How to Take Care of a Clown Fish

Taking care of a real-life "Little Nemo" clown fish takes extra care. Clown fish are colorful fish that are yellow, orange, red, black or striped with white, and are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Although they are territorial and tend to guard the coral and sea anemone that they live in, they usually get along with other fish and are great additions to home aquariums. Read on to find out how to take care of a clown fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Clown Fish Food
  • Large Tank
  • Filter
  • Coral
  • Sea Anemone
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the right fish tank size for clown fish, which is as big a tank as possible.Since clown fish are saltwater fish, they require more room than freshwater fish. At the very smallest, the tank should be no less than 30 gallons to create a thriving environment for your clown fish in a tank that size.

    • 2

      Consult an aquarium technician or a pet store employee for lighting and filter advice. Since clown fish are saltwater fish, they require more room than freshwater fish. A big filter is ideal to make sure the tank is clean and the water is filtered regularly. Check the filter and cleanliness of the water daily, and the temperature and salinity once a week.

    • 3

      Head to your local fish store and buy clown fish food. Ask an employee for help if you're having difficulty finding it. Feed the fish small amounts two to three times daily. If the food is frozen, thaw before feeding the fish.

    • 4

      Keep the temperature of your tank between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the salinity levels between 1.020 and 1.026. This will help your clown fish feel more at home, since they are tropical fish.

    • 5

      Purchase coral and sea anemone. Clown fish have a special relationship with these sea creatures, so this can help them thrive and feel more at home in the tank. Consult a pet store employee to buy the best coral and sea anemone. Clown fish can thrive without coral and sea anemone, so if you don't want to re-create their home environment and don't have predators in your tank, it is not a necessity.

    • 6

      Don't crowd the tank with several fish. Clown fish need room in the tank to thrive. Overcrowding can lead to stress and disease.