Clownfish are the classic first saltwater fish, and for good reason. Captive-bred clowns like our Darwin black misbar and mocha ocellaris are hardy, eat readily and adapt well to home aquariums. They are also long-lived: with good care they can live well over a decade.
| Adult size | 3–4 inches (ocellaris) |
|---|---|
| Minimum tank | 20 gallons for a pair |
| Temperature | 76–80°F |
| Salinity | 1.023–1.026 specific gravity |
| pH | 8.0–8.4 |
| Lifespan | 10+ years |
| Reef safe | Yes |
Setting up the tank
- Fully cycle the tank first, ideally with cured live rock, which brings beneficial bacteria with it.
- Use a heater, a quality salt mix mixed to the right salinity, and a refractometer or hydrometer to check it.
- Top off evaporation with fresh RO/DI water, not salt water, so salinity stays stable.
- Provide moderate flow and some rockwork for them to claim as a home.
Do clownfish need an anemone?
No. Captive-bred clowns live perfectly well without one, and many "host" a coral, a rock or even a powerhead instead. Anemones need strong lighting and a mature, stable tank, so add one only after your reef has been running for several months. Browse our anemones when you're ready.
Pairing clownfish
All clownfish start as males. In a pair, the larger fish becomes female. The easiest way to get a pair is to add two young clowns of the same species together; they usually sort themselves out. Avoid adding a single clown to a tank that already has an established pair, and don't mix clownfish species in small tanks.
Feeding
Feed a quality marine pellet or flake once or twice a day, plus frozen mysis or brine shrimp a few times a week. Captive-bred clowns usually eat from the first day.
Tankmates
- Great: gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, firefish, royal grammas and peaceful wrasses
- Cleanup crew: snails, hermit crabs and cleaner shrimp
- Avoid: large predators like lionfish, groupers and big eels, and aggressive dottybacks in small tanks
Health tips
Quarantine new fish for a few weeks before adding them to a display tank. Watch for white spots, rapid breathing or cloudy eyes, and keep salinity and temperature steady. Most problems in new marine tanks come from sudden swings.
Frequently asked questions
Are clownfish good for beginners?
Yes. Captive-bred clownfish are one of the hardiest and most forgiving saltwater fish.
Can I keep one clownfish alone?
Yes. A single clownfish does fine, though pairs are more interesting to watch.
Why is my clownfish shaking or wiggling?
In pairs, a quick shimmy is usually social behavior. The smaller male is showing he is not a threat to the female.
Will clownfish breed in my tank?
Established pairs often lay eggs on a flat rock near their home. Raising the babies takes a separate setup and live foods.
Shop for this guide
- Darwin Black Misbar Clownfish
- Mocha Ocellaris Clownfish
- All clownfish
- Saltwater fish
- Cured live rock
Questions? Call us at 786-642-3001 or visit the store at 8338 West State Road 84, Davie, FL (Wednesday to Sunday, 12–7 p.m.).