How to Breed Anemone Fish

Anemone fish, also known as clownfish, are marine fish that live in a symbiotic relationship with stinging anemones. Anemone fish can be very interesting to watch as they interact with their anemone home and move about their habitat. There are many different anemone fish species, which can be found in different sizes, colors, or patterns. However, all of these anemone fish live and breed in very similar ways. Breeding anemone fish can take some time, but your patience will be rewarded with many young clownfish.

Things You'll Need

  • Anemones
  • Breeding aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place several host anemones in an aquarium. Anemone fish require an anemone host in order to lead normal, comfortable lives. They also require the anemone to breed, as this is where they will lay their eggs. Each type of anemone fish has a different type of anemone it prefers, so you'll need to research the fish you have. For example, the true percula clownfish, the most common species of anemone fish, prefers the leathery, magnificent or gigantic anemone.

    • 2

      Adjust the temperature and pH levels of the water. Many anemone fish are extremely tolerant to different temperatures and pH levels and can be kept at whatever's convenient. However, some anemone fish species may need certain levels. Research the particular breed you have, then adjust the levels accordingly. In addition, some anemones may require specific water conditions, including optimal temperatures and water flow. Keeping the anemone comfortable and healthy is almost as important as keeping the fish healthy.

    • 3

      Place a group of anemone fish in the aquarium with the anemones. All anemone fish start life as males. Some fish later mature into females. Therefore, in order to ensure that you will have at least one breeding pair, it's best to start with a group. However, you can also purchase an established breeding pair of anemone fish from a reputable breeder.

    • 4

      Observe the anemone fish. As they mature, the anemone fish will form pairs and select one of the anemones as their own. The fish will begin by gently brushing against the anemone, becoming resistant to its stings. After a few days, the pair of fish will settle into the anemone, living amongst the many stinging tentacles.

    • 5

      Watch the pair of fish as they clear away a space right near the anemone. The anemone fish usually do this when they are about a year old. This is the spot where the fish will lay their eggs, and this behavior therefore indicates that the fish are ready to breed.

    • 6

      Allow the anemone fish to care for the eggs almost until they hatch. The eggs will hatch about an hour after dusk on the eighth day. The parent fish will eat the young fish, so remove either the parents or the eggs just before hatching.