About the Sustainable Aquatics Black Clarkii Clownfish – Captive-Bred
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-agressive
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: 6 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Clarkii’s have a very large range, one of the largest of the clownfish, that spans the West Pacific, the Persian Gulf to Western Australia, from Australia up through the entire islands up to Thailand, in the western Pacific in all the islands of the Solomon chain and surrounding habitat to the west, south, east, and north to Taiwan, and southern Japan. They can grow up to up to 6 inches. Clarkii’s are territorial, aggressive within their territory, and have been known to draw blood from curious divers looking closely at eggs!
SA utilizes multiple broodstock pairs to ensure genetic diversity of the fish being offered for sale. Care of the Black Clarkii clownfish is identical to the common clownfish. Although all sizes are available, the Black Clarkii clownfish typically ships at a size of around 1.5”;
These fish will accept most fish foods and are perfect for reef tanks. More than one can be kept in the same aquarium and they prefer to be kept in groups.
Clownfish have a very distinct swimming motion that is different from most fish. This is likely passed on through their genetic makeup from centuries of wiggling within the tentacles of Anemones. As the Clownfish wiggles within the stinging tentacles the Anemone’s mucus is likely smeared over the Clownfish’s body, which then protects it from additional stings.
In the wild they live in small groups with one large dominant female, one smaller sexually active male, and a handful of smaller males and juveniles. When the female is lost the largest male will then change sex and become the dominant female with the other Clowns moving up the ladder behind it.
Since 2003 the Tennessee Sustainable Aquatics (SA) Hatchery breeds dozens of species from resident broodstock and every month provides thousands of colorful healthy fish.