Little Shop of Coral
Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
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The Clarkii Clownfish is one of the hardiest and most personality-packed clownfish you can keep. It is a classic, bold species that adapts well to aquarium life, eats like a champ, and often becomes the boss of its corner of the tank. Great choice if you want a more rugged, active clown than the typical ocellaris.
Why we love it
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Very hardy and adaptable, great long-term clownfish
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Big personality and strong presence in the tank
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Often hosts readily (hosting is never guaranteed, but this species is well known for it)
Suggested parameters
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Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
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Salinity: 1.024–1.026 SG
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Alkalinity: 8–10 dKH
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0
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Nitrate: Under 20 ppm (stable is best)
Care and temperament
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Difficulty: Easy
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive (more territorial as it grows, especially as a pair)
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Reef safe: Yes
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Minimum tank size: 30 gallons recommended (40+ gallons is better for a pair or larger individuals)
Diet
Clarkii clowns are eager eaters and do best with variety.
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Quality marine pellets and flakes
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Frozen mysis and brine shrimp
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Chopped seafood blends
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Feed small amounts 1 to 2 times per day
Compatibility and tankmates
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Great with most reef safe fish, but can bully timid tankmates in smaller tanks
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Best kept as a single fish or a bonded pair
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Avoid mixing with other clownfish species in smaller systems
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Provide a defined “home” area with rockwork to reduce roaming and aggression
Hosting and anemones
Clarkii clowns do not need an anemone to thrive. If you choose to keep an anemone, ensure your tank is mature and stable first. Many Clarkii clowns will also host in LPS or soft corals, but hosting can irritate corals in some cases.
What you are buying
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You will receive: 1 Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
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Size: Standard or XL (when available)
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Colour, pattern, and size can vary between individuals
As with all fish, slow acclimation is recommended, and quarantine is encouraged when possible.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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