THEFISHGUY.ORG REEF FORUM

The chart on this page lists some of the various anemone species along with compatible clownfish species that they can form a symbiotic relationship with. This relationship is called "sybmiotic" because both species benefit. The clownfish can protect the anemone from predation from certain anemone eating fish species (Racoon Butterfly Fish) and the anemone can protect the clownfish from predation as well. Clownfishes may also provide food in a round about way for the anemone. Any food that the clownfish doesn't eat (bits and scraps) may be consumed by the anemone. They are also thought to feed off of the clownfish waste products, i.e. ammonia.
There are various theories trying to explain why clownfishes can enter anemones while other fish species cannot, but there is no widely accepted scientific explanation for why clownfish can do this. Some scientists think clownfish can live with anemones because they build up a thick layer of mucus, thereby protecting them from the nematocyst stings. Another group believes that clownfishes are covered in anemone mucus that makes it difficult for the anemone to recognize them as a stingable item.

Whatever the reasoning is behind this remarkable phenomenon, it makes a spectacular sight in a saltwater aquarium. Beginners to the saltwater hobby need to be advised that most anemones need intense lighting provided by metal halide lighting systems. They also need trace element supplements added periodically and certain species even need to be feed. Even though there isn't alot of information out there on all the anemone species, try your best to thoroughly research any species before buying them.

If you have a clownfish species that is not listed in the table below and it is hosting with one of these anemones, please let us know.


Anemone Compatible Clownfish Species

Bubble Tip Anemone (Rose Anemone)
Entacmaea quadricolor Amphiprion akindynos - Barrier Reef Clownfish
A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. frenatus - Tomato Clownfish
A. melanopus - Red and Black Clownfish
A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish
Premnas Biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish

Long Tentacle (Corkscrew) Anemone
Macrodactyla doreensis A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish
A. polymnus - Saddleback Clownfish
Premnas Biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish

Pizza or Carpet Anemone
Cryptodendrum adhaesivum A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. frenatus - Tomato Clownfish
Premnas biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish

Sebae Anemone
Heteractis malu A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
Premnas biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish

Magnificent Anemone (Ritteri Sea Anemone)
Heteractis magnifica A. akallapisos - Skunk Clownfish
A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. melanopus - Red and Black Clownfish
A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish
A. percula - Percula Clownfish
A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish

Leathery Sea Anemone
Heteractis crispa A. chrysopterus - Orange Fin Clownfish
A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. melanopus - Red and Black Clownfish
A. percula - Percula Clownfish
A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish
A. polymnus - Saddleback Clownfish

Giant Carpet Anemone
Stichodactyla gigantea A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish
A. percula - Percula Clownfish
A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish

Saddle Carpet Anemone (Haddon's Sea Anemone)
Stichodactyla haddoni A. chrysopterus - Orange Fin Clownfish
A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish
A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish
A. percula - Percula Clownfish

Condy Anemone
Condylactis gigantea No reported relationship with clownfishes

Haitian Reef Anemone
Condylactis spp. No reported relationship with clownfishes

Tube Anemone
Ceranthus membranaceus No reported relationship with clownfishes

Rock Anemone
Epicystis crucifer No reported relationship with clownfishes


The chart above is by no means an exhaustive list and should only be used as a rough guide. Some clownfish species not listed may in fact host with an anemone species that is represented above. Some anemone species can be difficult for even advanced aquarists and we strongly urge you to research, research, research before acquiring them.