Clownfish Care

HISTORY

Clownfish are native to both the Pacific and Indian ocean, as well as many areas that host warmer ocean waters. Depending on the species, clownfish can be either extremely common or fairly rare. Most clownfish are very specific to areas in which they can find a ‘host’. The most commonly cited relationship with a clownfish and a host is in the pairing of an Ocellaris clownfish and a sea anemone. The clownfish feeds on undigested material from the anemone, while the clownfish’s fecal matter provides the sea anemone with vital nutrients.

APPEARANCE

Clownfish are relatively small fish, and are well known for their ability to avoid danger. The most visually notable feature of the clownfish is their distinct color patterns, which tend to be alternating stripes of orange, red, black or white colors. However, the most unique feature of the clownfish isn’t easily visible to the naked eye. The entire body of the clownfish is covered with a thick mucus coating, which is the main reason why clownfish are able to reside in sea anemones without being affected by the anemone’s toxins. It’s speculated that the mucus coating of a clownfish is based on sugar substances rather than proteins, which may be one of the reasons why an anemone does not immediately recognize the clownfish as a potential food source.

BEHAVIOR

In the wild, most clownfish reside in small groups that inhabit a single anemone host. The group consists of a male and female breeding pair, as well as several adolescent male fish. If the female fish dies or is killed, the breeding male changes sexes and becomes female, adopting one of the adolescent male fish as a new mate. Clownfish are subject to a unique process called “sequential hermaphroditism”. In tanks, most clownfish are very shy, and will stay close to their host anemone. If there is no anemone in their tank, clownfish will often adopt a small cave or a piece of coral as their home. However, coral is not an ideal host environment for a clownfish, as the coral can damage a clownfish’s skin. Depending on the initial environment of a clownfish, they may or may not have the instinctual desire to reside in a host anemone. However, most fish can be taught to adopt this behavior in captivity.

FEEDING

Technically, clownfish are classified as being an omnivorous species of fish. This means that they have a varied diet, and will eat most any food substance. It is possible to feed a clownfish entirely on a diet of special food pellets or flakes. However, due to the shy nature of this fish, they may not immediately be receptive to surface feeding without a bit of training. In addition to this, if a clownfish is kept in a tank with their host anemone, they will consume a large quantity of the anemone’s undigested food ingredients. It’s best to keep a close eye on a clownfish’s behavior in captivity, since this will help you to understand if they are being adequately fed.