A clownfish can easily steal your heart with its magnificent color and adorable personality. Thus, it is natural to be heartbroken if the fish dies suddenly. That’s why it is better to know about the clownfish lifespan. So, how long can clownfish live?
In the wild, a clownfish can live 6 to 10 years and often more. However, a clownfish in captivity or in a fish tank lives shorter, such as 3 to 5 years. To further increase it’s lifespan you need to focus on it’s diet, tank water parameters, and health.
But that’s not all you should know to understand the lifespan of your clownfish. If you have one in your aquarium, you need to learn more to take good care of it and help it live longer.
How Long Do Clownfish Live?
A clownfish’s lifespan always depends on the environment it is in. And based on that, a clownfish’s longevity can be of two types:
- Lifespan in wild
- Lifespan in captivity or tank
Clownfish Lifespan In Wild
Nature is the best and the most favorable place for any animal or fish. That’s why clownfish live a very long time in the wild.
Clownfish can live 6 to 10 years in the wild if they avoid predators and get enough food. Some statistics show that clownfish can live more than 20 years if the environment is favorable.
Clownfish Lifespan In Captivity
Clownfish live a shorter life when you keep them in a fish tank. Though a clownfish can live over a decade in the wild, a tank clownfish lives 3 to 6 years.
But sometimes they can live longer than that if you provide them the environment they need. You need to ensure the fish get the right amount of food, light and darkness, and saltwater.
More information: Arne Sahm et al. Analysis of the coding sequences of clownfish reveals molecular convergence in the evolution of lifespan, BMC Evolutionary Biology (2019). DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1409-0
How To Increase Clownfish Lifespan?
Every clownfish indeed has a different lifespan. But with proper care and providing other essential things, you can increase your clownfish’s lifespan. Here are a few tips that you can follow.
Use The Right Tank: Decent Size is Important
Just because a clownfish grows only 3-5 inches does not mean it will be fine in a small tank. Remember that some clownfish grow longer than that. Using a bigger tank helps the fish move more freely.
Though some people agree that a clownfish can live in a 10-gallon tank, I believe you should use a 20-gallon tank to create a vast swimming area for the fish. Besides, if the tank is too small, the fish can die from ammonia poisoning. Another benefit of using a large tank is that it will not require frequent cleaning.
Ensure Suitable Water Condition
As you already know, clownfish are saltwater fish. To be more specific, they are warm saltwater fish and do not survive in fresh or cold water environments. That’s why you need to have a saltwater aquarium before you purchase the fish.
To ensure the water condition is suitable, keep the pH level between 8-8.4, and the nitrites quantity should be 0.2ppm. The water temperature needs to be 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add salt and other essential elements to keep everything in balance. And don’t forget to test the water at least once a week.
No Non-Compatible Tank Mates
Clownfish can live alone without any issue. But if you want to add some tank mates, think again. Clownfish live in warm salt water, which is not suitable for many fish.
Moreover, if you add a big or aggressive fish, it will end up killing your clownfish. So instead of that, you can add corals or anemones to the tank. Keep an eye on the fish’s behavior after you introduce it to the newest additions.
Right Tank Setups
I have already discussed most of the things you need to know about the proper tank setup. Your clownfish will be fine as long as it is a saltwater tank with a balanced pH and nitrites level.
But if you want to keep the fish more active and stress-free, you can decorate it with corals, stones, anemones, and plants. It will give the fish a safe feeling and a place to hide sometimes. Make sure to add light for the clownfish to see its food.
4 Common Clownfish Diseases That Can Reduce It’s Lifespan
It is not uncommon for clownfish to get ill from time to time or catch a disease. The main thing is to be able to identify them immediately. If you can, you can give the fish the treatment it needs and help it live longer.
1. Fin Rot:
Stress or getting bullied by other fish can lead to fin rot. It appears like reddening or fraying in the fin and can spread over time. So the solution is to keep the fish quarantined in another tank and give it medical attention.
2. White Spots:
It is wrong to think that fish do not get a fungal infection. It causes white spots all around the fish’s body and can affect other tank fish. The treatment for such a disease includes adding salinity and rising water temperature.
3. Hole In The Head:
This disease happens due to a type of parasite. The affected area will appear lateral, black, white, or other colors. In the beginning, you will notice pin-sized holes, but they will keep spreading. It is not treatable at home. So, it would be best if you visited a vet for the solution.
4. Swim Bladder Disorder:
If you notice the fish is swimming slowly or having difficulty moving, it can be a swim bladder issue. Increase the tank temperature and stop feeding the fish if the stomach is swelling.
Read Next: How to feed clownfish
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Clownfish Need Saltwater?
Yes, clownfish need saltwater to live. These fish naturally live in the ocean. So if you want to have a clownfish, you must provide it with a saltwater tank with proper salinity level. If you keep it in a freshwater tank, it will not survive.
How Much Do Clownfish Cost?
Clownfish cost more than a typical fish, and there are plenty of reasons for that. The average price of a clownfish is $15 to $30.
But you should know that there are various types of clownfish. Their price depends on that, along with their color, size, and availability. If you purchase a less common or more rare clownfish, the cost can be up to $150.
Do Clownfish Need Anemones?
Many people believe that clownfish need anemones to survive. But on the contrary, clownfish get along fine without anemones.
Yes, the symbiotic relationship between clownfish and anemones helps them survive in the wild. However, tank clownfish can live without them. But you can add the anemones in the tank to give the fish a natural and safe feeling.
How To Maintain Clownfish?
To ensure your clownfish are well-maintained, provide them with a healthy aquarium environment. Make sure the water has adequate parameters, and the tank has sufficient food and light supply.
The key to maintaining clownfish is to have enough knowledge about them. Since they are saltwater fish, the more knowledge and experience you have, the better. So research well before you get yourself a clownfish.
May Your Clownfish Live A Healthy & Happy Life
You never know what to expect when it comes to the lifespan of a pet animal or a fish. Clownfish are warm saltwater fish of the ocean. So when you keep them in the fish tank, it is best to know how long can clownfish live or what can help them live longer.
To ensure a long life for your clownfish, purchase the ones you can commonly find in the stores. If the clownfish is directly from the sea, it will not adapt and survive a long time in the aquarium.
