© Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0Clark's Anemonefish
Clark's anemonefish is a hardy, easy-to-keep clownfish with a blackish-brown body marked by two or three white bars and a tail that shades from white to yellow. It is the species that carries the standard Japanese name kumanomi, and it also occurs in waters around Japan. Unlike some clownfish, it isn't picky about which host anemone it partners with, so it does well whether kept alone or paired with one. Bold and quick to take food, it becomes feisty as it grows and may chase tankmates other than its partner. Thanks to its relative tolerance for changing conditions, it's widely considered one of the best marine fish for beginners starting the saltwater hobby.
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Apply as a breederClark's Anemonefish key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- Up to 11 years (max reported age, FishBase)
- Size
- Up to 15cm SL
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Pellets, flakes, frozen food (omnivore)
- Notes
- Becomes assertive with age and chases other clownfish and passive fish. Coloration varies widely by region within the species.
- Container & Tank
- 114 L (30 gallons) or larger with live rock for shelter. A host anemone is optional.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 22-26°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Relatively tolerant of water quality swings.
- Diet & Feeding
- Omnivore. Combine pellets or flakes with frozen and algae-based foods once or twice daily.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- One pair per tank. Avoid mixing with other clownfish. Safe with corals and invertebrates.
About Clark's Anemonefish
Clark's anemonefish is a hardy clownfish with 2-3 white bars, not picky about host anemones, and a great choice for beginners. Learn about its traits, temperament, and what to know before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Clark's Anemonefish
1Color Pattern & ID
Clark's anemonefish has a blackish-brown body with two or three white vertical bars, and its tail fin shades from white to yellow. Since patterns vary a bit between individuals, it's worth checking photos closely before you buy.
2Tank Size Guidelines
Adults can grow to about 15 cm in length, so a tank of 114 L (30 gallons) or larger gives it room to live comfortably. It's also relatively tolerant of changes in water quality, making it manageable for beginners as long as you avoid sudden swings.
3Does It Need an Anemone?
This species is known for being unfussy about its host anemone, so it can settle happily among live rock crevices or other hiding spots even without one. If you do want to pair it with an anemone, choosing a larger, hardy species tends to make for a more stable partnership.
4Temperament & Tankmates
Clark's anemonefish is somewhat feisty, and as it grows it may chase clownfish other than its partner as well as mild-mannered fish. One pair per tank is the basic rule, and mixing with other clownfish should be avoided. If you keep it with other fish, use a spacious tank and provide multiple hiding spots to help it settle.
5Feeding
It's a hardy eater that readily accepts a wide range of foods, from pellets and flakes to frozen foods, which is part of what makes it easy to keep. Feed once or twice a day, offering only what it can finish within a few minutes to avoid leftover food fouling the water.
6Growth & Lifespan
Adults reach a maximum length of around 15 cm, and the maximum reported age is 11 years. Since this is a long-term companion, it's worth planning your tank size and care routine with its adult size and lifespan in mind.
7A Fish That Changes Sex
Clownfish, including Clark's anemonefish, are born male, and the larger individual of a pair becomes the female. A male-female pair spawns, the eggs attach to a surface, and the male guards them and fans fresh water over them. Because keeping several together invites fighting, one pair per tank is the basic rule, and multiple fish should be kept only in a large tank.
Frequently asked questions about Clark's Anemonefish
- Q.Is Clark's anemonefish suitable for beginners?
- A.Yes, it's a hardy species that tolerates changing conditions well, making it one of the more beginner-friendly marine fish. Since it isn't picky about host anemones, it's also easy to start with as a single fish.
- Q.Does it absolutely need an anemone to live with?
- A.No, it doesn't. This species isn't picky about its host anemone, so it can live comfortably without one, using live rock crevices or other hiding spots instead.
- Q.Can it be kept with other fish?
- A.It is somewhat feisty, and as it grows it may chase clownfish other than its partner as well as mild-mannered fish. One pair per tank is the basic rule, and mixing with other clownfish should be avoided. If you keep it with other fish, use a spacious tank and provide extra hiding spots.
- Q.How big does it get, and how long does it live?
- A.Adults grow to a maximum of about 15 cm in length, and the maximum reported age is 11 years. It's worth planning your tank size with its adult size and long lifespan in mind.
- Q.Is Clark's anemonefish subject to CITES?
- A.No, Clark's anemonefish is not subject to CITES. There's no need for any special concern regarding CITES with this species.
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