Clown fish

If you are a beginner, a clownfish would be a great choice of fish for your new saltwater aquarium. Clown fish are generally easier to raise than other saltwater fish.  you should still be prepared for a lot of work and expense researching, setting up and maintaining your saltwater tank. However, just think of the enjoyment that you will get successfully keeping your own clownfish or any pet fish.

Many parents rush to the pet store to buy a saltwater fish after their kids have fell in love with animated fish characters, but they forget to educate themselves first about saltwater fish and the fish is usually the one who suffers! You should make a commitment to learn the basics of fish care before you make a fish purchase, especially if you are considering saltwater fish.

Hopefully this site will give you a little more insight into the world of pet fish (especially clownfish) and leave you with a better understanding of what it takes to successfully raise your choice of fish. Be sure to check out our Directory of pet fish resources.

Clown fish interesting Facts 

1.  clownfish facts are arising due to their explosion in popularity in the recent years. There nearly 30 clownfish species that can mostly be found in the warm water of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Red Sea.
2. They range from the classic orange with white striped percula colors, to maroon, black, red and various shades of orange. This where it gets its namesake.
3. Despite their vibrant colors and adorable mannerisms, the clownfish is a very territorial fish who will become very territorial with age. Among the first saltwater species to be introduced to aquaculture.
4. clown fish can grow to 2-5 inches in length depending on the species, and live up to five years.
5. Clownfish can be found dwelling near the bottom of the sea either under coral reefs, or more commonly within sea anemones. The relationship between clownfish and anemones is quite interesting to say the least.
6. Anemones are known for their stinging tentacles which will paralyze any unfortunate fish who may come into contact with them. Except the clownfish.
7. There are many different theories as to why clown fish are able to avoid the fatal nature of these tentacles. One theory is that they have become immune over time to the sting, another claims they have a special mucus coating that protects them from harm.
8. Both the anemone and clownfish benefit greatly from this relationship. Any predators caught chasing a clownfish will be quickly led into the awaiting tentacles of an anemone. After the predator becomes prey, both will feast on the fresh meal.
9. The clownfish will then return the favor by defecating on the anemone, supplying it with vital nutrients. In an aquarium setting, these fish can live their entire lives and never go further than a few inches from their anemone.
10. Another interesting fact about clown fish is their ability to change sex. All clownies are born as males and will live quite comfortable in schools until mature. As they get older, the most dominant male will become a female and choose a partner from the remainder. This will be their only partner until death, at which point the predominant male will become a female and the circle of life continues.

These interesting facts about clownfish are some of the main reasons they are so popular amongst saltwater enthusiasts today. It also doesn’t hurt when you have a reputation for being one of the hardier saltwater specimens.

clown fish lay eggs

clown fish lay hundreds even thousands of eggs within close proximity of their anemone. They will then be closely guarded by both parents for up to a week. After hatching, the male parent will remain with his babies until they reach maturity.
Even with the disgusting amount of pollution within our oceans, and being caught to feed the appetite of the ever-growing pet trade, these little guys still flourish and at this time are not considered to be endangered. This is in part due to the large number of eggs one will lay, and the success rate of hatch-lings.

Buy a Clown Fish and water tank

1. So you have your tank set up, cycled, water parameters are looking good and now you are ready to go out and buy a clown fish for the first time. Whether it be a clown or any other type of fish, you will need to choose wisely to ensure you have a healthy fish.
2. Before heading to your local fish store, there are some guidelines you will want to keep in mind before making your purchase.
3.  Take your time! Don’t make an impulse buy that you will regret. This is an exciting experience and it is easy to get too anxious and make a bad decision.
4. One pair of clowns is enough for most aquariums. This will prevent territorial disputes.
5.  Avoid mixing different species. This can be done successfully but isn’t recommended for beginners, as the two will usually fight.
6.  When buying a non-mated pair, get two juveniles that are different in size. This will cut down on the battle for dominance between them.
7. Research compatible species if you plan on adding anything besides your clown.
8. A pair of non-mated clowns will indefinitely fight for dominance, and not all will eventually pair. If the battles persist you may need to remove one or the other.
9.  If you buy one fish, then a second at a later time, it is best to re-shape the existing territory of the original fish to minimize disputes over turf. You can also remove your current clown while the new one checks out his new home.

How much your clownfish will cost depends on several factors. Here are some tips to consider when buying your fish:

Where you buy, what species, farm-raised or wild-caught, and whether you want a single fish, or a mated couple will dictate how much you will pay. This can be anywhere from $5 for a single fish, to $150 for a mating pair.

1. concern when choosing your fish is its current health. We don’t want a fish that will die within days or weeks of bringing it home. We also don’t want to infect our tank with any illness our new pet may be carrying. The only way to increase our chances of a successful purchase is to educate ourselves and become very good observers.
2. Take a good long look at the fish’s entire body. you want a lively fish that has good color and doesn’t have any type of spots or visible injuries to its body.
3. Visit the fish several times on different days and check several different stores.
4.  Avoid “flashing” fish. Fish with parasites or diseases will often rub themselves on objects within the tank like they are trying to get something off of them.
5.  Skin and scales should have a nice colour and appear smooth.
6.  All fins should be free of any damaged edges and extended.
7. There shouldn’t be any visible damage to the fish whatsoever.

  Anemones and Clownfish

First, you should know that anemones are not recommended for beginner hobbyists. They require perfect conditions and are much higher maintenance all around when compared to clownfish. Clownfish do not need an anemone to survive and can live their entire lives perfectly without. However, if you really want to experience their symbiotic relationship first-hand, you will want to follow these tips.

1.  Research what types of anemones your clownfish are compatible with before purchasing.
2. It is easier to purchase your anemone before you get your clown.
3.  Clownfish can take anywhere from a few hours, to several months before it decides to take to your anemone.
4. Some clowns may never take to an available anemone and instead prefer coral, or hiding behind tank equipment.
5.  Luring clowns into an anemone with food, or by any other means, can be dangerous. Some clowns need to slowly build up their immunity to an anemones sting. Forcing or tricking them into a host could be fatal.
6. Again, keeping anemones is on an entirely different level than clownfish. I’m not saying that a beginner cannot handle the task, but that they should do a ton of research beforehand to maximize your chances of success.
7. Having the correct tank conditions and buying a healthy fish is only part of the battle. You will still have to acclimate your clown to its new home.

Clownfish Aquarium

There are a few different ways to set up your clownfish aquarium. Clownfish are fairly hardy and can thrive in any of these set-ups if the conditions are right. With that said, the type of set-up usually depends on how big your budget it. Reef tanks are a pretty expensive endeavor and require quite a bit more research to maintain. This leaves many beginners taking the easier route of creating a FOWLR or fish-only tank for their clownfish when first starting out.

Fish Only Set-Up

These tanks are the cheapest to set up due to the lack of sand or live rock, but maintaining them proves more difficult. Live rock is a natural filtration device that helps in removing nitrates from the system. With their absence, frequent water changes and tests are the only real way of controlling your water quality. The lack of rock and sand also makes the cycling process take much longer because your system is lacking the organisms that live within the rock.

FOWLR

if you take your fish-only and add live rock. you have got yourself a FOWLR. The addition of rock will help keep water quality steady, give your tank more visual appeal, and speed up the cycling process. Purchasing live rock is no cheap task. You want around 1.5 lbs. of rock per gallon of water.

Depending where you buy, rock can cost anywhere from $2-$10 or more per pound, so even a 10-gallon tank could run you close to $100. Live rock also need a better light source which can easily add another couple hundred bucks onto your overall costs.

clownfish Reef Tank

Reef tanks are by far the most expensive, most challenging, and most rewarding choice for your clownfish. These aquariums are aimed at creating an astonishing overall look that focuses on anemones and corals just as much, if not more than the fish themselves.
Corals and anemones are much more difficult to care for than the hardier clownfish. They need a higher priced lighting rig and your water conditions must be perfect at all times to keep them thriving.

Of course, when you start getting into corals and anemones and inverts etc. The amount of research and knowledge required skyrockets.
This way you get some experience with your equipment, maintaining water quality, feeding schedules and so on. Once you have a firm grasp on the basics, learning what you’ll need to know to make a reef aquarium will  easier.