Australian Clownfish (Tank Raised)
Clownfish are hardy and easy to keep, and are a perfect first fish for a new aquarium. Most species are available tank bred. They are omnivorous and easy to feed on high quality food items such as frozen Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and dry foods, preferably more than once a day.
Clownfish are well known for their charming wiggling way of swimming, which serves them well in their natural home, within the stinging tentacles of an anemone. The exact reason clownfish are not stung is not known, but it may have something to do with the fish's slime coat. In the ocean, without the protection of the anemone, clownfish would be easily picked off by predators. In an aquarium the anemone, which has much more demanding needs than the fish, is not necessary. The fish may instead host with a soft coral such as furry mushrooms, toadstool leather, colt coral, or even within macro algae. It may chose to host within large polyp stony corals such as Euphyllia sp. as well, however the coral does sting the fish. We don't recommend encouraging them to host with delicate corals such as bubble or brain type corals, which the fish may injure with its constant swimming. Even with an anemone in the aquarium the fish will chose to host with whichever home it likes best.
Clownfish may be kept singly, or more commonly in pairs, in which case the smallest more submissive fish remains a male, and the largest most dominant fish changes sex to become a female. Clowns are related to damselfish, and pairs will not tolerate other species of clownfish within their territory (which may include 50 gallons of space or more) and may fight to the death. They are prone to parasitic infections such as Brooklynella and velvet.
It is common for pairs of clownfish to spawn in the aquarium, and pairs in their prime may lay eggs near their nest site as often as every two weeks. It is not necessary to interfere with the parents, who may become more aggressive at this time, chasing away other fish and nipping at their owner's hands. It is possible, though laborious, to raise the young fish at home. If a breeding effort is to be attempted it is important to ensure the parent fish are of the same species in order to maintain genetic purity for future generations.
Ephippium complex clownfish are similar to Clarkii and Tomato complex clownfish. They may grow up to 5 inches and need an aquarium at least 30 gallons. The different types of Ephippium complex clownfish include Barrier, Fiji Ruby and Mcculloch among others. Species from other complexes in their territory usually causes fighting.
Ephippium complex clownfish are best kept singly or in pairs. They may host with Bubble Tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor), Beaded (Heteractis aurora), Magnifica/Ritteri (Heteractis magnifica), Carpet (Stichodactyla sp.), and Sebae (Heteractis crispa). The McCulloch clownfish is more specialized, and may only host with Bubble Tip and sometimes Sebae anemones.
This incredible clownfish has a taller body than most Tomato type clownfish, and its vivid red-orange coloration does not fade with age. It has a single white stripe behind its eye.
It was once thought to originate from Australia; however after genetic testing it was determined this species actually comes from Fiji. It is nearly identical to the true Australian clownfish, Amphiprion rubrocinctus.
