Clarkii anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Clark's anemonefish, Yellowtail clownfish, Black clownfish
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes and clownfishes)
Origin
Tropical Indian Ocean to the western Pacific; reefs at 1–60 m wherever host anemones occur.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
15 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
115 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes
Lifespan
About 10–11 years

Care

Tank: a reef aquarium with rockwork and open water. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 115 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources), for a pair. A host anemone is not essential in the aquarium; many captive-bred fish never use one, and anemones need a mature, well-lit system of their own. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep conditions stable with good filtration and regular water changes. Behaviour: groups follow a strict dominance order, with the largest and most aggressive fish being the female. It defends its host vigorously against other fish. One of the more adaptable clownfish, it can use many kinds of host anemone. Identification: black to dark brown body with bright yellow fins and two broad white bars; colour is very variable across its range. Males reach about 10 cm and females about 15 cm. Trade: clownfish are not CITES-listed. Captive-bred fish are widely available and are the better choice where possible. The article cites IUCN assessments without giving the category. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiprionclarkii). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous. In the wild it also takes scraps from its host anemone. In aquaria offer a varied mix of frozen mysis and brine shrimp, chopped seafood, flake and pellets, plus some algae-based food.

Breeding

Only the dominant pair breeds, laying eggs on a hard surface for external fertilisation. Fish start as males, and the largest becomes female. A study in the Philippines found breeding peaked from November to May, with egg production rising towards the new moon. The article gives a general anemonefish lifespan of about 10–11 years under stable conditions.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. Keep as a single pair and do not mix with other clownfish. Compatible with most community fish but will chase anything that approaches its anemone or nest.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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