Last updated on August 23rd, 2023 at 07:24 am
Clownfish are types of fish that live in the ocean and can be found mostly in the Indo-Pacific region. There are many types of clownfish, with varying types living in different parts of the world. This article will discuss 18 different types of clownfish, including their habitat and variations between them.
Some of the types of clownfish you will find here are:
- Black Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) – Which is considered the most social type, because they live in large groups; also one of the smallest types, at an average length of four inches
- Gold Clownfish (Amphiprion chrysogaster) – Which is considered the most aggressive types, they are larger than other types and have an orange coloring with a black stripe on their head; also one of the more territorial types
- Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) – They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater, they have a black-green stripe on their head with an orange body; considered one of the more aggressive types.
And many more…
What are the rarest types of clownfish?
There are many types of clownfish. The rarest types include the yellowfin anemonefish (saddleback clownfish) and the black percula clownfish, which according to National Geographic is a “highly coveted fish.”
The yellow spine surgeonfish is also one of the rare types because it’s native to Australia and Fiji. It grows to about 12 inches long and is usually bright yellow with a black stripe.
The widely distributed types of clownfish include the blue-eyed damselfish, which has been introduced to the Gulf Coast; as well as the common or garden variety: Amphiprion percula (also known as “true” clownfish).
What are the most peaceful clownfish?
The Pacific Blue Tang or just the blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus) is a common and popular species of clownfish.
This variety of Clownfish has mainly been bred in captivity, but it can still be found in some tropical reefs as well.
Clownfish species classification
Clownfish species classification is based on four types of clownfish:
- Wide helmet, or “typical”.
- Narrow helmet (or “Nemo”), which have a pointed snout and are more brightly colored than the typical types;
- Roundnose – which come from three different groups of Pacific Ocean types: the north-west, south, and central types;
- Clarkii – also known as “false clownfish”. These types have a more elongated snout than other types of clownfish. They are native to reefs in Indian Ocean waters around the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, Ashmore Reefs, and other Pacific islands.
18 types of clownfish
False Clownfish
False Clownfish are often mistaken for common types of clownfish. They have a different pattern than common types. False types do not come in as many colors or shapes, and they are usually found on reefs at depths up to about 100 meters deep. If you have found false types outside this depth range, it is more likely that these types of clownfish are types of sea anemones.
False types have a more elongated body shape, and they do not tend to grow as large as common types. They also lack the white stripes that common types have; their colors consist mainly of black and yellow with only slight variations in orange or blue. False types can be found in a wide range of habitats, types including coral reefs and lagoons.
False types are generally not taken as pets because they do not tolerate captivity well and can be hard to find. For this reason, false types are considered “wild” types of clownfish that should never be handled or caught by humans.
True Percula Clownfish
Percula types of clownfish are one of the most common types, and they have been bred in captivity for many generations. They are popular as pets because they tolerate captive life well and their bright colors make them easy to care for.
This type of clownfish is easily identified by its distinctive orange-red stripes, which give it an almost completely round appearance. The colors of these types of clownfish are not limited to just orange-red and black, as some types have a white body with blue or yellow stripes.
Percula types can be found in shallow water habitats such as coral reefs, lagoons, and seaweed beds. They also prefer rocky substrates for shelter.
Percula types are not as aggressive as types with a stronger jaw, so they can be kept in small tanks. However, it is important to note that these types of clownfish will defend their territory against other types and any new additions, including humans. As such this type should never be kept alone or put into an overly crowded tank.
Percula types are the most popular types of clownfish, largely because they do not have as many aggressions or territorial behaviors. They can also be found in a variety of colors and patterns which make them more appealing to hobbyists.
Cinnamon Clownfish
Cinnamon Clownfish, or Amphiprion melanopus, are native to the Indo-Pacific region. Compared to other types of clownfish, they have an orange coloring and a black marking on their head which they use for camouflage. They live in pairs that can be either male/female, female/female, or two females together (female pairs are much more common). They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater.
Clarkii Clownfish
Clarkii Clownfish, or Amphiprion clarkii, are one of the types of clownfish that live in a group and form complex social hierarchies. They have orange coloring with white stripes on their head and fins. These types of clownfish can be found along coastlines from Japan to Australia and as far South as New Caledonia and Tahiti.
Maroon Clownfish
Maroon Clownfish, or Amphiprion ocellaris, is one of the types of clownfish that live in a group and form complex social hierarchies. They have a brown coloring with black markings on their head and fins. These types of clownfish can be found along coastlines from Japan to Australia and as far South as New Caledonia and Tahiti.
They live in an area of water that ranges from inshore reefs to mid-shelf, but some types may extend out as far as 30 meters (100 feet) deep.
Maroon Clownfish are often confused with the Clarkii Clownfish which is also brown or black/brown coloring. The distinguishing features are the black marks on the head and fins.
Maroon Clownfish migrate to shallower water during mating season which lasts from September through November. During this time, they will congregate around coral heads (especially types of brain corals) where females lay eggs in a nest that males have built for them using their strong beaks.
Oman Clownfish
Oman Clownfish, or Amphiprion omanensis, are types of clownfish that inhabit the Indian Ocean. They have a pink coloring with black markings on their head and fins.
Individuals don’t form pairs but rather live in groups where males defend an area against other males while females choose one male to mate with. One male may control an area of up to 600 square meters.
The types of clownfish can be found in both saltwater and freshwater from the Persian Gulf to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They live close by coastal reefs as well as at depths between 0-30 meters (0-100 feet).
Oman Clownfish have a shy nature which makes them difficult to study.
In order for these types of clownfish to spawn, the water needs to be at a temperature between 27-28 degrees Celsius (80-82 degrees Fahrenheit) and have low levels of oxygen. Once spawning has commenced, both males and females will start laying eggs in batches that are guarded by either male or female types of clownfish.
After laying eggs, they will head back to deeper water where they live until the offspring can survive on their own and fend off predators. This usually takes around two years.
Pink Skunk Clownfish
Pink Skunk Clownfish, or Amphiprion perideraion, are types of clownfish that live in a group and form complex social hierarchies. They have orange coloring with white stripes on their head and fins. These types of clownfish can be found along coastlines from Japan to Australia and as far South as New Caledonia and Tahiti.
Individuals don’t form pairs but rather live in groups where males defend an area against other males while females choose one male to mate with. One male may control an area of up to 600 square meters.
The types of clownfish can be found in both saltwater and freshwater from the Persian Gulf to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They live close by coastal reefs as well as at depths between 0-30 meters (0-100 feet).
Pink Skunk Clownfish have a shy nature which makes them difficult to study.
In order for them to spawn, the water needs to be at a temperature between 27-28 degrees Celsius (80-82 degrees Fahrenheit) and have low levels of oxygen. Once spawning has commenced, they will start laying eggs in batches that are guarded by either male or female clownfish.
After laying eggs, they will head back to deeper water where they live until the offspring can survive on their own and fend off predators. This usually takes around two years.
Saddleback Clownfish
Saddleback Clownfish, or Amphiprion polymnus, are types of clownfish that live in a group and form complex social hierarchies. They have a black coloring with orange markings on their head and fins. These types of clownfish can be found from the Indian Ocean to Japan including Malaysia and Indonesia.
They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater from the Persian Gulf to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They live close by coastal reefs as well as at depths between 0-30 meters (0-100 feet).
Sebae Clownfish
Sebae Clownfish, or Amphiprion sebae, are types of clownfish that live in a group and form complex social hierarchies. They have orange coloring with white stripes on their head and fins. These types of clownfish can be found from the Indian Ocean to Japan including Malaysia and Indonesia.
The types of clownfish can be found in both saltwater and freshwater from the Persian Gulf to India, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They live close by coastal reefs as well as at depths between 0-30 meters (0-100 feet).
Three-band Clownfish
This type of clownfish is gray in color with a yellow or orange top band and two white bands. It has the ability to grow up to five inches long, but usually only reaches three inches when fully grown. It typically lives on coral reefs at depths ranging from six feet to fifty feet beneath sea level.
Three-band clownfish are omnivorous, feeding on algae and small crustaceans.
Tomato Clownfish
This type of clownfish is typically orange or red in color and has a white band at the base of its tail. It can grow up to four inches long, but usually only reaches two inches when fully grown. Tomato clownfish live on coral reefs found at depths ranging from six feet to fifty feet beneath sea level.
The tomato clownfish is also a bright orange color, but they have red markings on their belly and tail. They’re sometimes known as the “fire” or “red-eye” types of clownfish because of those traits. Tomato Clowns live in tropical waters with rich marine life and corals like the Red Sea Clownfish does, but they can also survive in saltwater.
Their bright red color is often seen because the tomato clownfish has a fire-like pattern that stands out, so if you find this type of clownfish at the pet store, make sure to buy it!
Tomato Clowns are one of many types of clownfish found throughout the world.
Red Sea Clownfish
The red sea clownfish is the most popular type of clownfish. They have a bright orange and white color, which makes them stand out among other types of clownfish. Red Sea Clowns are also known as coral reef dwellers because they live in tropical waters with rich marine life and corals, ideal for their diet which is mostly algae.
Some types of clownfish are found in the wild, while others are bred and sold as pets. For example, a Red Sea Clownfish can be purchased at many pet stores because they’re easy to find.
Picasso clownfish
The Picasso Clownfish is known for its white and black colors. It’s one of the types of clownfish that are bred specifically to be sold as pets, so they’re easy to find at pet stores. They live in a wide range of water types, including freshwater- an environment where no other type of clownfish can survive.
“Picasso Clowns are bred types of clownfish that are easy to find at pet stores because they’re one of the most popular types.”
This type is sometimes called “pencil,” “dotted eye” or other names with variations depending on what color pattern it has, but Picasso Clowns have a white and black pattern which makes them stand out among types of clownfish.
There are many types of different-patterned clowns, but the Picasso Clown is one of the most popular and easiest to find at pet stores!
Snowflake clownfish
The snowflake clownfish is one of the types of clowns that are also bred to be sold as pets. They’re easy to find at pet stores because they live in saltwater as most types do.
Snowflake Clowns have a white pattern on their skin which makes them stand out among other types of clownfish!
They’re bred types of clownfish that are easy to find at pet stores because they’re one of the most popular types.
This type is sometimes called “black-spot,” “dotted eye” or other names with variations depending on what color pattern it has, but snowflake clowns have a white texture that makes them stand out among types of clownfish.
Mocha clownfish
The mocha clownfish is one of the types that are bred and sold as pets, like most types. It’s often seen in pet stores because it lives in saltwater – which means they’re easy to find at these types of stores.
Mocha Clowns have a white pattern on their skin which makes them stand out among types of clownfish.
Platinum clownfish
The platinum clownfish, also called the “Halloween fish,” is a beautiful hybrid of the Ocellaris and Clark’s Clown types. The coloring on this type of clownfish can be either white or black with blue accents. This variation of clownfish tends to have shorter fins than other types, but they are just as friendly!
The platinum clownfish are a type of marine fish that live together in groups called “schools.” There are over ten types, or variations, including types such as the Clark’s and Ocellaris Clown types which share similar characteristics with each other but have some minor differences. The various types are not the same across all types of clownfish.
Premium snowflake clownfish
As the name suggests, this type of clownfish is a beautiful variation distinguishing itself from types such as Clark’s and Ocellaris Clown types. The coloring on this kind can be white with hints of blue accents or black with red highlights.
The premium snowflake variety has similar characteristics to other types within its group but in some ways it is different. It has blue accents instead of the more common red or white and is found to be one of the types with longer fins than other types such as platinum clownfish.
The premium snowflake type can also sometimes have a white body color with black markings at its head region.
This variation comes in two subtypes, one with red highlights and the other with white.
Wyoming white clownfish
The Wyoming white clownfish (Amphiprion leucokranos) is a very small species of anemonefish found in the waters around Tonga and Fiji. It’s thought to be one of the world’s rarest types, with less than 500 specimens ever collected! The average size that they grow to is about an inch in length, but most are only about half that size when they’re young.
The Wyoming white clownfish’s diet consists mainly of plankton and algae from the water column which it catches by darting into the open water for a split second to feed before returning back to its host. They usually come out at night and are most active during the morning hours.
Conclusion
This blog post covers different and most common types of clownfish, including the Wyoming white clownfish. The average size that they grow to is about an inch in length, but most are only about half that size when they’re young.
These types of clownfish are all similar but there is enough variation to say that while they share similarities, each type has its own distinctive qualities making it unique in its group. These fishes display their differences mainly through color variations or fin length.