Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Clark's Clownfish
Amphiprion clarkii
Also called Clark's anemonefish, Clarkii clownfish, Yellowtail clownfish
From Indo-West Pacific, the widest range of any anemonefish: from the Persian Gulf to Western Australia, the Indo-Australian Archipelago, Melanesia and Micronesia, north to Taiwan and southern Japan123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Personality what they are like
Generally easygoing with suitable tank mates but territorial towards other clownfish once fully grown. Within a group there is a clear pecking order, with the biggest fish as the female.432
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Keeps to its own territory around its home anemone or rockwork.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A fully marine fish rated easy to care for. Suggested aquarium water: about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, carbonate hardness 8 to 12 dKH and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Benefits from a host anemone but is flexible about which one.43
Home where they are happiest
A saltwater aquarium of at least about 114 L (30 US gallons). In the wild it lives in lagoons and on outer reef slopes from about 1 m down to 60 to 70 m.412
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore that readily eats meaty foods and plant-based preparations; some algae should be part of its diet.431
Company who they like around
Kept singly or as a pair; pairs are monogamous, and in the wild only one male and one female in a group breed.214
The story where it all began
Bennett described the species in 1830, naming it after the Scottish engraver John Heaviside Clark. It has the largest range of any anemonefish and has long been bred in captivity, making it a regular in the marine aquarium hobby.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It can live with all ten sea anemone species that host clownfish, making it the least picky clownfish of all.2
- 2
It shows the greatest colour variety of any anemonefish.2
- 3
Pairs can lay nests of more than 1,000 eggs up to three times a month.3
- 4
A rare mutation called 'Pearl Eyes' gives some fish a pale blue crescent in the eye.3
- 5
It has been recorded as deep as 70 m, unusually deep for a clownfish.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2021)1
- Edward Turner Bennett
- Species described by Bennett in 18301
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Clark's Clownfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Clark's Clownfish?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day, every day. This omnivore enjoys both meaty foods and plant-based preparations, with some algae as part of its diet. Adjust portions based on your fish's appetite and always check with your vet for specific needs.431 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Clark's Clownfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats a mix of meaty foods, plant-based preparations, and some algae. What it should never eat isn't specified in our sources, so ask your exotic-pet vet for a list of foods to avoid. Stick to a balanced diet and avoid anything not meant for marine fish.431
How much space does a Clark's Clownfish need?
A saltwater aquarium of at least 114 liters (30 US gallons) is recommended. In the wild it lives in lagoons and on reef slopes, so plenty of rockwork and a territory around its home anemone or rockwork will keep it happy.421
What temperature, light or water does a Clark's Clownfish need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 26°C (72, 78°F), pH 8.1, 8.4, carbonate hardness 8, 12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.020, 1.025. Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily, salinity weekly, and topping up evaporation with fresh RO water. A host anemone is beneficial but not required.43 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Clark's Clownfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan includes a weekly glass clean, a weekly water test, and a 10, 20% water change every two weeks. Regular maintenance keeps water quality stable and your clownfish healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Clark's Clownfish live with others?
Yes, it's generally easygoing with suitable tank mates, but it can be territorial toward other clownfish once fully grown. It's best kept singly or as a monogamous pair, with a clear pecking order in a group.4321
How long does a Clark's Clownfish live?
With good care, a Clark's Clownfish can live 10 to 11 years. Providing a stable environment and proper diet helps it reach its full lifespan.21
Can I handle a Clark's Clownfish?
Handling is not recommended for this fish; it keeps to its territory and can be stressed by being touched. If you need to move it, ask your exotic-pet vet for safe methods.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Amphiprion clarkii, Yellowtail clownfish fishbase.seused for range, max size, depth, IUCN status, describer, longevity, diet
- Wikipedia: Clark's anemonefish en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colour variation, size by sex, hierarchy, habitat depth, host anemones, lifespan, history, fun facts
- ORA: Clarkii Clownfish orafarm.comused for range, colour forms, diet, temperament, spawning, Pearl Eyes
- LiveAquaria: Clarkii Clownfish quick stats liveaquaria.comused for care level, temperament, size, tank size, water parameters, diet
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.