|
Clown Fish Amphiprion percula
Family: Pomacentridae Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons Care Level: Moderate Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12 Temperament: Peaceful Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 4" Reef Compatible: Yes Diet: Omnivore Origin: Indo-Pacific Compatibility: View Chart Whenever anyone starts talking about keeping Marine fish in aquaria, this fish is probably the one that always flashes through your mind. It is arguably the most popular and widely known of all marine fish. Here are some details on this famous marine fish. The average size of Clownfish in captivity is around three inches and most are brightly coloured with white stripes on the head or side of the body. The diet of Clownfish consists of small crustaceans, plankton and algae. This group of fish is extremely hardy, and is well suited to life in the average aquarium. Ideally, Clownfish should be purchased in small groups consisting of one species, and introduced to the aquarium simultaneously. There are several species, here are some examples. The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Percula Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle, is found associating with anemones throughout the Indo-Pacific. It can attain a length of 3.2" (8 cm) in the wild, but aquarium specimens rarely exceed 2" (5 cm) unless they are imported large. This fish is sometimes sold as the Percula Clown, even though it is not. The colour pattern is very similar, but it is not as bright orange. The advantage of the Ocellaris is that it is much hardier.
It is a long-lived clownfish that is excellent for the beginner hobbyist. It does best in the presence of anemones such as Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea. Like the related damselfish, it is well-suited for all but the most predatory tanks. Although there are no external characteristics to differentiate male and female, most are born as females and become males as needed. A pair will lay eggs just under the oral disc of the host anemone, using it to protect the eggs. The eggs normally appear olive green in colour. Without proper preparation, rearing in the average tank is nearly impossible. This clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will take most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations. Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3" Anemone fishes live in tropical waters from the red sea, the pacific ocean, Australia to the Solomon islands. There are no anemone fishes in the Caribbean. Anemone fishes life in close symbiotic relationship with one or more of 10 host sea anemones. Each species has a prefered anemone host, although most occasionally occur in a number of anemone species. Some anemones such as Heterractis magnifica or H. crispa host more than one species of anemone fish. Anemone fishes live mostly in shallow lagoons and seaward reefs. Anemone fishes are protected from the anemones stinging cells by their mucus. They are protandrous hermaphrodites (mature as males, reverse sex later and become breeding females). Eggs are laid near or under the anemone and tended and protected by the male. They feed on zooplankton and algae. Many clownfish have been successfully bred in captivity. They are among the first marine species to be bred commercially. To breed them yourself, get a pair, or purchase six or more of the type you wish to breed. This will help assure that you get a male and a female of the species. The best success is achieved if they are provided a healthy host anemone that they accept. After they are mature, about a year or so unless you buy a pair, they will clean off a place near the anemone and lay eggs there. The parents will take care of the eggs by defending them against other fish and will frequently fan them. After about 8 days, the eggs will hatch an hour after dark. This is so they have better chance of avoiding predators, including their parents! From here the fry are on their own and will need infusoria or baby brine shrimp several times a day to survive. It is a good idea to remove the eggs before they hatch and place them in a separate aquarium devoted to raising the fry. Even so, many of the small fry will die before reaching maturity. There is a definite closeness between clownfish and their host anemone. The anemone provides protection for the clown, and in turn for this protection the clown feeds and cleans the anemone and also may even drive off fish that could be harmful to the anemone.
These two animals share a true symbiotic relationship. But will any clown go into any anemone? Definitely NOT! Each of the clownfish varieties has a definite preference as to which anemone is suitable to become their home. For instance, a False Percula (Ocellaris) clown would be very at home in a carpet anemone, would probably accept a bubble anemone, might put up with a sebae anemone, and wouldn't even consider an Atlantic anemone.
|
