Tomato Clownfish

Amphiprion frenatus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Pomacentridae

📍 Western Pacific, Philippines to Japan

Bold, tomato-red with a single white cheek stripe. Hardy and beginner-friendly, closely related to the Ocellaris. Pairs readily with bubble-tip anemones in captivity.

Size5"

Min Tank30g

School2+

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Tomato clownfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods. Feed once daily in small portions that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes. They will also graze on algae and detritus, and benefit from occasional vegetable matter like nori sheets.

Behavior

Bold and territorial, tomato clownfish are highly active swimmers that spend much of their time in the mid-water column and around their host anemone. They are semi-aggressive, especially toward other clownfish and similar-sized fish, though they are generally peaceful toward larger species. Pairs bond strongly and will defend their territory vigorously, making them entertaining to observe.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable with proper conditions. A mated pair will lay eggs on a flat surface near their anemone, and the male guards the clutch until they hatch in 8-9 days. Raising the planktonic larvae is extremely challenging and requires specialized equipment and live food cultures, making successful breeding rare in home aquariums.

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Both are clownfish and may compete for territory; only compatible if tank is large (50+ gallons) and they're introduced together as juveniles

caution

Neon Goby

Small, peaceful goby that occupies different water zones and provides cleaning services without competing for resources

good

Firefish Goby

Fast-moving, non-aggressive goby that stays near the substrate and doesn't compete with clownfish for food or space

good

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial symbiotic relationship; shrimp clean parasites and dead skin while clownfish tolerate their presence

excellent

Peppermint Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different ecological niche and helps control nuisance organisms

good

Nerite Snail

Algae-eating snail that poses no threat to clownfish and helps maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28-29°C, increase aeration, use copper-based or formalin treatments; quarantine affected fish if possible

Marine Velvet (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on skin, rapid breathing, clamped fins, loss of appetite

Treatment

Increase temperature to 28-29°C, use copper treatments or formalin; ensure excellent water quality and aeration

Bacterial Infections

Symptoms

Fin rot, open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, color loss

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes, improve water quality, use antibiotic medications (e.g., kanamycin) if severe; quarantine if possible

Anemone Bleaching

Symptoms

Host anemone loses color and becomes pale or white, may retract and stop feeding

Treatment

Ensure stable water parameters (pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025), adequate lighting, proper feeding; reduce stress and check for water quality issues