Tomato Clownfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Easy   • Temperament: Semi-Aggressive   • Maximum Size: 5"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F; dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Pomacentridae   • Species: Clownfish   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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Tomato Clownfish have a wide distribution that extends throughout the Indo-Pacific region. They prefer to host almost exclusively in Bubbletip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), but can be found hosting in Heteractis crispa and on occasion using a coral as a host. Within the aquarium hobby, the Tomato Clownfish is sometimes also referred to as the Red Clownfish, Fire Clownfish or Red Fire Clownfish. Tomato Clownfish are an excellent choice for beginning marine aquarium hobbyists as they are very hardy and tolerant of the types of mistakes beginning hobbyists make in regards to water quality. They also do well in fish-only aquariums that house other semi-aggressive fish species like some Triggers and Angelfish, as the Tomato Clownfish can hold their own against larger species.

Tomato Clownfish are fairly aggressive (especially towards other Clownfish) and will vigorously protect their territory, which is typically their host anemone or rocky cave if no host is available. Due to their somewhat aggressive nature, Tomato Clownfish are not recommended for smaller nano aquariums or reef aquariums that house more delicate species.

The Tomato Clownfish is well suited for beginners through expert marine aquarium hobbyists as they do well in a variety of fish-only, FOWLR and larger reef aquariums. It is recommended that they be kept in at least a 30 gallon aquarium, as they are a bit too aggressive for a smaller aquarium and will likely claim the entire aquarium for themselves. However, when kept in a 30 gallon or larger, especially if given an anemone to host in, they can coexist with a wide variety of fish and invertebrate species.

In smaller to medium sized aquariums (30 to 90 gallons) Tomato Clownfish should be kept as the only Clownfish either singularly or a mated pair. In larger aquariums of 125 gallons or more, they can be kept with other Clownfish species if the tank is aqua-scaped to provide enough territory and if multiple host anemones are present.

Tomato Clownfish are very aggressive feeders that will readily consume a wide variety of both meaty and vegetable foodstuffs. It is not uncommon for Tomato Clownfish to make it difficult for other more timid fish to feed as they will vigorously go after food during feedings. They should be fed a mix of meaty, vegetable and algae based commercial foods in order to provide them a balanced diet that provides them a range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. All quality commercial foods including: flake, frozen, freeze-dried and live foods will be readily accepted.