Genus overview: Amphiprion is the clownfish/anemonefish genus with 30 described species. All marine, all tropical reef-associated. Native to Indo-Pacific. Each species pairs with specific anemone host species in nature, though aquarium specimens often live without anemones.
Short answer: the nine Amphiprion clownfish listed in the Fast Aquatics species database need a minimum of 20 to 40 gallons, water at 72 to 82°F and pH 8.1 to 8.4. Six of nine are rated beginner and one is rated advanced or expert; three are listed as peaceful, and nine are marked fully reef safe. The table below gives the per-species numbers.
| Species | Min tank | Temp (°F) | pH | Salinity (SG) | Difficulty | Temperament | Reef safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocellaris Clownfish Amphiprion ocellaris | 20 gal | 74 to 80 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Beginner | Peaceful | Yes |
| Percula Clownfish Amphiprion percula | 20 gal | 74 to 80 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Beginner | Peaceful | Yes |
| Pink Skunk Clownfish Amphiprion perideraion | 20 gal | 75 to 82 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Beginner | Peaceful | Yes |
| Allardi Clownfish Amphiprion allardi | 30 gal | 75 to 82 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Intermediate | Semi-aggressive | Yes |
| Cinnamon Clownfish Amphiprion melanopus | 30 gal | 75 to 82 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Beginner | Semi-aggressive | Yes |
| Clarkii Clownfish Amphiprion clarkii | 30 gal | 75 to 82 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Beginner | Semi-aggressive | Yes |
| Sebae Clownfish Amphiprion sebae | 30 gal | 75 to 82 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Intermediate | Semi-aggressive | Yes |
| Tomato Clownfish Amphiprion frenatus | 30 gal | 75 to 82 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Beginner | Semi-aggressive | Yes |
| Latezonatus Clownfish Amphiprion latezonatus | 40 gal | 72 to 78 | 8.1 to 8.4 | 1.023 to 1.025 | Advanced | Semi-aggressive | Yes |
Source: Fast Aquatics species database (table species, 424 catalog records, pulled 2026-10-07). Values are the catalog care minimums for each species; individual animals, wild-caught stock and long-term adult size can call for more space or tighter parameters. Click a species for its full care sheet.
Species groupings: Common pet trade species - A. ocellaris (false percula - Finding Nemo), A. percula (true percula), A. clarkii (Clark's), A. frenatus (tomato), A. ephippium (fire), A. melanopus (cinnamon), A. polymnus (saddleback), Premnas biaculeatus (maroon - separate genus). Rarer species - A. allardi (Allard's), A. chrysopterus (orange-fin), A. omanensis (Omani), A. nigripes (Maldives anemonefish).
Captive breeding: Clownfish are the most-aquacultured marine species. Captive-bred ocellaris from major breeders (ORA, Sustainable Aquatics, Bali Aquarich) are widely available + recommended. Aquaculture specimens are easier to keep than wild-caught, more parasite-resistant, + accept prepared foods immediately.
Designer color morphs: Decades of selective breeding have produced dozens of named morphs. Snowflake (white "snowflake" patches), Black Ice (extra dark black), Midnight (almost-black), Mocha Storm (mocha-brown), Gladiator (heavy white blotches), Picasso (irregular white markings), Platinum (mostly-white), Lightning Maroon (lightning-pattern white on maroon body), Fancy Orange Storm, Phantom, Tangerine, Snow Onyx, MochaVinci, and many more. Each morph traces to specific breeder lines.
Tank requirements: 30+ gallon minimum for single specimen. 55+ for breeding pair. Reef-grade water + mature tank + appropriate flow. Anemone host optional in aquaria - clownfish bond with rocks, corals, or even glass corners as alternative.
Hierarchy + sex change: Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites. ALL clownfish hatch as undifferentiated immatures. Largest individual becomes female; second-largest becomes functional male; subordinates remain sub-adult juveniles. If female dies, dominant male transitions to female within weeks. Removing sub-adults from group has minimal impact; removing female triggers cascade.
Pair bonding: Clownfish pairs are lifelong - bond strongly + rarely tolerate intruders. When establishing new pair, introduce smaller individual (will become male) to larger established individual.
Spawning: Pairs spawn every 2-3 weeks under good conditions. Eggs laid on flat surface (rock, anemone base, glass). Male tends eggs, fans + cleans. Eggs hatch in 7-10 days at 78-82°F.
Common diseases: Brooklynella ("clownfish disease") - rapid skin lesions + mucus shed - treat with formalin + freshwater dip. Marine velvet - copper at 1.5-2.5 ppm. Dwarf Clownfish Syndrome (DGIV - though this is dwarf gourami issue) - check breeding source.
Where to buy: Browse all clownfish color morphs on Fast Aquatics with documented breeder source.
In the Fast Aquatics species database, the nine Amphiprion clownfish we list need a catalog minimum of 20 to 40 gallons. Ocellaris Clownfish, Percula Clownfish and Pink Skunk Clownfish list 20 gallons; Allardi Clownfish, Cinnamon Clownfish, Clarkii Clownfish and two more list 30 gallons; Latezonatus Clownfish lists 40 gallons. Treat those figures as floors for a single specimen or a small group. Schooling species, territorial fish and animals that reach full adult size need more room, so size up when you plan to keep several together.
Across the nine Amphiprion clownfish in our catalog, listed temperatures run 72 to 82°F and pH runs 8.1 to 8.4. The band every listed species shares is 75 to 78°F and pH 8.1 to 8.4, which is the safest target for a mixed tank. Listed salinity is 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity. Keep readings steady inside the range and test before adding new livestock.
Our catalog rates the nine Amphiprion clownfish as follows: six beginner (Ocellaris Clownfish, Percula Clownfish, Pink Skunk Clownfish and three more), two intermediate (Allardi Clownfish and Sebae Clownfish), one advanced (Latezonatus Clownfish). If this is your first time with Amphiprion clownfish, start with the beginner-rated species and read its care sheet before buying, since care needs differ between species even within one group.
Of the nine Amphiprion clownfish in our catalog, nine are marked reef safe (Ocellaris Clownfish, Percula Clownfish, Pink Skunk Clownfish and six more). "With caution" means the animal may pick at some corals, clams or small invertebrates depending on the individual and how well it is fed, so watch new additions closely in a mixed reef and check the species care sheet for specifics.