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Clownfish are generally peaceful toward other species and compatible with a wide range of reef-safe fish. Their main compatibility challenges are with other clownfish — they are territorial toward their own kind — and with large predatory fish that may eat them. This guide covers the best tankmates for clownfish, what to avoid, and how to build a successful reef community around them.
The Ground Rules
- Keep only one clownfish species per tank. Clownfish are territorial toward other clownfish, particularly other species. Mixing species almost always results in aggression.
- Pairs, not groups: Clownfish live in mated pairs in the wild. A single clownfish or a mated pair works well. Adding a third clownfish of the same species to an established pair almost always results in the third fish being harassed.
- Size matters: Clownfish are small to medium-sized fish. Large predatory fish that could fit a clownfish in their mouth are a risk regardless of how they are marketed.
- Reef safe: Most clownfish are reef safe and compatible with coral. Maroon clownfish may occasionally damage coral near their hosting anemone when defending territory.
- Tank size: A 30+ gallon tank is recommended for a clownfish community setup with multiple species.
Good Clownfish Tankmates
Gobies
Small gobies are among the best clownfish tankmates. Watchman gobies, clown gobies, and neon gobies occupy the bottom of the tank and rarely interact with clownfish. Neon gobies are particularly useful as they act as cleaner fish, removing parasites from other tank inhabitants. Most gobies are peaceful, reef safe, and compatible with clownfish water parameters.
Firefish and Dartfish
Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) and purple firefish are peaceful, visually striking fish that occupy the mid-water column and coexist well with clownfish. They are shy and do best in tanks with plenty of rockwork for cover. Dartfish are similarly peaceful and compatible. Both species may jump — a tight-fitting lid is recommended.
Royal Gramma
The royal gramma (Gramma loreto) is a hardy, colorful fish that occupies caves and overhangs in the rockwork. It is generally peaceful toward clownfish and other non-aggressive species. Royal grammas can be territorial toward fish of similar shape and color, so keep only one per tank unless the system is large.
Chromis
Blue-green chromis (Chromis viridis) are peaceful schooling fish that add movement to the mid-water column without competing with clownfish. They are hardy, reef safe, and one of the most beginner-friendly saltwater fish available. Keep in groups of 5 or more for best results.
Cardinalfish
Banggai cardinalfish and Pajama cardinalfish are peaceful, slow-moving fish that coexist well with clownfish. They are reef safe and do well in pairs or small groups. Banggai cardinalfish are mouthbrooders and can be bred in captivity, making them an interesting addition to a reef community.
Blennies
Lawnmower blennies and tailspot blennies are peaceful, algae-grazing fish that occupy the bottom and rockwork. They rarely interact with clownfish and provide a useful function by grazing on nuisance algae. Most blennies are reef safe and compatible with clownfish.
Tangs (Larger Tanks Only)
Tangs such as the yellow tang and blue tang are compatible with clownfish in tanks of 75 gallons or more. They are reef safe, peaceful toward clownfish, and add significant visual interest. Tangs require more space than most other reef fish and should not be kept in tanks under 75 gallons long-term.
Invertebrates
Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), peppermint shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs are all compatible with clownfish. Cleaner shrimp in particular are a valuable addition to any reef tank, removing parasites and detritus. Clownfish generally ignore invertebrates.
Tankmates to Avoid
Other Clownfish Species
Mixing clownfish species in the same tank almost always results in aggression. Even species that appear peaceful in a store tank will fight once established in a home aquarium. Keep only one species of clownfish per tank.
Large Predatory Fish
Lionfish, groupers, large hawkfish, and other predatory species will eat clownfish. Many of these fish are sold as reef fish but are predatory toward small fish. Research the adult size and feeding behavior of any potential tankmate before adding it to a clownfish tank.
Aggressive Damselfish
While clownfish are technically damselfish, many other damselfish species are significantly more aggressive and will harass clownfish relentlessly. Three-stripe damsels and domino damsels in particular are known for extreme aggression and are not recommended as clownfish tankmates.
Large Angelfish
Large angelfish species may nip at coral and can be aggressive toward smaller fish including clownfish. Dwarf angelfish such as the flame angel are generally more compatible but should be monitored for coral nipping in reef tanks.
How to Introduce Tankmates
- Quarantine all new fish for 4–6 weeks before adding them to the display tank
- Add clownfish before more aggressive species to allow them to establish territory first
- Observe closely during the first 48–72 hours for chasing or aggression
- Ensure the tank has sufficient rockwork and hiding spots for all species
- In larger tanks, introduce new fish after lights out to reduce territorial responses