The Tomato clownfish, or Amphiprion frenatus, is among the most popular clownfish species. They’re entertaining and are a colorful addition to any saltwater tank, but there are some things to keep in mind before buying this fish.
Here we’ll cover some aspects of the Tomato clownfish to help you decide whether this fish is right for your tank.
In general, the Tomato clownfish is a reef-safe fish and will do well in a reef environment. However, they do tend to be aggressive toward other clownfish, so you may want to avoid keeping this species with others in a reef tank.
Tomato clownfish aren’t picky eaters, which is one of the benefits of having these fish. You can feed them live or frozen food, or you can get them accustomed to flakes.
Tomato clownfish have a fairly long lifespan, as you can enjoy your Tomato clownfish for around six to eight years in most cases.
The Tomato clownfish is a large species, meaning you can expect these fish to grow to around four inches, with some getting up to around 5.5 inches. The males tend to be smaller than the females. Keep in mind that these fish will grow more aggressive as they grow bigger, to the point where they may actually snap at you when reaching into the tank.
Mature Tomato clownfish tend to be somewhat aggressive as they grow more territorial. While you can expect these clownfish to become generally more aggressive over time toward other Tomato clownfish, they may also attack other clownfish species. If you plan on keeping more than one Tomato clownfish, you’re better off limiting them to pairs.
Tomato clownfish are highly affordable. You’ll find them at very low prices at most stores, with most selling these fish for around $20 to $30. However, some locations may have more prized inventory that goes for around $100, depending on where you look. Regardless, you can find a good Tomato clownfish for sale at most online aquarium stores.
Here are some interesting facts about the Tomato clownfish that you may not have known:
The Tomato clownfish will get along with most other species of saltwater fish, but you should avoid keeping them with any fish that might pose a threat to them, including eels, triggerfish, lionfish, and groupers. Additionally, you’ll want to avoid putting shy species in with your Tomato, as they may not be able to get the food they need because of the Tomato’s voracious appetite.
Also, you should avoid keeping other species of clownfish or their cousins, damselfish. However, you can keep these fish with others of their kind for breeding purposes. They often breed with other similar species of clownfish, including A. melanopus, A. ephippium, and A. mccullochi.
Searching for Tomato clownfish to add to your aquarium? The following are some places where you can buy Tomato clownfish online:
If you’re willing to accommodate a potentially aggressive and large fish, the Tomato clownfish will be a rewarding addition, particularly if you want to make your tank more vibrant and lively.