overall health. 

And, even if the clownfish belong in a certain type, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will grow like the others. Just like humans, all adult fish don’t have the same size. Here are the things that have the most influence on the clownfish growth rate :

Food and Tank Size 

Regular feedings and tank size will have the biggest impact on the clownfish size. In smaller tanks, the high nitrates and the irregular feedings can affect its growth. 

Sexual Maturity

Sexual maturity plays a big role, as well. In general, females are larger than males. If there is more than one clownfish in the tank, sexual maturity will occur sooner. 

Overall Health 

The overall health of clownfish is an important growth factor, as well. Health problems in its early stages of life can limit its growth. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How long does it take for a clownfish to grow full size? 

Usually, it takes 2 to 3 years for the clownfish to reach full-grown size. 

What is the biggest clownfish? 

The Maroon Clownfish is the biggest of all the clownfish reaching sizes up to 7 inches. 

How fast do clownfish grow? 

The growth rate of a clownfish will depend on many factors. Usually, you can expect to grow to around 2-3 inches in a span of 2 years.

Final Thoughts 

If you are interested in keeping clownfish, then learning how big they can get is the first thing you should do. Setting up an appropriate tank according to its size is a vital part of keeping clownfish. 

In general, clownfish are small fish, so you won’t need a large tank to keep them. Now I’d like to hear from you. What’s the biggest clownfish you have ever seen? 

Let me know in the comments below! 

There truly is a clownfish for everyone. You can choose between different types of Clownfish with various colorations, patterns, size, and temperaments. In fact, I am confident that every fish keeper will find a variation suitable for their needs.

Something else clownfish are known for, of course, is their relationship with the sea anemone. They are in symbiosis which is beneficial to both organisms involved.

In this guide, I will mostly focus on the six main groups known as complexes. And while you probably won’t keep most of the fish listed in this article, you should at least have a basic understanding of which type belongs in which complex, so you can make an optimal environment in your tank for the fish.

More importantly, this guide will help you narrow your options and make the best decision when buying a new clownfish.

Types of Clownfish that can be kept in your aquarium: Species Guide

As I mentioned earlier in this guide, all 30 clownfish species are divided into 6 Complexes. Each of them is different from some characteristics and attributes. These are the main 6 groups:

• Skunk Complex
• Tomato Complex
• Saddleback Complex
• Clarkii Complex
• Maroon Complex
• Percula Complex

Without further ado, let’s explain every complex individually.

Skunk Complex- 2 Species

The Skunk Complex is the second largest type of Clownfish after the Clarkii. The following types of Clownfish are not the common ones you are more likely to find in your local fish shops. It’s probably the most interesting and unique out of the other six complexes. As indicated by the name, these types of Clownfish have a long white stripe that runs down the length of their backs.

However, that’s not the only thing that set apart this complex from the other five. There are other characteristics and attributes unique only for the Skunk Complex.

If you are an aquarist that wants something different than the regular clownfish than maybe this is your type. They are the smallest species of this subfamily but that doesn’t mean they are difficult to keep in captivity. In fact, their small size could be perfect for nano aquariums. However, they are quite timid and suitable tankmates must be picked for them to thrive in their full potential. Predatory fish should be excluded in this setup.

As the availability of this type, there is nothing I can say about. If your local fish shop doesn’t have in stock, then buying online is your best choice.

Tomato Complex- 2 Species

This complex may not be the prettiest by any means, but certainly, it’s the hardiest. Tomato clownfish Complex is the third largest type after the Clarkii and Skunk Complexes. These types of fish are one of the most durable in the aquarium hobby.

Why does this matter? Aside from the fact that is not the most attractive type most hobbyists want, it might be a good choice for beginners.

They are relatively easy for breeding and one of the most common types found in the saltwater aquarium hobby. These species have less attractive patterns than the others. They only have just one white band, that is located behind the eye. However, that’s not making them less special.

Here is the great thing about Tomato Clownfish.

As I mentioned before in this article they are quite durable, hardy fish with rugged and fearless character. In other words, perfect beginner saltwater fish. They can survive ammonia spikes, tolerate bad water quality and poor nutrition. But, it doesn’t mean that you should neglect them. They deserve great tank conditions as any other fish.

Tomato complex is great as community fish that can live with other more aggressive species without a problem. You can arguably say they are the best choice for novice or even advanced aquarist.

Saddleback Complex- 3 Species

I would say that out of these 6 groups, the Saddleback Complex is the most challenging species to keep alive in captivity. There are three members in this subfamily, the wind-band clownfish, the saddleback clownfish, and sebae clownfish.

They get their name from the white stripes that appear as saddles across their back. Another distinguishing characteristic of this type is their dark color. And they are larger than most of the other clownfish species.

If you are not advanced aquarist and have at least a couple of years in experience I would not advise you to purchase these fish. You will certainly encounter some problems even if you are experienced, fish keeper.

For most of us, is not worth the trouble. Yes, these fish are more rare and exotic than the classic clownfish you will see in your local fish shop or in online shops, making them more expensive to purchase.

However, if you do end up with a Saddleback clownfish, it’s important to take proper care of it. You will need at least a 40-gallon tank. Larger is always better.

Since they are so skittish, make sure there are enough places for hiding in the aquarium. The lights should never be suddenly turn on or off. Gradually increasing or decreasing is the best practice. A hood on the top of the tank is a must to prevent jumping. Choosing a less frequent area for the tank is also a good idea.

If you’re willing to put up the work and provide an excellent condition for this type you will certainly have success. Beware of scammers in the aquarium trade business that sell Saddleback that actually is clownfish from the Clarkii Complex. Do the research first and you are good to go.

Clarkii Complex- 11 Species

The Clarkii Complex is the largest of the six main groups. There 11 Species recognized in this group with Clark’s Clownfish as the most common in the aquarium trade. However, Three-Band is the most desirable type, and the rarest to find.

There are similarities between the species in this complex but each one has a certain uniqueness. These fish are among the easiest clownfish to care for. They are hardy, with beautiful patterns and can grow up to 5.1 inches.

They are bred in captivity and you can easily find them in your local fish shop. Be careful when selecting tankmates. They can be territorial and aggressive towards similar species.

Maroon Complex- 2 Species

Some of the most recognized fish in the saltwater aquarium hobby is the Maroon Clownfish from the Maroon Complex. It’s known as the largest clownfish that can grow up to 6.3 inches (16 centimeters).

It is found mostly in lagoons in the Indo Pacific region. This species usually has a deep red base with white stripes. The one with gold stripes is found only in Sumatra.

These fish are very hardy and recommended for beginners. However, as any other fish providing a healthy environment is the best practice to ensure longevity.

The biggest concern with this type is their aggressiveness. They are very territorial and mean towards other species. Keep that in mind when selecting tankmates.

Maroon Clownfish are easy to find in aquarium shops with decent price unless you are looking for unusual patterns.

Percula Complex- 4 Species

Chances are that you will find clownfish from this complex in every store that sells saltwater fish. It’s the most popular and common clownfish. It’s recognized even by those who have never own an aquarium.

You can easily say that it’s the icon of the saltwater aquarium hobby. It is found in lagoons and corals reefs in the Western Pacific Ocean. It has a basic orange base with white stripes and is one of the smallest types of Clownfish.

Known as the first captive-bred clownfish this fish comes in different varieties and forms. These days most aquarists want specific patterns and certain uniqueness. With the increasing commercial breeding, there is a type for everyone.

However, you gotta appreciate the beauty the wild forms offer. After all, is a personal choice.

Pictures credit: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

References and further reading

1.https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2012/4/fish

2.https://www.advancedaquarist.com/2011/9/fish

3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiprioninae

Here are the most interesting clownfish facts that we will cover in this article.
Let’s dive in (no pun intended).

1. Clownfish are omnivorous

They are omnivorous by nature. That’s mean that their diet consists of a variety of food of both plant and animal origin. Average hobbyist feeds their clownfish a variety of dried, frozen or fresh marine fish foods. In the wild, they feed themselves with zooplankton and algae.

2. All clownfish are born male

These fish are hermaphrodites, and they both have female and male reproductive organs. Classified as sequential hermaphrodites all clownfish are born as males, and in any given time can switch to females if it’s required. They live in a community where only two individuals are fully sexually developed. The others in the group are sexually immature males.

If the alpha female dies, then one of the other males will transform into female and will take her position. So, imagine how weird would be if Disney has made ‘Finding Nemo’ a scientifically accurate movie. The father Merlin changing into female and Nemo becoming the alpha male. Not so much fun to watch after all.

3. Excellent beginner fish for first-time owners

Are you are a beginner saltwater hobbyist? Or you are just transiting from freshwater to marine tanks and you want to know if little Nemo can be your first saltwater fish. Well, the good news is that these fish a pretty hardy.

Most of them can even survive several ammonia spikes of a newly cycled tank. However, that doesn’t mean that’s that right way to do. Before you even consider buying clownfish make sure that you have done the research for proper care.

4. Main characters in a popular animated movie

As we all know the main two characters from ‘Finding Nemo ‘ are both clownfish. Since the release of the movie in 2003, the demand for this kind of fish has dramatically increased. This is an often overlooked but really important thing because with the increasing popularity of this hobby a new threat arises of getting more and more endangered species. Fortunately, most of the clownfish we see in our local fish shops are captive bred.

5. Clownfish are poor swimmers

Nemo is not the only clownfish that is a poor swimmer. Most of them prefer the safety of the anemone and stay in that area most of their life. Remember what happened to Nemo when he went in open space.

Resources :
1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocellaris_clownfish#/media/File:Amphiprion_ocellaris_(Clown_anemonefish)_Nemo.jpg
2. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/abs/10.1098/rspb.1980.0013