Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Tomato Clownfish

Amphiprion frenatus

Also called Tomato anemonefish, Bridled anemonefish, Bridled clownfish, Red clownfish, Red tomato clown

SpeciesShort profile

From Western Pacific: from the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea through the Philippines and Indonesia north to southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands, and east to Palau1 2 3

At a glance the quick version

Length9 to 14 cm1 4 3

Sizesmall

Vivid cherry-red colour

Hardy, easy-care fish

Breeds readily in aquariums

3 4 1

Looks how to spot one

Coloursbright orange-red with one white head barfemales with darker blackish sidesjuveniles darker red with two or three white bars2 3

Personality what they are like

A bold, territorial fish once it matures, quick to defend its home and not keen on other clownfish. Some adults are even known to nip at the hand that tends the tank.2 3 4

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends its day around a host anemone or chosen coral, staying in a defined home area.2 4

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. It does well without an anemone and may adopt a coral instead.4 2

Home where they are happiest

A saltwater aquarium of at least about 114 L (30 US gallons). In the wild it lives on lagoon reefs and in bays at about 1 to 12 m, mainly with the bubble-tip anemone.4 1 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that takes most meaty and plant-based foods, such as dried algae, mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.2 4 1

Company who they like around

Best kept alone or as a mated pair. Pairs are monogamous.2 1

The story where it all began

Brevoort described the tomato clownfish in 1856. It is a long-standing favourite in the marine aquarium hobby and has been bred in captivity for years, with farms such as ORA supplying captive-raised fish.1 3

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Pairs can spawn every 10 to 14 days, laying around 400 eggs that hatch after 7 to 8 days.3
2
Males turn into females at around 6.6 cm in length.1
3
Juveniles have a white mid-body stripe that disappears as they grow up.3
4
Tomato clownfish larvae drift for only about 9 days before settling down as young fish.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2010)1
James Carson Brevoort: Species described by Brevoort in 18561

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Tomato 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 Tomato Clownfish?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts once or twice a day. This keeps your fish healthy and happy without overfeeding. Adjust based on how much it eats in a few minutes. Pet Wiki plan

What does a Tomato Clownfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It is an omnivore that enjoys meaty foods like mysis and brine shrimp, as well as plant-based options like dried algae. What it should never eat varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for a safe list.2 4 1

How much space does a Tomato Clownfish need?

A saltwater aquarium of at least 114 liters (30 US gallons) is recommended. This gives your clownfish room to swim and establish its territory.2 4 1

What temperature, light or water does a Tomato Clownfish need?

Keep the water at 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), with a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, carbonate hardness 8 to 12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Light needs vary by setup, so ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance.2 4

How often should I clean a Tomato Clownfish's home?

Furry Diary suggests cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water, not salt water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Tomato Clownfish live with others?

It is best kept alone or as a mated pair, as it becomes territorial with age. Pairs are monogamous and can share a tank peacefully.2 1

How long does a Tomato Clownfish live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a reliable estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the specific lineage.

Can I handle a Tomato Clownfish?

Handling is not recommended because it is a bold, territorial fish that may nip at your hand. It is best admired in its tank without direct contact.2 3 4

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.

Cinnamon Clownfish

Maroon Clownfish

Clark's Clownfish

Ocellaris Clownfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

FishBase: Amphiprion frenatus, Tomato clownfish fishbase.seused for range, max size, depth, host anemone, IUCN status, describer, sex change size
Wikipedia: Tomato clownfish en.wikipedia.orgused for names, appearance, temperament, habitat, diet, aquarium notes
ORA: Tomato Clownfish orafarm.comused for colour, range, female size, temperament, spawning and larval facts, juvenile stripe
LiveAquaria: Tomato 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.