What Can I Put With Clownfish?

The vibrantly colored clownfish include some of the most familiar species in the aquarium trade. Although no marine fish is exactly easy to keep, clownfish come reasonably close. They cope well with a restricted space and will breed given the right conditions. Clownfish can successfully form part of a community tank, being relatively peaceful fish.

  1. Anemones

    • Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with some species of anemones and both do much better in the company of the other. Ensure that the species of clownfish and the species of anemone are compatible. For example, the barrier reef clownfish (Amphiprion akindynos) co-exists with rose anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor). Bear in mind that any future additions to the tank need to be compatible with both the clownfish and their anemone.

    Mollusks

    • Herbivorous marine snails are no threat to clownfish, and clownfish are little threat to them. Carnivorous snails can co-exist with clownfish, as such snails normally target much slower animals, but be careful you don't introduce a species that might threaten the clownfish anemone. Much the same applies to the colourful sea slugs available from many suppliers.

    Other Invertebrates

    • Scavenging invertebrates, including many species of crabs, shrimp and starfish, do not threaten clownfish or, usually, their anemone. Take care with carnivorous invertebrates. The anemone might catch and consume smaller, free-swimming invertebrates. If you plan to breed your invertebrates, it is safest to do so in a dedicated tank. Their larvae are a food source for many other inhabitants of a marine tank, including clownfish.

    Fish

    • Clownfish are not compatible with every other colorful marine fish. Clownfish are not good tankmates for large, aggressive fish, which are liable to try and eat them, or at least harass and stress them. Different species of clownfish do not get on well together. Possible fish that swim well with clownfish include angelfish, butterfly fish and various species of puffers. Always research your type of clownfish before introducing a new fish to the tank. Particularly small fish run a small risk of being trapped and eaten by the anemone.

    Algae

    • Decorative coralline algae sometimes lasts a couple of days in the company of grazing marine fish, which view it as a tasty snack. Clownfish are not grazers though, and should leave your coralline algae alone. Sessile invertebrates such as anemones do not consume other sessile organisms.