Clownfish continue to be one of the most popular marine fish in the aquarium trade. There are few fish that are as beautiful and entertaining as the clownfish and with such a wide variety of species, there is a species of clownfish that will be suited for just about any saltwater aquarium.
Tank raised clownfish have a lower mortality rate than their wild caught counterparts, and they have been aquacultured for more than 20 years. Clownfish are one of the most successful marine species that have been tank raised and are available for the commercial aquarium trade. The industry has continued to make improvements in aquaculture; especially with clownfish, the farm raised fish offer many advantages over their wild caught brethren. This article will look at the advantages of both tank raised and wild caught species.
Variety of species
There are over a dozen wild caught species of clownfish available today and many of these are also available as tank raised. If you truly want one of the very unique species, the only way to acquire it may be wild caught, since some species, though tank raised, are available only sporadically, and in limited numbers. However, the variety of available species that are tank raised is increasing all the time and the majority of the most beautiful and desirable species are now available, including:
- Black & White Percula Clownfish
The Ocellaris, Saddleback, Red Saddleback, Orange Skunkand Pink Skunk Clownfish, and the Australian Clownfish are also being farm raised, but their availability tends to be more sporadic.
Accustomed to people
Wild caught clownfish, when first received, may be shy and afraid of people. Tank raised clownfish are usually just the opposite. Since birth, these fish have associated humans with food and often become excited when they see people approaching their aquarium. Many aquarists soon become very attached to their tank reared clownfish that are always 'happy to see them.'