Sunday, August 22, 2010

Finding Nemo


Clownfish, or anemonefish, are of the subfamily Amphiprioninae of the family Pomacentridae. They average 2 to 3 inches in length. Most are brightly colored orange fish with white stripes on the head or side of the body. Clownfish are very popular among marine aquarium keepers, and many were sold as a result of the movie Finding Nemo. This group of fish is extremely hardy, and is well suited to life in the average marine aquarium. They do not need an anemone to live in an aquarium.
It is a long-lived clownfish that is excellent for the beginner hobbyist. It does best in the presence of anemones such as Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea. Like the related damselfish, it is well-suited for all but the most predatory tanks.


Although there are no external characteristics to differentiate male and female, all clownfish are sexually immature when hatched. Meaning that the fry do not have a pre-determined sex, and develop into males and females depending on the hierarchy of the school. A pair will lay eggs along the base of the host anemone, using it to protect the eggs. The eggs normally appear orange in color. Without proper preparation, rearing in the average aquarium is nearly impossible.
This clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will take most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.

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