Clownfish - Scientific Name, Size Species and Facts (2024)

Clownfish, often called Nemo, like in the movie “Finding Nemo,” are vibrant fish residing in warm oceans. They are scientifically known as Amphiprioninae. They enjoy the company of sea anemones, creating a mutual partnership.

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Clownfish display the unique ability to change genders and exhibit excellent parental care. With their beautiful colours, these fish contribute to the enchanting beauty of coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Clownfish Scientific Name

The clownfish belongs to the family Pomacentridae. Its scientific name is Amphiprioninae. These small, colourful marine fish are found in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, often residing in coral reefs. Clownfish have a special relationship with sea anemones, forming a mutually beneficial partnership. They are social creatures, living in small groups with a dominant breeding pair. Their ability to change genders, parental care, and captivating behaviours make them popular and intriguing inhabitants of the ocean’s diverse ecosystems.

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Clownfish Size

On average, they’re about 2 to 5 inches long. Some, like the Pygmy Clownfish, are tiny, only around 1.2 inches. Others, like the Tomato Clownfish, can grow up to 5.5 inches. Their small size helps them move easily among the tentacles of sea anemones, which they love to call home. These anemones protect them; in return, clownfish help keep them clean. This unique relationship is vital for the health of coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, where these fascinating fish live.

Clownfish Species

Clownfish are amazing fish with many different types, each having special features. You might know them from “Finding Nemo” because they are so colourful and live in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

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• Common Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris): These are the ones with bright orange and white stripes. They like to be friends with sea anemones.
• True Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula): They look a lot like the common clownfish but have darker stripes. They also hang out with sea anemones.
• Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus): These are bigger and can be red or orange. They can be a bit bossy and like to have their own space.
• Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus): These are a deep maroon colour and can be a bit feisty. They also like to live with different sea anemones.
• Clark’s Anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii): These come in different colors like yellow and brown. They can be friends with various sea anemones.
• Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus): Look for the saddle shape on their backs. They come in cool colours like orange, black, and yellow.
• Pink Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion perideraion): These are pretty with a pink or peach-coloured body and a white stripe on their head.

Each type of clownfish has its special look and personality. They make coral reefs a lively and colourful place. Clownfish are friends with sea anemones, and they help each other out together. This teamwork is a great example of how sea life works together to create a beautiful underwater world.

Clownfish family

Clownfish are like a big underwater family living in coral reefs. This family, part of the Pomacentridae group, has different members with cool colours and behaviours. There’s a mom and dad, and the mom is usually the biggest. The second-largest fish becomes the dad. Amazingly, if something happens to the mom, the dad can become a mom, and another fish becomes the dad. It’s like they take turns!

These families love hanging out with sea anemones, which are like their homes. The anemones have stinging tentacles, but clownfish are immune to them. In return for protection, the clownfish bring food to their anemone homes and keep them clean. It’s like a helpful teamwork.

These underwater families make coral reefs lively and colourful. Their special bonds show how sea life works together to create a beautiful and balanced home. The love between clownfish and their anemone homes is a fantastic example of how different creatures in the big underwater family can help each other.

Clownfish price in India

In India, the cost of buying a clownfish can vary. Usually, it depends on the type of clownfish, its size, and where you get it from. On average, you might need to spend between 500 to 1,500 Indian Rupees for one clownfish. Sometimes, rare or specially bred clownfish can be more expensive. The price might also differ if you buy it from a local pet store or online. Buying your clownfish from a trustworthy place is important to ensure it’s healthy and well taken care of.

3 facts about clownfish

Clownfishes are Best Friends with Anemones: Clownfish are special because they have sea anemone friends. Anemones have stinging arms, but clownfish don’t get hurt by them. In return for protection, clownfish bring food to the anemones and keep them tidy.

Clownfishes can change genders: Clownfish can do something cool – they can change from a boy to a girl! If the main girl in their group disappears, the boy can become a new girl, and another fish becomes the new boy. It’s like they take turns being moms and dads.

They are Awesome Parents: Clownfish are super parents. When they have babies, the dad takes care of the eggs until they hatch. After hatching, the dad protects the baby fish until they can swim independently. It’s like a big family helping each other out.

FAQs Of Clownfish