Clownfish Question

DarrenCar · Jun 5, 2019

What are the main differences in clownfish aggression and husbandry. I noticed a lot of starters in the hobby go with the ocellaris clowns but what about the other species? How about the biaculeatus or the melanopus? Are these good hearty fish suited for a beginner? Are they too aggressive? grow to large?

DeniseAndy · Jun 5, 2019

The best clowns for beginners are always the captive bred of any species. These are just hardier IMO. The "more difficult" clowns are usually just because they need their anemone to be safe and some tanks are not suited for the larger anemones these demand. At least FME. I have kept successfully over 5 different species of clown. No issues with any. I do know from others that the maroon and tomato tend to get larger in size and can be quite aggressive. Then again, most clowns are.

You can certainly keep a maroon without the anemone and many are captive bred. So a plus. The tomato I would think would rather have a nem, but okay without. These are captive bred also, just harder to find.

Good luck!

Aardvark1134 · Jun 5, 2019

Clowns do not need an anemone and ones like the Maroon, clarkii, and tomato are mean as can be.
Stick to the small ones and only 1 pair of them.

DarrenCar · Jun 5, 2019

Aardvark1134 said:
Clowns do not need an anemone and ones like the Maroon, clarkii, and tomato are mean as can be.
Stick to the small ones and only 1 pair of them.

Small being the ocellaris and percula breeds correct?

Aardvark1134 · Jun 5, 2019

yes and their crosses and fancy variations. I think skunks also.

Peace River · Jun 5, 2019

DarrenCar said:
What are the main differences in clownfish aggression and husbandry. I noticed a lot of starters in the hobby go with the ocellaris clowns but what about the other species? How about the biaculeatus or the melanopus? Are these good hearty fish suited for a beginner? Are they too aggressive? grow to large?

As you mentioned ocellaris and percula are a couple of the "easier" clowns to keep and breed. Of the 28 species of clownfish, Wittenrich (2007) also lists clarkii (Clark's clownfish), frenatus (Tomato) , melanopus (Red and Black/Cinnamon), and biaculeatus (Maroon) as good first choices. I have found the biaculeatus to be more aggressive and the clarkii larva/juvenile to be more of a challenge. Both the biaculeatus and clarkii also seem to have higher water quality demands. I have also found the A. perideraion (pink skunk clown) to be enjoyable to work with although they can be a bit more difficult to spawn. Captive bred clowns are preferable for many reasons including the fact they are usually easier to work with. IMO, clowns do not need anemones to be healthy and breed, but it certainly is enjoyable to watch them settle into their host anemone. Good luck!