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.
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.