Clownfish or Anemone Fish
The popularity of clownfish has soared in recent years because of the Finding Nemo movie. Due to the appeal of this cinema animation children and their parents have looked at getting an aquarium so they can buy a clownfish for themselves.
Long time marine enthusiasts also know this fish but not from the world of entertainment. Clownfish are quite unusual to watch because they can swim amongst the tentacles of stinging anemones while other species would be turned away by the pain. This offers the fish a safe haven from predators unwilling to tangle with the anemone tentacles.
Varieties of Clownfish
Atleast 28 different clown anemonefish species are known to exist. The most widely recognized is the amphiprion ocelaris due to Nemo's influence. These are orange in color with trio of vertical white bands. Thin black margins separate and define the orange and white patches. It is these three colors plus yellow and red that make up the colors found on most clownfish.
All members of the group grow to less than 4 inches or 10cm. As small fish they are all suitable in size for a marine aquarium loaded with delicate corals. All clownish varieties are immune to the anemone poison which gives them the ability to swim in them.
Breeding Clownfishes
Clownfish are one of the few decorative marine fish which are bred in the aquarium. This is good pet owners because the domestic fish are more acclimatized to like in a fish tank. Nemo and his friends in the ocean will also be pleased this means fewer clownfish are harvested for sale.
The pair will lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs on a flat surface near an anemone. After about a week the spawn will hatch. This usually occurs during the dark hours so check for the fry each morning.
Clownfish Behaviours
This type of fish lives in small groups where one male becomes dominant and pairs with the female. Other colony members are able to change sex from male to female if the position becomes vacant.
As mentioned the life of these fish is closely linked with anemones. This animal should also be included in their tank to give them a sense of safety. So close is the clownfish's bond with the anemone that they will rarely move very far from it's protection. They eat indigestible foods that the anemone has accumulated and turn it into waste the invertebrate can gain nutrition from.
Live Clownfish For Sale
The clownfish
ranges in price from $10 upward depending on the variety and size.
Always try to buy clownfish in groups so that a small colony can be
established. This will be more natural for the fish an interesting for
the viewer. Many clownfish for sale will be common varieties while rarer types are seen less often.Below are clownfish for sale from eBay listings.