Family overview: Pomacentridae includes ~360 species of marine fishes including all clownfishes (Amphiprion + Premnas) and most damselfishes (Chromis, Chrysiptera, Dascyllus). Tropical reef-associated. Most are small, hardy, and reef-safe.
Defining characteristics: Small body (most 2-6 inches), single-piece dorsal fin, deep-bodied profile, and complex social behaviors. Clownfish are obligate symbionts with anemones in nature (less essential in aquaria). Most damsels are territorial + can be aggressive in confined spaces.
Clownfish species: Amphiprion ocellaris (false percula - Finding Nemo species - most-bred captive species), A. percula (true percula - similar but slightly different patterning), A. clarkii (Clark's - hardy + adaptable), A. frenatus (tomato - gold or red), A. melanopus (cinnamon), A. ephippium (fire), A. polymnus (saddleback - black + white), Premnas biaculeatus (maroon - largest clownfish, most aggressive). Plus dozens of designer color morphs: snowflake, black ice, midnight, mocha storm, gladiator, picasso, platinum, lightning maroon, and rare varieties.
Damsel species: Chromis viridis (green/blue-green chromis - peaceful schooler), C. multilineata (Atlantic chromis), C. dispar (yellow-tail dispar), Chrysiptera parasema (yellow-tail damsel), C. cyanea (blue devil), C. talboti (talbotti), Dascyllus aruanus (humbug), D. trimaculatus (three-spot domino), D. melanurus (four-stripe), Abudefduf saxatilis (sergeant major).
Tank requirements: 30g+ for single clownfish, 55g+ for clownfish pair, 30g+ for chromis schools, 30g+ for damsel pairs. Damsels can be aggressive in undersized tanks - allocate territory.
Water chemistry: Standard reef parameters: salinity 1.025 SG / 35 ppt, temp 76-80°F, pH 8.1-8.4, alkalinity 8-9 dKH, calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1300-1400 ppm. Ammonia + nitrite at 0 ppm.
Feeding ecology: Clownfish + damsels are omnivorous. Feed marine pellet + frozen mysis + brine + occasional Cyclops. 2-3 small portions daily. Acclimate frozen-only feeders to pellet for convenience.
Breeding strategies: Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites - dominant fish becomes female; submissive becomes male. Pairs form lifelong bonds. Lay eggs on flat surfaces (rock, anemone base, glass) - male tends eggs + fans + cleans. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days. Captive breeding is widespread + clownfish are the most-aquacultured marine species.
Common diseases: Brooklynella (clownfish disease) - rapid mucus shed + skin lesions - treat with formalin + freshwater dip. Marine velvet - copper at 1.5-2.5 ppm in quarantine. Marine ich - copper or tank-transfer method. Always quarantine new arrivals.
Where to buy: Browse the complete clownfish + damsel library on Fast Aquatics with hundreds of color morphs covered.