How to Breed Tomato Clownfish in Captivity

Tomato clownfish are brightly colored and relatively easy to care for, as long as they have the right tankmates. Because tomato clownfish can be aggressive toward other clownfish, it is important to properly select a bonded pair of fish for breeding -- otherwise, the consequences can be deadly. Fortunately, the close bond formed by the two clownfish will not only make breeding easier, but it also means that they will defend their eggs against other tankmates; this can take one of the biggest worries out of breeding in captivity.

Things You'll Need

  • 30-gallon aquarium
  • Anemone or coral
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the saltwater aquarium. In order to successfully breed tomato clownfish, there are a few things that you should remember when setting up the tank. An aquarium of at least 30 gallons, if not more, is needed, and should include numerous places for the clownfish pair to hide. For those experienced in keeping a saltwater tank, an anemone can provide shelter for the clownfish and a symbiotic relationship, as the clownfish will feed the anemone. Coral and rock work equally well. If there is an anemone, there should be a flat surface nearby for the fish to lay the eggs. The clownfish can breed when there are tankmates present, but keeping the pair alone may increase chances.

    • 2

      Select a mated pair. This can be the most difficult step because all clownfish are born male. Depending on the makeup of the school, the highest-ranking fish will become a female, then choose her mate. These two will be the most successful breeders, and purchasing such a mated pair from the start will ensure the most success.

      Female clownfish are larger and have dark, almost black coloring on their sides. Males are solid reddish-orange, with a white stripe on their heads.

    • 3

      Begin a healthy feeding regimen. Clownfish are omnivores, so to encourage them to breed be sure to provide them with a rounded diet. Include algae and flakes as well as fresh seafood. Offer bits of squid or mussels. Feeding them small meals several times a day rather than one big meal will be better for the fish in the long run, simulating the ocean's constant supply of food.

    • 4

      Wait. Be patient -- clownfish will not mate until they have been well settled into their aquarium. This can take up to a year and usually doesn't happen until they have been comfortably established for at least a month. During this time, watch the pair for any signs of aggression that might indicate they are not as bonded as they need to be to mate.

    • 5

      Leave the eggs in the care of the parents. Clownfish will lay their eggs on a flat surface, and if there are other fish in the tank the female will defend them from possible predators while the male keeps a close watch on first the eggs, then the newly hatched fry.