Amphiprion frenatus – Tomato Clownfish

Quick Stats

Care Level: Easy Temperament: Semi-aggressive Color Form: Orange, Red, White Diet: Omnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 5″ Origin: Captive-Bred, ORA Family: Pomacentridae Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview

The ORA Tomato Clownfish, also known as the Bridled Clownfish or Red Clownfish, is found throughout the Pacific, almost always in association with an anemone such as Bubbletip Sea Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). The Tomato Clownfish has a wider distribution than the Fire Clown, which is usually restricted to the Indo-Pacific reefs. It has also been known to use coral as a host in the absence of an anemone. Captive-Bred Tomato clowns are usually darker in coloration to their wild counterparts, but as the fish matures, it will lighten to a nice red/orange coloration. Juveniles have multiple white bands, and black pectoral fins, that gradually disappear as the fish matures. It can attain a length of 5 inches, but it usually reaches a maximum of 3.5 inches in an aquarium.

The Captive-Bred Tomato Clownfish has a unique advantage over wild-harvested species. Captive-bred clownfish are very hardy and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike. Captive-bred clownfish can also be kept with a variety of other captive-bred clownfish, if introduced into the aquarium at the same time.

Captive-bred clownfish are easy to breed in the home aquarium. The females will be the largest of the pair, and two fish will usually stay close to each other in the aquarium. These fish are egg layers and will deposit the eggs on a flat surface, and defend the eggs from other tank mates. The eggs will normally hatch in 6-11 days depending on the temperature. The fry must be reared in a separate aquarium on a diet of rotifers then baby brine shrimp.

An aggressive eater, the Tomato Clownfish will consume most meaty foods and herbivore preparations.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4″ to 1-1/2″; Medium: 1-1/2″ to 1-3/4″