What Fish Can Go With Clownfish – A Complete Compatibility Guide
Let’s be honest—there’s a reason you see clownfish in almost every saltwater aquarium. With their vibrant orange and white stripes and their charming, wobbly swimming style, they’re the undisputed superstars of the reef tank. But after you’ve brought home your own “Nemo,” the big question quickly becomes: who can move into the neighborhood without causing trouble?
You’ve probably heard the horror stories. A beautiful new fish added to the tank, only to be bullied relentlessly by a territorial clownfish. Or worse, the new addition turns out to be a predator. It’s enough to make any aquarist nervous. But don’t worry, I’m here to promise you that creating a bustling, peaceful, and fascinating community tank around your clownfish is not only possible, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the hobby.
This comprehensive what fish can go with clownfish guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll explore the best (and worst) tank mates, dive into the secrets of clownfish temperament, and give you a step-by-step plan for introducing new friends successfully. Let’s build your dream aquarium, together.
Understanding Clownfish Temperament: The Key to Harmony
Before we even look at other fish, we need to understand the star of the show. The first thing to know is that not all clownfish are created equal. They might look cute, but they are a type of Damselfish, a family known for its feisty and territorial nature.
Their aggression level often depends on the species. The common Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) and its close cousin, the Percula Clownfish, are generally the most peaceful. They are perfect for beginners and community tanks. On the other end of the spectrum, you have the Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus), which is famously aggressive and will defend its territory with incredible ferocity. Always know what species you have!
Even a peaceful Ocellaris will become more territorial once it has paired up and established a home base, whether that’s an anemone, a soft coral, or even just a favorite corner of your rockwork. Understanding this semi-aggressive nature is the first step in avoiding common problems with what fish can go with clownfish.
The Golden Rules: Your Checklist for Clownfish Tank Mates
Picking tank mates isn’t about just throwing pretty fish together. It’s about building a balanced ecosystem. I always follow a few golden rules when stocking a tank with clownfish. Following these what fish can go with clownfish best practices will save you a world of headaches.
Rule #1: Consider Temperament and Size
You want fish that can hold their own but won’t start fights. Look for other peaceful or semi-aggressive fish that occupy different areas of the tank. Avoid hyper-aggressive species and fish so timid they’ll be outcompeted for food. Critically, avoid anything large enough to view your clownfish as a snack.
Rule #2: Match Your Tank’s Size
A bigger tank is always better. More space means more territories, which drastically reduces conflict. A 30-gallon tank is a good minimum for a pair of Ocellaris clowns and a few small, peaceful tank mates. If you want more fish or slightly more assertive species, you’ll need 55 gallons or more.
Rule #3: Add Clownfish Last (or With Other Peaceful Fish)
This is a pro-tip that makes a huge difference. If you add clownfish to an empty tank first, they will claim the entire aquarium as their territory. By adding them last, or at the same time as other peaceful fish, they are less likely to become bullies and will have to establish a smaller, more reasonable territory.
Rule #4: Think About Diet and Flow
Your tank mates should thrive in the same conditions as your clowns. This means they should eat a similar diet (most common reef foods are fine) and be comfortable with the same level of water flow. You don’t want to pair a clownfish with a delicate species that requires very low flow and specialized food.
Our Top 10 Best Tank Mates for Your Clownfish
Ready for the fun part? Here is a list of fantastic fish and invertebrates that are proven to get along well with common clownfish species like the Ocellaris and Percula. This is your go-to what fish can go with clownfish list!
- Pajama and Banggai Cardinalfish: These fish are incredibly peaceful, slow-moving, and visually stunning. They hover in the mid-water and are too gentle to ever bother a clownfish. Don’t worry—these fish are perfect for beginners!
- Dartfish (Firefish, Scissortail): Graceful and shy, dartfish add a splash of color and movement to the upper levels of your tank. They are quick to retreat to the rockwork if spooked, making them excellent at avoiding any potential conflict.
- Gobies (Watchman, Clown Goby, Diamond Goby): As bottom-dwellers, gobies almost never interact with clownfish. They are fantastic for sifting sand and keeping it clean, and many, like the Yellow Watchman Goby, can form a fascinating symbiotic relationship with a Pistol Shrimp.
- Blennies (Tailspot, Midas, Bicolor): Blennies are beloved for their quirky personalities and comical behavior. They spend their time perching on rocks and grazing for algae, occupying a completely different niche than your clowns.
- Royal Gramma: A classic for a reason! The Royal Gramma is brilliantly colored, peaceful, and generally keeps to itself within the caves and overhangs of your aquascape. They are a fantastic, low-maintenance choice.
- Peaceful Wrasses (Six Line, Melanurus, Fairy Wrasses): Wrasses are active, intelligent, and great at pest control. Choose a peaceful species, add it to a mature tank with plenty of rockwork, and it will coexist beautifully. Note: a tight-fitting lid is a must, as they are expert jumpers!
- Damsels (Yellowtail, Blue, Azure): This comes with a small warning. While many damsels are compatible, they share that same feisty Damselfish DNA as clowns. Choose the less aggressive species like the Yellowtail Blue Damselfish and ensure your tank is large enough to give everyone space.
- Cleaner Shrimp & Other Invertebrates: Don’t forget the cleanup crew! Peppermint Shrimp, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, and Blood Red Fire Shrimp are fantastic additions. Snails and small hermit crabs are also completely safe and beneficial. Your clowns will likely ignore them entirely.
- Other Clownfish (with great caution): This is an advanced topic. You can never mix different species of clownfish (like a Maroon with an Ocellaris). You can sometimes keep a group of Ocellaris in a very large tank (100+ gallons) if they are all added at the same, very small size. For most aquarists, one bonded pair per tank is the rule.
*Dwarf Angelfish (Coral Beauty, Flame Angel): Recommended with caution for larger, more established tanks (55+ gallons). Dwarf angels are beautiful but can be semi-aggressive. Add them last to a tank with plenty of hiding spots to ensure success.
A Guide on What Fish to AVOID with Clownfish
Knowing what fish not to add is just as important. Putting the wrong fish in your tank can lead to stress, injury, or death. Steer clear of these groups to avoid some of the most common problems with what fish can go with clownfish.
Large Predators
This one is obvious but crucial. Any fish that can fit a clownfish in its mouth is a threat. This includes Groupers, Lionfish, large Eels, and predatory Snappers. No exceptions.
Aggressive Bullies
Fish with a notoriously aggressive or territorial nature will bully your clowns to death. This includes most Triggerfish (the Blue Jaw Trigger is a rare exception), aggressive Dottybacks, and large, boisterous Wrasses. They will create a high-stress environment where your clowns cannot thrive.
Delicate and Slow-Moving Eaters
Clownfish are energetic and enthusiastic eaters. They will easily outcompete very slow, deliberate feeders for food. This makes delicate species like Seahorses and Pipefish extremely poor tank mates.
How to Introduce New Fish to Your Clownfish Tank: A Step-by-Step Plan
You’ve done your research and picked the perfect new friend. Now what? The introduction process is critical for success. This is how to what fish can go with clownfish properly, minimizing stress and aggression for everyone.
- Quarantine, Quarantine, Quarantine! I cannot stress this enough. Every new fish, coral, or invertebrate should spend 4-6 weeks in a separate quarantine tank (QT). This allows you to observe for and treat any diseases before they can infect your main display tank. A simple 10-gallon tank with a heater and a sponge filter is all you need.
- The Acclimation Process: When it’s time to move the new fish, proper acclimation is key. Use the drip acclimation method. Place the fish in a bucket with its bag water and slowly drip your tank water into the bucket over 30-60 minutes. This allows the fish to gradually adjust to the new water parameters.
- Rearrange the Decor: This is my favorite trick! Before adding the new fish, move a few rocks around in your display tank. This breaks up existing territories and forces all the fish, including your resident clownfish, to re-establish their boundaries. It levels the playing field for the newcomer.
- Feed Before Introduction: Add a small amount of food to the tank right before you release the new fish. A full belly often leads to a less aggressive and more distracted population.
- Lights Out: Introduce the new fish into the tank after the main lights have gone out for the night. This allows it to explore its new surroundings and find a hiding spot without being the center of attention.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Clownfish Communities
As responsible aquarists, we have a duty to protect the wild reefs we love so much. One of the best ways to do this is by making conscious choices about where our fish come from. This is a core part of a sustainable what fish can go with clownfish philosophy.
The vast majority of Ocellaris and Percula clownfish for sale today are aquacultured, or captive-bred. This is fantastic! Captive-bred fish are hardier, already accustomed to aquarium life and prepared foods, and place zero strain on wild populations. Always ask for captive-bred fish when you visit your local fish store.
Choosing aquacultured fish is the cornerstone of being an eco-friendly what fish can go with clownfish keeper. You get a healthier pet, and the ocean’s reefs get a break. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clownfish Tank Mates
Can you keep more than two clownfish together?
For most aquarists, the answer is no. Clownfish form bonded pairs, and a pair will see any other clownfish as a rival to be driven off or killed. The only exception is in very large systems (100+ gallons) where a group of juvenile Ocellaris can be introduced simultaneously, allowing a pair to form naturally while the others are hopefully tolerated.
Do clownfish need an anemone to be happy?
Absolutely not! This is a common myth. While the symbiotic relationship is fascinating, clownfish do not require an anemone to thrive in an aquarium. Anemones have very specific, high-intensity lighting needs and are much more difficult to care for than the clownfish themselves. In your tank, your clowns will happily host in a flowing soft coral like a Frogspawn or Torch Coral, or even just a favorite rock cave.
My clownfish is bullying other fish. What should I do?
First, check your tank size—is it large enough? If so, try the “rearrange the decor” trick mentioned earlier. If the aggression persists, you can try using a breeder box or acclimation box to separate the clownfish inside the main tank for a few days. This can sometimes “reset” their behavior. As a last resort, you may need to re-home the bully.
What is the minimum tank size for a pair of clownfish and their friends?
We recommend a 30-gallon tank as a solid starting point for a pair of Ocellaris clownfish and a few other small, peaceful tank mates like a Royal Gramma or a Firefish. If you want a more active community with more fish, aim for a 55-gallon tank or larger. Remember, when it comes to aquariums, bigger is always better!
Your Thriving Community Awaits
Building a vibrant community tank around your clownfish is a journey, not a destination. It starts with understanding your fish’s personality, choosing compatible neighbors wisely, and introducing them with care and patience.
By following this what fish can go with clownfish care guide, you’re not just adding fish to a glass box; you’re cultivating a dynamic, living ecosystem. You’re creating your own beautiful slice of the ocean right in your home.
Now you have the knowledge and the confidence to succeed. Go forth and create a peaceful, thriving aquarium that brings you joy for years to come. Happy reefing!
- Amano Shrimp Reproduction – The Complete Brackish Water Guide For - September 11, 2025
- Can Neocaridina Shrimp Live With Amano Shrimp – Your Guide To A - September 11, 2025
- Yamato Vs Amano Shrimp – The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Your Algae - September 11, 2025