Angelfish & Clownfish

Angelfish and clownfish are often found in aquariums together. While they can live in the same environment, they are not natural companions. Clownfish are saltwater fish, while angelfish are typically found in freshwater. But with the easy temperament of the angelfish and its ability to adapt to most environments, these two fish help make up part of a large, beautiful aquarium.

  1. Angelfish Appearance

    • Angelfish have outgoing personalities to match the lure of their appearance. Ranging in color from yellow to blue to to red to black, angelfish are also quite thin. Their bodies are round, but their fins are as large as their bodies -- about 15 centimeters. When in an aquarium, angelfish often swim right up to the glass when they see you looking at them and are lively at feeding time.

    Angelfish Needs

    • Their natural environment is in the Amazon River throughout South America, but angelfish have lived in captivity for decades. They live in bulrushes, which provide protection from predators, and they are often found swimming in large groups. Angelfish do quite well in captivity because they can adjust to various water conditions and can eat just about any food given.

    Clownfish Appearance

    • A clownfish in its natural environment.

      Clownfish live in saltwater and are also called anemone fish because they are frequently found among anemone. They are usually bright orange in color with white three white stripes: one each on the head, the middle of the torso and at the tail. Each white stripe has a thin black outline. There may also be small black markings on the ends of the fin. Some clownfish are blue or yellow as well. Ranging from two to five inches in length, males are smaller than the females.

    About Clownfish

    • Clownfish are the only fish able to live in sea anemones without getting stung because of a mucus that covers the skin. While the clownfish defends the territory around the anemone, it is then is able to eat leftover pieces of fish left on the anemone. Clownfish do not do well in captivity because they can only thrive in a few types of anemone that most people do not have. In their natural habitat clownfish live up to 10 years, but in captivity live an average of five.

    Angelfish and Clownfish Together

    • Even with all their differences, the fish can co-exist peacefully in a saltwater aquarium. Some angelfish can live well in saltwater, such as a dwarf, which also remains small. Clownfish will need a proper anemone to thrive and can become aggressive with other species of clownfish or if they don't have enough space. Both of these fish will require a large tank -- more than 100 gallons in order to hold three or four of the same species. The clownfish may have sudden behavioral changes, so it is best to introduce the two when the clownfish is still young. Because of the angelfish's flexibility to new environments, these two species can thrive together.