Tomato Clownfish

The Tomato Clownfish is a robust and vibrantly colored species that gets its name from its deep tomato-red to orange-red body coloration. Juveniles display three white bars similar to other clownfish, but as they mature, the middle and posterior bars fade, leaving only a single white bar behind the eye, often edged in black. Females are notably larger than males and tend to develop a darker, more brownish-red coloration.

This species is one of the hardiest clownfish available and an excellent choice for beginning marine aquarists. It readily adapts to captive conditions, accepts all prepared foods, and is highly resistant to common marine diseases. The Tomato Clownfish naturally associates with Entacmaea quadricolor (Bubble Tip Anemone) as its primary host, though it will also accept other anemone species and does perfectly well without a host in captivity.

While not as aggressive as the Maroon Clownfish, the Tomato Clownfish is decidedly more territorial than the docile Ocellaris or Percula species. It can become pushy and domineering, especially as the female grows larger and establishes a firm territory around her chosen area of the tank. This behavior is manageable in appropriately sized aquariums with suitable tankmates that can withstand mild harassment.