How to Breed Clown Fish in Captivity

Clown fish are a fish that many people like due to their unique appearance. However, for many people, clown fish can be quite costly. For those who want numerous clown fish but don't wish to buy too many and ideal situation would be to buy two and breed them. Breeding clown fish is just as simple as owning any other fish, only with the small added task of creating a perfect environment for them to live comfortably amongst themselves and their eggs. Learn what's required and you can have your clown fish breeding in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Male and female clown fish
  • Fish tank (30 gallons or larger)
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Live rock
  • Air stone
  • Fish food
  • Newly hatched brine shrimp
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a 30-gallon fish tank or larger along with a filter capable of cleaning a tank that size. Add live rock to the tank as this will be an essential part of the mating process.

    • 2

      Buy a pair of clown fish from your local fish store or pet store. Request that each clown fish be of a different gender so that they may sucessfully mate.

    • 3

      Ensure that any fish that you have living amongst the clown fish are peaceful. Consult with your fish store and inquire about any fish that you currently have and how they would coexist with clown fish. Clown fish may become stressed and refuse to mate if they are placed with aggressive tank-mates.

    • 4

      Change at least 10 percent of the aquarium water every week to maintain a clean environment and to keep your clown fish comfortable enough to mate. Ensure that the heater consistently keeps the water at a warm temperature. If possible, raise the water temperature by 2 degrees Fahrenheit to increase activity levels and encourage breeding.

    • 5

      Set the light on your tank to a timer so that the clown fish can become used to daytime and night time, if the tank isn't near a window. Feed the clown fish at the same time every day. Purchase fish food that will provide nutrients to the clown fish.

    • 6

      Observe your clown fish constantly. If the fish become fatter or have any tube-like parts protruding from their bodies, they are in the process of breeding. The clown fish lay their eggs on the live rock so refrain from removing or cleaning the rock if you see any eggs present or if the clown fish are spending a lot of time near the rock.

    • 7

      Keep the eggs in the aquarium under the care of the parent clown fish at all times. The eggs should appear to be bright orange and slowly fade in color during the 6 to 15 days that it usually takes to hatch.

    • 8

      Observe your clown fish as it cares for the eggs. One of the parent fish should spend a lot of time near the eggs and may appear to be blowing on the eggs as it fertilizes them.

    • 9

      Set up a second tank with the same water temperature and salinity. Insert an air stone in the tank for oxygen. Remove the clown fish fry and insert it in the second tank as the hatching day approaches. Ensure that the pump is turned off in the second tank so that there is no water current.

    • 10

      Insert newly hatched brine shrimp for the baby clown fish to eat once they are hatched. Ensure that they are able to eat at least every 12 hours.