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Saltwater And Marine Tropical
Clownfish
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Clownfish are among the most recognizable of the marine species – even children are familiar with its bright colors and bold white stripes (especially with the recent popularity of the animated movie Finding Nemo). They are found mainly in Indo-Pacific waters where they form a fascinating symbiotic relationship with sea anemones.
Clownfish live among the stinging tentacles of the anemone but are not harmed due to a secretion that covers their bodies. In this way they are afforded protection from predators and in return they keep the anemone clean from algae, debris and any leftover food.
Most species remain small, growing anywhere from 3 to 5 inches in length. They feed on algae, plankton and small invertebrates. Clownfish usually live in pairs or small groups made up of a dominant female, a subordinate male and several neuter fish.
Keeping an anemone alive in the home aquarium is quite difficult - but luckily, Clownfish do just fine without one. These fish are hardy and get along well with most other marine species. Clownfish eagerly accept all types of food and they should be offered a varied diet of both meaty fare and vegetable based products. They can be kept in pairs or small groups, but it is best to keep only one type of species per tank to prevent quarrelling.
Compared to most marine species Clownfish are considered “easy” to breed. These remarkable fish are hermaphrodites. According to their station in a group a Clownfish will either be 1) a female, the largest and dominant fish or 2) a sexually mature male or 3) a neuter or sexually immature fish. If the female dies, the male transforms into a female, the next highest ranking fish becomes a sexually mature male and everyone else moves up in the chain of command.
Clownfish are commonly sold in “mated” pairs or they can be purchased in groups and allowed to form their own female/male hierarchy. Spawning fish will usually clean and prepare a flat surface where the female will lay her eggs.
The male will then fertilize the eggs and the pair will stand guard until they hatch. After a week or so, the eggs hatch and the fry should be removed to their own tank. They will need to be fed tiny animals called rotifers until they are large enough to be fed baby brine shrimp.
Clownfish Care:
Clownfish and Damselfish are the only species of fish which can avoid the stings of an anemone, which can be quite potent. The exact mechanism by which this is accomplished is the subject of debate
Clownfish in an aquarium environment can exist very well without an anemone (this may be advisable as most anemones are extremely difficult to keep alive even for experienced aquarists).
Clownfish Articles:
Breeding Clownfish: Breeding clowns is a very rewarding experience, and it's not nearly as hard as you might think. Obviously the first thing you need is a mated pair. There are several options to getting these.
Clarkii Clownfish. The Clarkii Clownfish is one of the most hardy, and therefore, one of the most common clownfish in home aquariums. A 30 gallon or larger aquarium containing an anemone of any type is desirable. It is semi-aggressive towards other clownfish and passive tank mates.
Maroon Clownfish. Do not move the Maroon Clownfish with a net as its cheekspines will become entangled. Use a specimen container if capture is necessary.
The Ocellaris clownfish comes from Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is best kept in a small school of 5-7 specimens in a large tank. A 50 gallons aquarium with lots of hiding spaces is recommended.
True Percula Clownfish. It can be found individually, or more commonly, in pairs or small groups within the same anemone such as Heteractis magnifica or Stichodactyla mertensii. Tank raised Percula Clownfish are usually mostly orange and white when young. As the fish matures the black sections between the white stripes will darken with age.
The Tomato Clownfish is a bright orange-red with one white vertical stripe behind the eye. A 30 gallon or larger tank with lots of hiding places is desirable. An anemone host such as Bubbletip (Entacmaea quadricolor) or Leathery (Heteractis crispa) is preferred, but not required.
Articles and pictures on tropical fish, including care and tips for breeding popular saltwater and marine species like clownfish and angelfish.
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