Page 247 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CLOWNFISH 245

Amphiprion clarkii
MUTUAL BENEFITS
Clarkii Clown The yellow caudal fin allows the Clarkii Clown to
be distinguished easily from other species with Clownfish are generally immune to the
ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the similar body patterning. This robust species serves stinging tentacles of their sea anemone
Indo-Pacific region. as a good introduction to the group. An unusual hosts, thanks to the protective covering of
SIZE 4 in (10 cm). feature of the behavior of these and other sugar-based mucus on the surface of their
DIET Mixed, varied diet, including vegetable matter. clownfish is the way they grunt, typically if they bodies, which acts like a shield. Both host
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline are threatened or spawning. These grunts may be anemone and clownfish benefit from the
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. audible if the room is very quiet. Young fry must association, which biologists describe as
TEMPERAMENT Bold. be reared initially on rotifers then brine shrimp. commensalism. The fish finds protection from
predators, while in return, the sea anemone
receives pieces of food dropped by the fish
when it returns to eat a meal within the
relative safety of the anemone’s tentacles.

Amphiprion perideraion Amphiprion ocellaris Premnas biaculeatus
Pink Skunk Clownfish False Percula Maroon Clown

ORIGINS The Pacific region, from the coast of Thailand ORIGINS On reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region, ORIGINS Occurs on reefs in the Pacific Ocean, between
east to Samoa. Also occurs on the Great Barrier Reef. including Papua New Guinea and the Great Barrier Reef. Indonesia, Taiwan, and the northern Great Barrier Reef.
SIZE 3 in (8 cm); 3 in (7.5 cm) in aquariums. SIZE 3 in (8 cm); 2 in (5 cm) in aquariums. SIZE 6 in (15 cm); 4 in (10 cm) in aquariums.
DIET Prepared foods and small live foods. DIET Will eat a mixed diet based on prepared foods. DIET Small livefoods and prepared foods, such as flake.
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 One of the more shy clownfish. TEMPERAMENT Occasionally territorial. TEMPERAMENT Can be aggressive on occasion.
False Perculas can be kept and even bred in an
aquarium without the presence of a sea anemone,
but a better insight into their behavior will be
gained if they are housed with a suitable anemone.
The differences in the coloration and patterning of
False Perculas may help them to blend in with the
different species of sea anemone found across
their range. Tank-raised specimens, such as the one
shown below, tend to more yellow.
The white vertical bar behind the eyes is
characteristic of this species. Males can be sexed
visually by the presence of orange areas at the top
and bottom of the caudal fin. As in other species, This is one of the largest and darkest of the
the overall depth of coloration may differ between clownfish. Maroon Clowns are unusual in that
individuals. When introducing clownfish to a new females can grow up to three times as large as
aquarium, do not worry if they will not adopt an males. Care must be taken when catching this
unfamiliar anemone immediately, as this can take species because of the spines at the back edge of its
some time. Like many marine species, they tend gill covers. These can become stuck in the material
not to grow as big in aquariums as they do in the wild. of a net and may then be damaged.

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