How to Tell the Gender of Clownfish

Clownfish are hermaphroditic creatures that change sex depending on the make-up of the group. The largest and most dominant becomes the female and the second largest becomes the breeding male. The rest of the school will remain non-breeding hermaphrodites until the death of the female or breeding male. When this happens, the second largest will take the place of the fish that died, changing sex if necessary. Telling the difference between sexes is a matter of quick observation.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a group of clownfish together inside an aquarium.

    • 2

      Observe the size and temperament of each fish. Find the largest one in the group. This is the female.

    • 3

      Find the second largest fish in the group. This fish is the breeding male of the group. The rest of the fish are considered non-breeding males until the death of the female or breeding male.