Tomato Clownfish
Overview
The Tomato Clownfish is a vibrant, hardy marine species known for its bright red-orange coloration with a single white vertical bar behind the eye. Juveniles may have a second white bar that disappears with age. They are popular in reef aquariums due to their beauty and relatively easy care but have a moderately aggressive and territorial personality. They generally associate with Bubble Tip Anemones in the wild but can thrive without anemones in captivity.
Origin: Western Pacific, including Australia, Indonesia, South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Palau, Java, and Japan
Family: Pomacentridae
Physical Characteristics
Habitat Requirements
Care and Feeding
Omnivorous; accepts variety of foods including flakes, pellets, frozen Mysis shrimp, frozen brine shrimp, and live/fresh seafood. A balanced diet helps retain vibrant coloration and health. *Feeds on algae and small crustaceans.
Breeding
Breeding Difficulty: Easy
Breeding is manageable in captivity with proper tank setup. They form monogamous pairs, where the dominant female defends the territory and both parents care for eggs. Eggs are usually laid on flat surfaces near anemones or rock crevices. Parental care includes guarding and fanning eggs until they hatch.
Compatibility
Semi Aggressive
Generally peaceful with most species except other clownfish or very timid/small fish which may be stressed by territorial behavior. Compatible with tangs, wrasses, dwarf angelfish, larger gobies, blennies, cleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, snails, and urchins. Care needed keeping with highly aggressive or large predatory fish.