Clown Fish

Clown fishes, or anemone fishes, are not as widespread as damsels. The 30 or so species are distributed throughout the Pacific Basin, but none are native to the Caribbean area. Without exception, clown fishes are usually good-natured towards other species, and make ideal companions in fish and in mixed fish and invertebrate systems. Unfortunately, clowns are not so tolerant of each other; not only is it hazardous to mix two different species, but sometimes it proves difficult to keep two members of the same species together. Clowns are easy to feed, accepting any of the proprietary foods, and are reasonably hardy and disease-resistant, although they are not nitrite-tolerant. All clown fish enjoy what is called a symbiotic relationship with certain species of anemones. Anemones have stinging cells in their tentacles with which they stun their food - and most fish are included as potential meals. Somehow, clown fishes are immune to the stings and use the anemones for shelter and, at least to human eyes,for comfort. Their continual lazing and rubbing and general enjoyment of the anemone's charms always appears very sensual. In the wild, an umber of clowns often share one large anemone, but this is aristocratically in a tank - the usual limit is two fish of the same species.

The vivacious common clown(2in) in captivity. The sight of one or (Amphibian opercula or A. cellars)two of them darting in and out of an is brilliantly colored, has a delightful anemone has prompted many temperament and rarely exceeds 5 comfits to set up a marine tank.

Clown fishes are bedraggles and since many of them do not survive the immigration flight, demand for these species often exceeds availability.

Most clown fishes do seem to survive perfectly adequately without anemones and it seems reasonably certain that it is not cruel to keep them apart. However, there is no doubt that if you deny yourself the opportunity of observing this fascinating relationship then you are missing one of the major joys of marine fish keeping.

Another group of clowns includes the skunk clown (A. alkaloids) and the teak clown (A. angriest). In many ways,this group is the exception that proves the rule, these small, timid fish do need an anemone in order to thrive, and they do seem to prefer to five in a shoal, as opposed to being alone or one of a pair. Because of their small size, their demanding needs, and their lack of obvious co lour, they are the least popular of the clown fishes for marine aquariums.One clown is worth a mention on it sown. The maroon clown (Prefabricate) is quite rare. It must be kept in a tank with no other clowns,and it grows to about 7.5cm(3in).Because of its rarity, any imported specimens are usually snapped up quickly and they prove rewarding and long-lived aquarium subjects.

In the most popular group of clown fishes are the bright red clowns, usually called either tomato or fire clowns, and these include eohippus (as pictured here), A. reenacts A. lubricants. All these species have different markings as juveniles and all have regional variations.Most 'tomato' clowns have white vertical stripe just behind their eyes, and many also have a dark blotch on their flanks. Tomato clowns are one of the few truly red marine fish available, and soared popular just for the sake of variety. They all grow toga length of about 5-7.5cm(2-3M) in captivity and are little more boisterous than most other clown fishes. If you can buy a matched pair,they will often be together in harmony for many years.