In part I of this article, host anemones were named along with brief care instructions, followed by the clown or anemonefish that inhabit them. Here, the order is reversed. The reason is so that the reader can match an anemone to a clownfish, or a clownfish to an anemone, in whichever way makes the most sense.
Anemonefish, Common Clown, Ocellaris, or False Percula Clownfish, Amphiprion occellaris
This clownfish is probably the most recognizable. Many people even refer to it as the "Nemo Fish" due to the fact that an animated A. ocellaris was the star of the Disney film Finding Nemo. Ocellaris clowns are easy to care for, and are even suitable for beginners in the marine hobby. Many of these clownfish are now captive bred. A. ocellaris grows to be 10 cm long, likes a ph value of 8 - 8.4, temperatures from 24 - 27ºC, and specific gravity of 1.020 - 1.024.
The anemones that are most likely to host Ocellaris clowns are Merten's and Giant Carpet Anemones (S. mertensi & S. gigantea, respectively) as these anemones host A. ocellaris in nature. Other suitable anemones are Bubble-Tip (E. quadricolor), Ritteri (H. magnifica), and Saddle (S. haddoni) anemones.
True Percula Clownfish, Amphiprion percula
The Percula clown looks almost identical to the Ocellaris clown, as both fish grow to the same size, and require the same care parameters. Though these fish are easy to keep and generally peaceful, if housed together, they will most likely fight, often till one kills the other.
Since Percula and Common clownfish are not compatible, it is important for the aquarist to be able to tell the difference, as aquarium store employees may not always be able to do so. The black bands around the white markings of the True Percula tend to be thicker, and fade into the orange body. Common clowns usually have thinner, more crisp black markings.
Since the captive breeding of both these fish has produced some interesting color and marking morphs, if the fish do not have the "classic" markings, it may be hard to discern the difference by looking at the the black bands. Another way to tell the difference between Percula and Ocellaris clowns is the number of dorsal rays (spines of the back fin) that each fish has. Percula clowns have 10, Ocellaris clowns have 11.
The anemones that will host Percula clowns in the aquarium are the Leathery Anemone (H. crispa), Sebae Anemone (H. malu), Ritterri Anemone (H. magnifica), the Giant Carpet Amenone (S. gigantea), and possibly the Saddle Carpet Anemone (S. haddoni).
Clark's, or Clarkii Clownfish, Amphiprion clarkii
The Clarkii clownfish is one of the hardiest clownfish. It grows to 14 cm long, and prefers temperatures in the 22-26ªC range. Clarkii clowns may be kept together as juveniles, but once they near sexual maturity (around 3 cm in size) they will pair off and kill the other clowns.
Clark's clownfish is often confused with the Sebae clownfish, but to the trained eye, the difference is easy to discern. Clarkii clowns have 3 white bands, with one just before the tail. Sebae clowns only have 2. The Clarkii clown will inhabit all host anemones in the aquarium.
Sebae Clownfish, Amphiprion sebae
As mentioned above, the Sebae clown is often confused with the Clarkii clown, but only has 2 white bands, lacking the white band above the tail that the Clark's clowns exhibits. Sebae clown's require the same care as Clarkiis, and grow to be 12 cm. Sebae clowns get aggressive with age, so should be kept individually, unless 2 or 3 Sebae clowns are introduced to the aquarium at the same time.
The preferred host anemone is the saddle anemone (S. haddoni).
Tomato Clownfish, Amphiprion frenatus
The Tomato clown is hardy, and has no special care instructions. A . frenatus grows to be 14cm, and is very aggressive. Tomato clowns are know to attack fish that are even larger than them. Bubble-Tip Anemones (E. quadricolor), and L.T.A.s (M. doreensis) will host the Tomato clown.
Pink Skunk Clownfish, Amphiprion perideraion
Skunk clowns are generally peaceful, grow to be 10 cm, and have no special care requirements. The preferred anemones are the Ritteri Anemone (M. doreensis) and Merten's Carpet Anemone (S. Mertensi), but also the Button Anemone (H. crispa), and the Bubble-Tip (E. quadricolor).
Maroon Clownfish, Premnas biaculeatus
The Maroon clown is one of the largest, growing to 16 cm. This fish is hardy, and requires no special care. It can be quite aggressive, so if more that one is desired, it is best to purchase a pair. A pair can produce up to 4,200 survivors from a single spawn, so most Maroon clowns are now bred in captivity. The host anemone for the Maroon clown is the Bubble-Tip (E. Quadricolor).
Ian Shoust - With a degree in Communications and a certificate in Digital Video Editing, Ian Shoust has worked as a freelance videographer, editor, and ...
Join the Conversation