Clownfish – Clark’s Indo Pacific

Introduction: Introducing Clark’s Clownfish, a vibrant and hardy marine fish native to the Indo-Pacific region. Known for its classic clownfish appearance with bold black, white, and orange bands, this species is both striking and resilient, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced marine aquarists. Clark’s Clownfish has a symbiotic relationship with various anemone species, enhancing the visual appeal and natural behavior seen in reef aquariums.

Scientific Name: Amphiprion clarkii

Water Quality and Temperature:

• Temperature: Maintain water temperature between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) to replicate its tropical environment.
• pH Level: Keep the pH between 8.1 and 8.4 to support a healthy, stable environment.
• Salinity: Ideal specific gravity should be between 1.020 and 1.025.
• KH Level: Maintain carbonate hardness (KH) between 8 to 12 dKH for stable water conditions.

Feeding: Clark’s Clownfish is omnivorous and benefits from a varied diet to thrive in captivity.

• Pellets and Flakes: Offer high-quality marine pellets or flakes designed for omnivorous fish.
• Frozen or Live Foods: Supplement with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood for balanced nutrition.
• Vegetable Matter: Include spirulina or algae-based foods to support their omnivorous dietary needs.

Tank Mates: Clark’s Clownfish is semi-aggressive and tends to establish territories. It pairs well with other peaceful to moderately aggressive reef-safe fish, such as gobies, wrasses, and tangs. Avoid highly aggressive or large predatory species, as these can cause stress. Anemones are optional but enhance the clownfish’s natural behaviors if present.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: Use a sand or fine gravel substrate for a natural setup, and add live rock to provide shelter and natural foraging spaces. Incorporate branching rock structures or caves to create territories and hiding spots, which can help reduce any territorial aggression.

Suitable Plants: Clark’s Clownfish does not require plants but will benefit from the presence of live rocks and coral in reef setups. Hosting anemones, such as Entacmaea quadricolor (Bubble Tip Anemone), can create a more natural and interactive environment.

Sexing: Clark’s Clownfish is a sequential hermaphrodite, with the ability to change sex. The dominant individual in a pair becomes the female, while the smaller, submissive fish remains male. Males tend to be smaller and more passive compared to the dominant females.

Breeding: Breeding Clark’s Clownfish in captivity is achievable with stable water parameters and a dedicated breeding pair. They typically lay eggs on a flat surface near their host anemone or shelter, and the male guards the nest. After hatching, larvae require specialized care and food, such as rotifers and copepods, to survive and develop.

Maximum Size and Longevity: Clark’s Clownfish can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. With proper care, they often live between 10 to 14 years in captivity, making them a long-term commitment for aquarium enthusiasts.

General Information: Clark’s Clownfish is admired for its striking colors, unique behaviors, and relative ease of care. Its adaptable nature and compatibility with various tank mates make it a versatile choice for marine aquariums. Often forming strong bonds with anemones, this clownfish brings an authentic reef experience to home tanks.

A Fun Fact: Clark’s Clownfish is one of the most widely distributed clownfish species, found across the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Australia. Its ability to adapt to various environments and anemone hosts makes it one of the hardiest and most versatile clownfish species available in the hobby.