Common name(s): Tomato Clownfish, Red Clownfish, Bridled Clownfish.

Scientific name: Amphiprion frenatus

Family: Pomacentridae

Origin: Warm waters of the Pacific Ocean (Western Pacific)

Maximum size: About 5 inches in the wild, but rarely exceeds 3 inches in captivity. (Females grow larger then males)

Care: The Tomato Clownfish is one of the hardier Clownfish and a good fish for the saltwater beginner. A 30 gallon tank minimum is recommended. The fish's maximum size is approximately 3 inches in a home aquarium. Specific gravity is best around 1.022 and 1.024. Recommended pH levels can be between pH 8 to 8.5 and hardness of dKH 8-12. They do best in temperatures ranging from 72F-78F (22C-26C). Clownfish can get along well with most species of marine fish from tangs to triggers and blennies to butterfly’s. However they should not be housed with other Clownfish as they can become territorial within the aquarium.

Feeding: Like most Clownfish, the Tomato Clownfish is not a fussy eater at all and will accept almost any marine foods.(Flakes, mysis and krill to name a few)

Sexing and Breeding: The gender of Tomato Clownfish is mainly distinguishable by the difference in size from the males and females. What most people breeding them do is buy two together and have one change gender by itself so breeding in an aquarium is possible and in fact done often. When a pair is established and lay eggs, they can become very aggressive towards other fish that come near. Clownfish will usually lay their eggs around an anemone for protection; however an anemone is not needed for breeding to occur. If the tank is not large enough for other clownfish to be around, it is highly recommended they are removed entirely as they can still be aggressive towards other un-paired clowns. The parents of the young fry should also be removed.

Comments: Tomato Clownfish also have a relationship with anemones (like most clownfish) however an anemone is not necessary in the aquarium. Anemones are known to have much higher requirements then clownfish and are not recommended for the beginner marine aquarist. Many will host in other corals that simulate an anemone such as frogspawn, torch or plerogyra corals.

Note: The Tomato Clown can be an aggressive tank mate, so other tank mates should also be of similar nature. Other shy or passive fish maybe hassled.

Mod Note: Tomato clowns are reef-safe and as mentioned above, can exhibit aggressive behavior. Use caution and do not use this type of clown in a nano tank setting.

Photo: A Tomato Clownfish.