Tag: Types Of Fish

Tangs need large tanks, strong flow, and constant grazing opportunity. Every species on this list requires a minimum of 75 gallons and most need 125 or more.

If your tank is under 75 gallons, tangs are not an option. There are no exceptions.

If your tank is under 75 gallons, tangs are not an option. There are no exceptions.

How Many Species Of Tangs Are There?

There are many species of tang available in the aquarium hobby but even more exist in the wild, amounting to almost 90 known species. Most of these species originate from the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific, where they travel from reef to reef searching for algae to graze on.

These fish may also be known as surgeonfish due to the scalpel-like spine located at the base of their tails which is capable of inflicting some serious injury to predators. Some tangs are able to excrete venom from this scalpel while others are poisonous to ingest.

Requirements And Temperament

Tangs aren’t the hardiest of fish, but luckily, they’re not the most delicate either. With so many types of tangs to choose from, each list of requirements will be unique to the species.

In general, most tang species are more susceptible to disease than other standard aquarium fish. That being said, they can quickly bounce back to full health given the right attention and care. To keep your tang from getting sick, always allow at least a two-week quarantine period (I recommend longer) before adding it to your main display.

This display should be at least 70 gallons for smaller, less active types of tangs. Otherwise, these are very active fish that need both open swimming space and rockwork to graze on algae. They is kept at standard saltwater aquarium parameters:

• pH: 8.0-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8.0-12.0
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• Temperature: 72-82° F

Are They Aggressive?

More than likely, your tang will be aggressive. They are labeled as semi-aggressive saltwater fish, though they definitely have the ability to injure and kill other fish especially those that is similar in appearance.

Some types of tangs, like yellow tangs, are particularly known for beating up other fish for no reason at all. To help prevent this from happening in your own aquarium, it’s best to introduce a school of tangs together at once; it should be noted that aggression can and probably will happen in these social groups as the bigger and stronger fish weed out the weakest ones.

It is also recommended to add tangs as the last addition to the overall stocking list. This will allow other fish to establish a territory that they feel comfortable defending until your tang comes and tries to claim it as its own.

Though most aggressive tangs is dealt with, some hobbyists have had to rehome their pet fish because nothing was working to diffuse the behavior. Check out the video above from Reef Nerd for a good overview on dealing with aggression.

One of the best rules of thumb is to mix different sub-species of Tangs. Because they look different, they tend to not display as much aggression to tangs of the same species. I’ll explain the main species a bit later in the post.

Are They Easy To Keep?

In general, yes tangs are easy saltwater fish. As mentioned before, they is a little difficult to acclimate to the tank but will thrive if conditions are met.

Apart from possible aggression, one of the challenges to keeping tangs is keeping them fed. In established coral reefs, they will get most of their herbivorous needs from the rockwork. However, this will need to be supplemented with pieces of dried algae, algae flakes, algae wafers, and a high-quality marine flake or pellet.

This specialized diet is an additional cost but is necessary for the long-term success of the fish.

Types – The 4 Different Species

Tangs are broken down into 4 main species in our hobby. Each has different characteristics. They are:

• Zebrasoma
• Ctenchaetus
• Acanthurus
• Naso

Zebrasoma spp.

The Zebrasoma genus contains one of the most popular species of tang, the yellow tang.

These fish are categorized by their compact, flattened bodies and sail-like fins. They are some of the most desirable for the home reef system.

Ctenochaetus spp.

Ctenochaetus tangs are pretty easy to recognize from Zebrasoma species. These tangs have a more elongated body, with a curved dorsal fin and truncated tail.

Fish from this genus don’t tend to be as popular as those in Zebrasoma, but this group contains some recognizable faces like kole tangs. Some fish in this genus are also known as bristletooth tangs due to the teeth they use to scrape away algae from rocks.

Acanthurus spp. & Paracanthurus spp.

The Acanthurus genus has some of the less popular species while Paracanthurus has only one very popular species, the Dory fish.

These fish have wide, streamlined bodies for traveling long distances. In general, members of these genera grow to be considerably larger than Zebrasoma and Ctenochaetus.

Naso spp.

The Naso genus has some interesting fish in terms of color, shape, and body ornaments. These fish also have a very streamlined, yet squashed appearance to them. They can grow to considerable sizes, making most species in this genus unattainable for the average hobbyist.

15 Different Species (With Pictures)

In order to understand the many different kinds of tang available in the aquarium hobby, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular species by genus. Check out the video below from our YouTube Channel. We go over in more detail in the blog post below:

1. Yellow (Zebrasoma flavescens)

• Species Type – Zebrasoma
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma flavescens
• Size: 8″
• Origin: Pacific Ocean
• Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: Yes

The yellow tang is an unmistakenly vibrant yellow. These fish grow to be about 8 inches and need a minimum tank size of 125 gallons with intricate rockwork for grazing on algae and for free swimming room.

Yellow tangs is kept in schools in large systems, but they have also been known to be aggressive to their own species as well as to similar-looking species.

Yellow tangs have a very large native range, primarily throughout the Pacific Ocean though they have been documented off the coast of Florida as well.

2. Purple (Zebrasoma xanthurum)

• Species Type – Zebrasoma
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma xanthurum
• Size: 10″
• Origin: Red Sea
• Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: Yes

The purple tang has become a very desirable species over the past few years, reflecting on its market price. These western Indian Ocean fish are a beautiful velvety purple-blue with accented yellow tail fin; upon closer observation, some darker horizontal lineations are also apparent across the body.

Purple tangs can grow to be slightly larger than yellow tangs, reaching a maximum size of about 10 inches. They is safely kept with yellow tangs in a 125 gallon aquarium, though there may be some aggression from time to time.

3. Gem (Zebrasoma gemmatum)

• Species Type – Zebrasoma
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma gemmatum
• Size: 9″
• Origin: Madagascar
• Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

Gem tangs, also known as spotted tangs, have a black body sparkled with small white dots and a flashy yellow tail, making for a jewel of the tank. Unfortunately, these fish are pretty difficult to come across and their extreme appearance can make them absurdly priced.

Otherwise, these fish require the same husbandry as both the purple and yellow tangs. Some hobbyists like to keep them in slightly larger tanks as they reach a mature size of 9 inches.

In the western Indian Ocean, these fish is very territorial and often lead completely solitary lives.

4. Sailfin (Zebrasoma desjardini)

• Species Type – Zebrasoma
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma desjardini
• Size: 16″
• Origin: Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
• Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

The sailfin tang is one of the largest tangs available within the Zebrasoma genus, reaching impressive lengths of almost a foot and a half, plus extra height for their tall sail fins. They is found from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

The sailfin tang is aptly named as the dorsal and anal fins are greatly extended. These fish have simple brown, yellow, and white vertical stripes across their body with yellow fraying across their top and bottom fins.

Sailfin tangs are less aggressive than other tangs on this list, but they can still easily beat up similar-looking fish and other tangs. Because of their mature size, it is best to keep these fish in aquariums over 180 gallons.

5. Scopas (Zebrasoma scopas)

• Species Type – Zebrasoma
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma scopas
• Size: 12″
• Origin: Indo Pacific
• Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

Scopas tangs are relatively plain in color with a half-light brown and dark black body, but upon closer inspection, have small iridescent spots all along their sides. These colors will change from their juvenile stage to adulthood, and can even darken or lighten due to stress or disease.

Though not as colorful, scopas tangs have nearly the same personality as yellow tangs. They can get significantly larger and max out at one foot, though this is uncommon in the aquarium hobby. Because of their adult size, potential aggression, activity levels, and herbivorous diet, this tang species does best in a 125 gallon or more aquarium.

They can regularly be seen in groups of 20 or more in the wild from the east coast of Africa to the western portions of the Indo-Pacific.

6. Black (Zebrasoma rostratum)

• Species Type – Zebrasoma
• Scientific Name: Zebrasoma rostratum
• Size: 9″
• Origin: Pacific Ocean
• Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

Even more devoid of color, the black tang makes a statement in its simplicity. These fish are silky black, with a sometimes lighter brown face; the scalpel at the base of the tail becomes extremely visible (as well as some unlucky external parasites, like ich). They are sometimes referred to as longnose surgeonfish due to their extended beak.

Surprisingly, black tangs are naturally occurring and originate from the eastern central Pacific Ocean, near the Marquesas Islands and Tuamoto Islands.

Black tangs can vary in aggression. It is best to give these 9-inch fish at least 180 gallons and it is even better if they’re the only tang in the tank and added last.

7. Kole (Ctenochaetus strigosus)

• Species Type – Ctenochaetus
• Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus strigosus
• Size: 7″
• Origin: Pacific Ocean
• Tank Size: 70 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

The kole tang is an attractive fish with several different common names including kole yellow eye tang, spotted surgeonfish, and bristletoothed tang. These fish have a brilliant yellow ring around their eyes and delicate stripes down their brown body. At full size, they can grow to be 7 inches.

Kole tangs are also named after their incredible ability to scrape away large amounts of algae from hard surfaces with their specialized teeth. In their native waters, these fish have been observed cleaning sea turtle shells throughout the eastern Central Pacific, even going as far as setting up stations for algae-covered visitors. In general, they are a solitary species.

These are one of the less demanding species of tang in regards to size, though they can still be aggressive to similar species. At least 70 gallons is recommended with a heavy herbivore diet.

8. Tomini (Ctenochaetus tominiensis)

• Species Type – Ctenochaetus
• Scientific Name: Ctenochaetus tominiensis
• Size: 6″
• Origin: Pacific Ocean
• Tank Size: 70 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

Tomini tangs are probably one of the least tang-looking fish on this list. They have incredibly slender brown bodies with yellow-tipped fins and a white tail fin, giving the appearance that they’re another unrelated species.

These fish are a small species of tang, growing to about 6 inches. They are native to the western central Pacific Ocean. While small, they are still advantageous herbivores capable of scraping algae off of most hard surfaces; they occur by themselves or in very small groups.

Due to their activity in the aquarium and green diet, they need a minimum tank size of at least 70 gallons.

9. Hippo (Paracanthurus hepatus)

• Species Type – Paracanthurus
• Scientific Name: Paracanthurus hepatus
• Size: 12″
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: Yes

The Hippo Tang goes by many names, including blue tang, hepatus tang, regal tang, and most of all, the Dory fish. These Indo-Pacific schooling fish are a brilliant blue with yellow pectoral fins and tail fin. For now, they are the only described species within this genus.

Blue tangs can grow to be a foot long and need 180 gallons at full size, though many hobbyists have successfully kept them in 125 gallons and up. Sadly, their fame has led to many poor conditions within the aquarium hobby. These fish are relatively hardy once established, but they can very easily succumb to ich and other illnesses when first introduced into the aquarium.

The biggest problem is that blue tangs are sold when they are only a couple of inches long, making it seem like they can fit into very small aquariums. Though they’re not the most affordable fish, many inexperienced hobbyists take on the challenge of raising a small blue tang. Within a year, these fish experience exponential growth and quickly become cramped on space.

At this point, they may injure themselves due to stress or they’re returned back to the aquarium store.

10. Powder Blue (Acanthurus leucosternon)

• Species Type – Acanthurus
• Scientific Name: Acanthurus leucosternon
• Size: 9″
• Origin: Indian Ocean
• Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

The powder blue tang is a personal favorite. These fish are a delicate blue with black masking, yellow dorsal fin, and other whitish-blue fins. They can grow to be 9 inches long and require a 125 gallon aquarium.

Powder blue tangs are native to the Indian Ocean. There, they are found alone or in very large feeding groups; in the aquarium, they are best as the only powder species in the aquarium, excluding powder brown tangs as well.

11. Powder Brown (Acanthurus japonicus)

• Species Type – Acanthurus
• Scientific Name: Acanthurus japonicus
• Size: 8″
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Tank Size: 125 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

The powder brown tang is very similar to the powder blue tang in appearance and behavior. These fish grow slightly smaller, reaching about 8 inches, but still need the full 125 gallons for openly swimming and grazing.

These fish are simple, yet complex in appearance. They have a mainly light brown body outlined in yellow, with margined dark fins and a bright tail fin. The dorsal fin has a streak of orange, contrasting with the rest of the body.

Powder brown tangs originate from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean around the Philippines and Ryukyu Islands. They are more often found in groups than powder blue tangs but still do best as the only powder tang in the tank.

12. Clown (Acanthurus lineatus)

• Species Type – Acanthurus
• Scientific Name: Acanthurus lineatus
• Size: 15″
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Tank Size: 250 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

The clown tang is another one of the least-looking tang species on this list, but undoubtedly one of the most colorful. As their name suggests, these fish have alternating yellow, black, and blue stripes with an untouched white underbelly. Their mature size is about a foot and three inches.

These fish swim in schools around shallow reefs of the Indo-Pacific. Though their diet is mainly made up of green, they do like to munch on meaty crustaceans every now and then.

For best results, clown tangs need at least 250 gallons to be kept in captivity.

13. Sohal (Acanthurus sohal)

• Species Type – Acanthurus
• Scientific Name: Acanthurus sohal
• Size: 16″
• Origin: Red Sea
• Tank Size: 250 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

The sohal tang is similar to the clown tang, just slightly less colorful. Instead of yellow stripes, these fish stick the basic alternating blacks and whites with some blue highlights. They have an attractive yellow tail fin for a needed pop of color. Sohal tangs grow to be about the same size as clown tangs as well and need a 250 gallon tank.

Interestingly, sohal tangs have a very limited natural range, occurring mainly in the Red Sea but extending to the Persian Gulf as well. There, they are pretty territorial and aggressive towards each other.

14. Naso (Naso lituratus)

• Species Type – Naso
• Scientific Name: Naso lituratus
• Size: 18″
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Tank Size: 180 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

Naso tangs are a favorite in the hobby, though importation is currently limited; trading Hawaiin specimens is highly regulated but others may be collected from farther out in the Indo-Pacific. There, they occur in small groups.

These fish have a very unique appearance with a smooth gradient from grey to yellowish-orange across their body. They can grow to be nearly two feet long, but rarely reach those sizes in captivity. Still, they need 180 gallons to comfortably swim and graze.

15. Unicorn (Naso brevirostris, Naso unicornis)

• Species Type – Naso
• Scientific Name: Naso brevirostris
• Size: 24″
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Tank Size: 360 gallons
• Available As Tank Bred: No

There are two main species of unicorn you are likely to come across in the aquarium hobby: the bluespine unicorn tang (Naso unicornis) and the blue/short-nosed unicorn tang (Naso brevirostris). Both these fish have a silvery body and unmistakable horn that grows from the front of their face once they have reached about 6 inches in length.

The Indo-Pacific bluespine unicorn tang can grow to an impressive 2 feet and are recognizable by the bright blue margin on their fins. Due to their size, they should only be kept in public aquariums or in 300+ gallon home setups.

The blue/short-nosed unicorn tang originates from the Indo-Pacific and eastern central Pacific, with many individuals coming from Hawaii. This unicorn’s horn is slightly broader than that of the bluespine. These fish can also grow to be 2 feet long and need professional aquarium setups.

Which Is The Best?

Tangs are beautiful fish and you’ll probably want to get as many as you can to squeeze into your tank. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible unless you have a very large system. Instead, you will need to settle for one or two at the most.

But which tang will be right for your reef tank?

This largely depends on the size of the aquarium and the temperament of the other fish. A larger aquarium will allow for some of the bigger and more active species of tang while a smaller aquarium will greatly limit your choices. The aggression of other fish as well as of the tang that you want to add will also need to be considered.

It’s also worth mentioning that not all tangs are available or affordable for the common hobbyist. Some of these fish need to be specially ordered and trading bans can suddenly cut off supply.

Importation

Though aquaculture has come very far in recent years, a large portion of the fish available in the aquarium hobby is wild-caught. In some cases, these fish originate from utterly unique and delicate ecosystems that need to be preserved. This is the case for some Hawaiin tang species, like yellow tangs and naso tangs.

Early in 2021, Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources stated that harvesting permits could not be renewed and existing ones were no longer valid¹. This is surely a valiant effort for preserving natural ecosystems, but unfortunately, has had a detrimental effect on the availability of some Hawaiin species.

Luckily though, most of these species is found throughout other regions of the Indo-Pacific and might even be available as aquacultured. Currently, the main three tangs that are commercially tank bred are the Purple, Yellow, and Hippo Tang.

The Tang Police

When researching information about tangs, you’re bound to come across a term: the tang police. The tang police have been around since tangs were introduced into the hobby, and rightfully so.

As mentioned before, many tangs end up in unideal conditions. These are big, active fish that need big, open aquariums to swim and graze. Too often, tangs are sold as juveniles at very small sizes, making it easy to believe that they can comfortably fit into a smaller tank. This simply isn’t true as tangs can grow several inches in just a few months.

The tang police refer to members of the aquarium hobby, especially those participating in online communities, who insist on informing other hobbyists about proper tang requirements and prevent poor conditions from happening. There is some negativity that surrounds the title as many inexperienced hobbyists don’t believe the necessary requirements are entirely true and try to prove them wrong, but eventually fail.

If for anything, a lot is learned from the tang police. After all, we are trying to make our fish the happiest and healthiest that they can possibly be.

Final Thoughts

Kole tangs, blue tangs, naso tangs, purple tangs. There are so many tangs to choose from and each individual has their own behavior and specific needs.

For many years, these fish have been shoved into nano tanks without an established source of algae, leaving the fish to quickly outgrow their surroundings and starve. But given the proper care and compatibility, any tang will quickly become the showpiece of the tank.

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📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Saltwater Fish & Reef Guide. Your ultimate resource for marine fish, coral care, reef setup, and more.

There are dozens of clownfish species and designer variants, and they are not all the same. Some are peaceful, some are aggressive, and some grow larger than most people expect.

Not all clownfish are Nemo. Some are territorial bullies that will own your tank.

Introduction to Clownfish

Clownfish belong to the Amphiprioninae subfamily within the family Pomacentridae. There are 30 recognized species and one genus (Premnas) reserved for the maroon clownfish. The most commonly seen in the aquarium trade are the ocellaris, percula, tomato, clarkii, maroon, and pink skunk. Designer variants extend that list significantly with selectively bred color morphs that have become a major segment of the captive-bred marine fish market.

All clownfish are sequential hermaphrodites. They’re born male. The dominant individual in a group becomes female. That female is always the largest fish in the pair, which is why the female in an established pair visibly outgrows her mate over time. If the female is removed from the tank, the dominant male will transition to female. This biology is what made the movie premise work: in a natural group, the death of the female would have resulted in the largest male becoming female, not a search for a new mate.

The relationship with anemones is one of the most misunderstood aspects of clownfish keeping. Clownfish evolved alongside anemones and benefit from their protection. But many tank-raised clownfish have never encountered an anemone and may ignore one completely, or host unusual substitute objects like powerhead intakes, wave makers, or even duncan coral. Don’t force the relationship. If it happens, great. If it doesn’t, your clownfish is fine.

Types of Clownfish

1. Ocellaris Clownfish (False Percula)

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris
• Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean, Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 L)
• Tank Bred: Widely available
• ASD Tier: Beginner

The ocellaris is the most widely kept clownfish in the hobby and the species that most people picture when they think of clownfish: bright orange with three white bars outlined in black. Tank-raised specimens are available from almost every source and are reliably healthy, eating prepared foods from day one. They’re peaceful with most tank mates, compatible with a wide range of host anemones, and adaptable to FO, FOWLR, and full reef setups.

At 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) they fit a 10-gallon (38 L) as a pair. They establish a small territory and stay there, which makes them excellent for nano reefs. A bonded pair will breed readily in captivity, spawning on flat rock surfaces near their territory. The fry are difficult to raise but it’s a fascinating behavior to observe.

2. True Percula Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion percula
• Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• Origin: Western Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Melanesia
• Min Tank Size: 10 gallons (38 L)
• Tank Bred: Widely available
• ASD Tier: Beginner

The true percula and the ocellaris are often sold interchangeably, and for most practical purposes in a home reef, they are. The distinguishing features are visible up close: the percula has thicker, more prominent black borders around its white bars and a slightly richer, darker orange body. The percula also has 10 dorsal fin spines versus 11 in the ocellaris, though you won’t be counting those in a fish store.

Care requirements are essentially identical. The percula may host anemones slightly more readily than tank-raised ocellaris, and it tends to command a higher price. Both are excellent beginner fish. If you’re choosing between the two, let availability and price guide you rather than any meaningful difference in behavior or hardiness.

3. Maroon Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Premnas biaculeatus
• Size: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) females; males stay smaller
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L), 55 gallons (208 L) preferred
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Advanced

The maroon is the largest and most aggressive clownfish species. It belongs to its own genus, Premnas, which separates it taxonomically from all other clownfish. The female grows to 6 inches (15 cm) and will dominate any tank she’s in. Maroon clownfish are not a community fish. Period. They will intimidate, harass, and sometimes kill other fish that venture near their territory, especially other clownfish species.

In a dedicated system or a large tank with robust, similarly assertive tank mates, the maroon is stunning. The gold stripe morph is one of the most visually striking clownfish available. But buy one knowing exactly what it is. This fish defines the tank. Everything else gets stocked around it.

4. Tomato Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion frenatus
• Size: 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 cm)
• Origin: Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Intermediate to Advanced

The tomato clownfish is red-orange with a single white bar behind the head. Juveniles have two or three bars that fade as the fish matures. It’s one of the hardiest clownfish available and adapts to a wide range of water conditions. The downside is temperament. Tomato clownfish are significantly more aggressive than ocellaris or percula, particularly females. In a 30-gallon (114 L) community reef, a dominant female tomato will harass smaller or passive fish. Put it in a tank where other fish can hold their own.

5. Clarkii Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion clarkii
• Size: 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 cm)
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, Persian Gulf
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Intermediate

The clarkii is one of the most anemone-compatible clownfish species, hosting a wider range of anemone species than almost any other. It’s a larger, more assertive fish than the ocellaris but not as aggressively territorial as the maroon or tomato. Coloration varies significantly: most are orange-yellow with three white bars, but regional color forms range from nearly all black to very pale yellow. Hardy and adaptable to most marine setups. A good choice for hobbyists who want a clownfish with a more noticeable presence in a larger reef.

6. Pink Skunk Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion perideraion
• Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean, Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 L)
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Beginner to Intermediate

The pink skunk has a distinctive pale pink-peach coloration with a single white stripe running along the dorsal ridge rather than full bars. It’s one of the more peaceful clownfish species and less commonly seen in stores than ocellaris or percula. It pairs well with Heteractis magnifica anemones in reef setups. In a community tank with other peaceful fish, the pink skunk is an excellent choice. Its color is more subtle than the standard orange-white clownfish pattern, which some reefers appreciate for its uniqueness.

7. Saddleback Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion polymnus
• Size: 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 cm)
• Origin: Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Available in limited quantities
• ASD Tier: Intermediate

The saddleback gets its name from the distinctive white marking that sits like a saddle across the back portion of its dark body. It’s less commonly available than other species but is hardy and adaptable when sourced from a quality supplier. The saddleback is more associated with bubble-tip anemones and Stichodactyla anemones in the wild. It’s moderately aggressive, between the peaceful ocellaris and the assertive tomato. A good mid-range choice for experienced hobbyists who want something less commonly seen in home reefs.

8. Ocellaris Color Morphs and Designer Clownfish

• Parent Species: Amphiprion ocellaris
• Size: Same as standard ocellaris, 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• Tank Bred: Yes, exclusively
• ASD Tier: Beginner (care requirements identical to standard ocellaris)

Designer clownfish are selectively bred color morphs of the ocellaris (and occasionally percula). They are not wild fish, not genetically modified, and not inferior in health to standard specimens. They’re the result of breeding programs run by professional aquaculture facilities that select for specific color and pattern traits over multiple generations. Common designer variants include:

• Picasso: Irregular, asymmetric white patterning. Highly variable, no two are identical.
• Wyoming White: Almost entirely white with minimal orange, sometimes with faint color near the face.
• Black Ice: Dark body with white patterns. The black coloration replaces the orange.
• DaVinci: Complex, painterly white patterning across a standard orange base.
• Platinum: Nearly all white with minimal orange, often confused with Wyoming White but from different breeding lines.
• Snowflake: White bars spread and connect in irregular snowflake patterns. Common entry-level designer.

Designer clownfish are always tank-raised, always ethically produced, and always a better choice than wild-caught from an environmental standpoint. Care requirements are identical to the standard ocellaris. They command a premium price, which reflects the breeding program costs and the uniqueness of individual pattern variation, not any difference in care demand.

9. Fire Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion melanopus
• Size: 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm)
• Origin: Central and Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Intermediate

The fire clownfish is a rich, deep red-orange with a single white bar behind the head and dark coloration around the fins. Often confused with the tomato clownfish, the fire clownfish has a darker body and slightly different distribution range. It’s moderately aggressive, similar to the tomato. Best kept in a tank with fish of comparable assertiveness. It will host bubble-tip anemones readily in reef setups.

10. Cinnamon Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion melanopus
• Size: 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 cm)
• Origin: Pacific Ocean
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Limited availability
• ASD Tier: Intermediate

The cinnamon clownfish shares significant overlap with the fire clownfish in both appearance and taxonomy. It has a warm reddish-brown body with a single white head bar, black edges on the fins, and an aggressive territorial disposition. Not commonly available but worth seeking out for reefers who want something less frequently seen. Temperament is similar to the tomato and fire clownfish, requiring appropriate tank mates.

11. Sebae Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion sebae
• Size: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)
• Origin: Indian Ocean
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Rarely
• ASD Tier: Intermediate to Advanced

The sebae clownfish is a large, dark-bodied species with two white bars, a yellow tail, and orange highlights around the face. It’s less commonly available than other species and most specimens sold are wild-caught. Wild sebae clownfish have a mixed track record in captivity. They form natural partnerships with Stichodactyla mertensii anemones and can be aggressive in the aquarium. If available as a tank-raised specimen, worth considering for an experienced reefer with a large system. Wild-caught specimens require more careful acclimation and feeding patience.

12. Gold Stripe Maroon Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Premnas biaculeatus
• Size: 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm)
• Origin: Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 L)
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Advanced

The gold stripe maroon is a color variant of the standard maroon clownfish where the white bars are replaced by bright yellow-gold stripes. It’s visually one of the most striking clownfish available. The aggression levels are identical to the standard maroon. This fish will dominate any tank it’s in. In a large system with appropriate tank mates, it’s a spectacular centerpiece fish. Don’t keep it in a community reef unless you’ve planned the stocking carefully around its territorial needs.

13. Skunk Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion akallopisos
• Size: 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• Origin: Eastern Indian Ocean, Western Pacific
• Min Tank Size: 20 gallons (76 L)
• Tank Bred: Available
• ASD Tier: Beginner to Intermediate

The skunk clownfish is one of the most peaceful species in the family, more passive even than the ocellaris. It has a pale orange-peach body with a single dorsal stripe. It’s less commonly available in stores but is hardy and compatible with most peaceful reef tank mates. Well-suited to systems where a more low-key clownfish presence is preferred. It pairs readily with Heteractis magnifica anemones.

14. Orange-Fin Anemonefish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion chrysopterus
• Size: 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm)
• Origin: Pacific Ocean
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Limited
• ASD Tier: Intermediate

One of the larger species in the genus, the orange-fin anemonefish has a dark body with two white bars and distinctive orange-yellow fins. It’s closely related to the clarkii and shares its wide anemone compatibility. Less aggressive than the maroon or tomato, more assertive than the ocellaris. Available periodically from quality marine suppliers.

15. Barrier Reef Clownfish

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion akindynos
• Size: 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 13 cm)
• Origin: Western Pacific (Australia, Coral Sea)
• Min Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 L)
• Tank Bred: Rarely available
• ASD Tier: Intermediate

The Barrier Reef clownfish looks similar to the clarkii but has a slightly different color pattern and distribution range concentrated around Australia’s reef systems. It’s one of the more rarely seen species in the trade. Hardy when obtained from a quality source, it’s a solid choice for experienced hobbyists who want a less common clownfish without the extreme care demands of some rarer species.

Clownfish Comparison Table

Tank Requirements and Care

Most clownfish species are hardy and adapt to a range of water conditions. They work in fish-only (FO), fish-only with live rock (FOWLR), and full reef setups. The minimum tank size for a pair of ocellaris or percula is 10 gallons (38 L), though a 20-gallon (76 L) gives more swimming room and easier water stability. Larger, more aggressive species like the maroon and tomato need 30 gallons (114 L) minimum, with 55 gallons (208 L) preferred.

Water parameters should be kept at: temperature 74 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius), salinity 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity, pH 8.1 to 8.4. Clownfish tolerate mild fluctuations better than most marine fish, which contributes to their reputation as beginner-friendly. That said, consistency is still the goal.

Clownfish establish territory and don’t venture far from the area they claim. A pair will stay near their hosting spot (anemone, coral, powerhead, or other structure) and defend it against fish that get too close. This makes them predictable and easy to observe. Feeding time is one of the most entertaining parts of keeping clownfish. They learn to recognize feeding schedules and will come to the front of the glass in anticipation.

FAQs

Closing Thoughts

Clownfish are one of the best entries into the saltwater hobby and for good reason. The ocellaris and percula are genuinely forgiving fish that will thrive in a well-maintained setup, stay in one spot so you always know where they are, and bring more personality to a 10-gallon (38 L) tank than most fish bring to tanks ten times that size.

Buy tank-raised when you can. Know the aggression level of the species you’re choosing. Don’t stress over the anemone. And if you want something unique, designer clownfish are worth every penny of the premium when you see an exceptional Picasso or Black Ice specimen in person.

For availability and quality sourcing, check Flip Aquatics and Dan’s Fish. Both carry a range of clownfish species and designer variants and will tell you whether a specimen is eating before it ships.

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📘 Want to learn more? This article is part of our complete Saltwater Fish & Reef Guide. Your ultimate resource for marine fish, coral care, reef setup, and more.