Page 246 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

244 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

CLOWNFISH

Clownfish are also known as anemonefish because
of their close relationship with this group of marine
invertebrates. This association may have developed
because the anemones’ stinging cells kill the Oodinium
skin parasites to which these fish are susceptible.
Clownfish are one of the easiest marine species to
breed in the home aquarium. Sexing, too,
is no problem, because if you buy two
juveniles, measuring no more than
1 ⁄2 in (13 mm) long, then you can be sure
of acquiring a true pair. Although all
juveniles are male, the dominant individual of
the two will change into a female as the fish mature.
Clownfish, such as this False Percula (Amphiprion ocellaris), are so
called because their markings resemble the face paint of a clown.

Amphiprion ephippium Amphiprion bicinctus Amphiprion akallopisos
Red Saddleback Clown Two-Band Clownfish Skunk Clownfish

ORIGINS Indo-Pacific region, occurring on reefs from ORIGINS Distributed in reefs from the Red Sea through ORIGINS Occurs on reefs in the western part of the
the Andaman and Nicobar Islands eastward to Java. to the Indo-Pacific region. Indo-Pacific region.
SIZE 5 in (12 cm); 3 in (7.5 cm) in aquariums. SIZE 5 in (12 cm); 3 in (7.5 cm) in aquariums. SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm).
DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. DIET Chopped, thawed live foods and flake. DIET Prepared foods and small live foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1– 8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Intolerant of its own kind. TEMPERAMENT Not usually aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful but fairly shy.
Red Saddleback Clowns have a rich, tomato-red This clownfish forms very close associations with
coloration with dark patches on the flanks. Young anemones, so it should always be kept alongside
fish often display a white stripe behind the eyes that them. Being a relatively sluggish swimmer, it
disappears as they mature. The female typically lays usually remains close to its host anemone,
up to 200 eggs, close to her host anemone. As with retreating into the tentacles at any hint of danger.
every clownfish species, it helps to match the fish Such behavior means that this species, with its
with a sea anemone found in its natural range. plain, yellowish-orange body, is less conspicuous
in the aquarium than other, bolder clownfish.
Dark, “saddle-
back” marking

The appearance of the Two-Band Clownfish
changes with age. Instead of the adult patterning
of two white stripes running vertically down the
sides of their bodies, juveniles have three, with the
third stripe being close to the tail. Anemonefish
are potentially long-lived, with a life expectancy
of up to 18 years in aquarium surroundings.

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