Tomato clownfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to the Western Pacific, ranging from southern Japan to Indonesia. Commonly inhabits shallow reefs, usually in symbiosis with Entacmaea quadricolor.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Pomacentridae family. Oval and compressed body. Females are notably larger and bulkier than males, reaching up to 14 cm (5.5 inches).

Social Behavior: Bold and highly territorial, especially when mature. They will actively defend their host anemone or territory against any intruder, including the keeper's hand.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Red-orange body with one white head band outlined in black. Males remain bright red, while adult females often develop dark brown or blackish coloration on their sides.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank volume of 120 liters (30 gallons). Provide plenty of rocky hiding spots. While Entacmaea quadricolor is their natural host, they are perfectly happy hosting in corals.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous and easy to feed. Readily consumes frozen mysis and brine shrimp, high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and algae-based food items.

Water Quality: Requires standard marine conditions: temperature 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Very resilient to minor water fluctuations.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Do not house with other clownfish species. Keep with similarly sized, moderately aggressive tankmates such as tangs, wrasses, and large damselfishes.

Aquarium Reproduction: Spawns readily in home aquaria. Eggs are laid on flat surfaces near the host and guarded intensely by the male. Larvae require rotifers for feeding.

Risks and Diseases: Exceptionally hardy, but quarantining new arrivals is still necessary to prevent diseases like Brooklynella hostilis and marine velvet.