Let's be real...Are clownfish REALLY that annoying?

[AlyciaMarie Verified Admin]

I'm with the (seemingly) minority of reefers who love clownfish. Yes, they can have an attitude problem, and yes, their popularity among non-reefers (Thanks, nemo) can make them seem like an obvious, overrated choice for a reef, but I don't care. They have the cutest little faces! Are they really that annoying? I say nah.

 

[Aquadude1]

I have had some that are jerks, but i couldn't have a tank without them

 

[Wonkabar]

I currently have a trio in my tank and they are awesome. They actually swim around all over the place.

 

[mpatterson42]

It's the few jerks that ruin it for the rest!

 

[Shnetts]

There the whole reason I got into this, yeah they can be jerks, one of mine has it out for my hand, but ill never not have a pair. I have 8 lol

 

[Gman83]

If it wasn't for my kids, I would pass. Although the one I have at the moment isn't bad

 

[toothybugs]

Beware the squeaky wheel, they get the grease.

Totally pro-clown here.

 

[rtparty]

Yep. I haven’t kept them in years and never will again

 

[tREEFarm]

My wild Clarkii pair defend their 100g anemone tank with reckless abandon. I don't hate them nearly as much as they seem to hate me..

 

[StartingATank]

I love my clownfish. I haven't had any problems with my pair of clowns, as mine are super submissive. Once I add a new fish, the Clownfish give it up for the new fish.

 

[steveschuerger]

I’d say yes they’re super annoying at times, but I love em too much not to have them.

 

[FrugalReeferJon]

I have a pair of Ocellaris and are well behaved except when I have to stick my hand in the tank. The larger female not so much but the smaller one always feels the need to bite my hand. I guess I should be grateful that it’s not the larger female that likes to do this.

 

[Sdbuehler1]

I used to be from the school of thought that every reef tank should have clownfish in it... until I bought a pair Black Ice clownfish. I think these designer mutts have some Clarkii or tomato in their blood as they are super aggressive now that they are fully grown. Dont let the cute and cuddly face fool you, this guy is a stone cold klller of new tank mates.

 

[ChrisfromBrick]

they get a bad rap because some of them are highly aggressive and downright mean. However, the 2 I currently have are the most docile clowns ive ever owned. Plus, clownfish are beautiful with color,

 

[Noobreefer84]

My pair is annoying for 1 reason only. They have decided they like hosting underneath the return nozzle at the top of the tank.. I cant see them when looking into the tank, I have do crouch and look up... I basically see them when I feed and they venture out to eat. Clowns will be clowns.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Mine (occelaris) are super cute swimming in their anemone and I’ve never had a problem with any over the years. They are my favorite fish. :)

 

[AquaDoodle]

As a newbie, the lore surrounding clownfish aggressiveness was unappealing. I've mainly kept freshwater, and I currently have goldfish which are a decent size and not aggressive at all (I don't aggression or to be bitten). The other aspect that was unappealing about clownfish were their orange coloration (and clowns are the recommended fish for new reefers). The marine side of things enticed me because of the vast variety of color.

After discovering "designer" clowns, I was wiling to take the plunge. I have two snowstorm clowns (Chilly and Icy) and they are quite lovely . Honestly, I find them to be as personable as my goldfish. They've been forgiving of my "newbie" mistakes and greet me each time I approach the tank as I scold them "You are not hungry!!" :) As they mature, their demeanor may change but I wish there was a more balanced view portrayed to beginners surrounding clown behavior. I may have started my reef journey a bit earlier than I did. Now that I am here, I am very happy that I went with the clownfish.

 

[NanoSteam]

My female clown is so aggressive that it'll jump out the water just to get my finger if I'm near the surface, I have to use a net to create a barrier if I want to reach in to grab something from in the tank. The male just sits back.

I think she just enjoys the taste of blood.

 

[Peace River]

Where is the option for BOTH!?!? I love clownfish, and they really are that annoying!!!

 

[TheNative192]

I own two separate pairs in two different tanks and have a single clownfish in my office tank. One pair in my cube is very chill with everyone although they love to try & host every single one of my LPS until they close up which is not good. That being said they are like puppy dogs and its by my desk at home so they are always right next to me.

The other pair in my IOAOI tank has murdered everything I have put in the tank other than a turbo snail and will bite me, any tongs, any pipette to defend their turf. So annoying but cute lol.

Finally the one in my office tank loves his Anenome and will bite as well. That being said he has not messed with anything else in the tank but my hand. He is a basic Nemo style clown so people will recognize them him more easily and loves to swim about the tank so very happy with him!