Keeping Ocellaris Clownfish

Описание: Clownfish Care Guide: Hosting, Harem Keeping, and Breeding Secrets | Mile High Reefers
Host: Scott Anderson Featured Fish: "Nemo" (12-year-old Ocellaris) and the 5-fish harem System: 210-Gallon Reef

Clownfish are the quintessential "first fish" for saltwater hobbyists, but there is so much more to them than just finding Nemo. In this comprehensive guide, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned over the last 12 years of keeping clownfish—from my original tank-raised pair in 2006 to my current "harem" of five Ocellaris clownfish living together in a 210-gallon reef.

We dive into the strange world of clownfish gender changes, the reality of anemone hosting (and why they sometimes prefer a giant clam!), and how to manage multiple pairs in one tank without aggression. Whether you are a beginner looking for your first pair or an experienced reefer interested in breeding and "fancy" variants, this video covers the essentials of longevity, diet, and behavior.

⏱️ Key Topics & Timestamps
0:40 – The 2006 Start: Why I chose tank-raised over wild-caught clownfish.

1:24 – Longevity: Meet Nemo, my 12-year-old female (they can live 20+ years!).

2:12 – Hosting Reality Check: Why your clowns might ignore your Rose Bubble Tip Anemone.

3:50 – The Host Switch: From Anemones to Euphyllia, powerheads, and giant clams.

4:30 – Keeping a Harem: How I successfully keep 5 clownfish together.

5:15 – The Clam Host: Why my clowns lay eggs on a Tridacna clam instead of a rock.

7:10 – The Science of Gender: How males become females (and why the movie got it wrong).

8:15 – Breeding & Eggs: Watching the development of eggs in the home reef.

9:19 – Tank Size: From 5-gallon nano starts to 180-gallon forever homes.

10:45 – Diet & Nutrition: The best foods for growth and vibrant color.

11:34 – The Dark Side: Why clownfish bite hands and kill starfish.

📋 Clownfish Quick Stats:
Minimum Tank Size: 20 Gallons for a pair (5 gallons for juveniles).

Diet: Omnivorous (Pellets, Mysis, and LRS Frozen).

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-aggressive (Territorial during egg-laying).

Life Expectancy: 15–25 years in captivity.

Common Diseases: Brooklynella, Ich, and Marine Velvet (Quarantine is key!).

💡 Scott’s Top 3 Tips for Clownfish Success:
Plan for the Long Haul: These aren't "disposable" fish. A clownfish can stay with you longer than a family dog. Ensure you have a tank that can accommodate a 4-inch adult female.

Don't Force the Host: You can't make a clownfish like an anemone. They may choose a corner of the tank, a powerhead, or a coral. If they host a coral (like Torch or Frogspawn), watch for tissue damage from the "snuggling."

Gender Dynamics: Always buy a pair where one is significantly larger than the other. This allows them to establish a female/male hierarchy quickly with minimal fighting.

Do your clownfish host an anemone, or have they chosen something weird like a magnetic glass cleaner? Tell me about your clowns' favorite "house" in the comments!

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#Clownfish #ReefTank #MileHighReefers #Ocellaris #AquariumCare #MarineBiology #AnemoneHost #FishBreeding #SaltwaterAquarium #Nemo