RecifAtHome guide
The clownfish is the most popular reef fish and one of the best suited to aquarium life. Here is what you need to know to choose one, keep it healthy and perhaps even see it breed.
In short
- Choose captive-bred clownfish: hardier and already accustomed to prepared foods.
- A captive-bred clownfish costs from around €18; rare varieties exceed €100.
- Buy two juveniles: the larger one will become the female.
- An anemone is not essential, but watching clownfish interact with one is fascinating.
The main species
| Species | Adult size | Temperament | Minimum tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphiprion ocellaris ("Nemo") | 8 to 11 cm | Peaceful | 80 L for a pair |
| Amphiprion percula | 8 to 11 cm | Peaceful | 80 L |
| Amphiprion clarkii | 12 cm | Fairly territorial | 150 L |
| Amphiprion frenatus and melanopus (tomato clownfish) | 12 to 14 cm | Territorial | 200 L |
| Premnas biaculeatus (maroon clownfish) | 15 to 17 cm | Aggressive | 300 L |
Ocellaris and percula look very similar: percula has thicker black outlines around the white bands and usually 10 dorsal spines instead of 11. There are also many designer varieties: black, Snowflake, Platinum, Picasso, misbar…
How much does a clownfish cost?
In our range, a captive-bred ocellaris clownfish measuring 2 to 4 cm costs from around €18. Black and Platinum varieties sell for €35 to €60, and rare designer clownfish (full black Snowflake, Platinum Storm) exceed €100. Prices depend on variety, size and origin.
Why choose captive-bred?
Captive-bred clownfish are born in aquariums: they readily accept pellets and flakes, cope better with shipping and do not contribute to wild collection. We breed some of our fish ourselves (RAH bred in France) and work with breeders such as ACDP.
Forming a pair
Clownfish hatch without a defined sex and first develop into males. In a group, the largest, most dominant fish becomes female permanently, while the second becomes the breeding male. To form a pair, simply buy two juveniles of the same species. Avoid keeping three or more in a tank under 400 litres: subordinate fish are often harassed.
Good to know
Do not mix two different clownfish species in a medium-sized tank: they will fight over the same territory.
Does a clownfish need an anemone?
No. Captive-bred clownfish live perfectly well without an anemone and sometimes adopt a coral (Euphyllia, Duncanopsammia) or a rocky crevice instead. If you want an anemone, Entacmaea quadricolor (bubble-tip anemone) is the easiest and is often accepted, even though it is not the natural host of ocellaris. An anemone needs a tank that has been running for at least 6 months, good lighting and protected pump intakes. Our guide to host anemones covers this in detail.
Feeding and care
Clownfish are omnivores. Feed small amounts two to three times a day, alternating pellets, flakes and frozen food (mysis, brine shrimp). They thrive at 24 to 26 °C, 35 ppt salinity and moderate flow. With proper care, they can live for more than 15 years.
Breeding in the aquarium
An established pair spawns regularly on a flat rock near its anemone or shelter. The male guards and fans the eggs, which hatch at night after 7 to 10 days. Raising the larvae is possible but requires rotifers fed on phytoplankton: an excellent introduction to marine fish breeding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a clownfish cost?
From around €18 for a 2 to 4 cm captive-bred ocellaris, €35 to €60 for black or platinum varieties, and over €100 for rare designer clowns.
Does a clownfish need an anemone?
No, it thrives without one. An anemone is fascinating to watch, but needs a mature tank and good lighting.
Can you keep three clownfish together?
Not in a medium-sized tank: one pair is enough. Extra fish are often chased by the female.
What is the difference between ocellaris and percula?
The percula has thicker black outlines and usually 10 dorsal spines instead of 11. Their care is identical.
How long do clownfish live?
More than 15 years in an aquarium, if well fed and kept in stable water.
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Guide written by the RecifAtHome team, coral aquaculture in Roche-lez-Beaupré (France) since 2010. Updated: October 2026.