Tomato Clownfish

Also known as the Red Clownfish or Bridled Clownfish

The Tomato Clownfish is a bold and vibrant species featuring a deep tomato-red to orange body with a single distinctive white or pale bar behind the head. Native to the Western Pacific, including waters around Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia, this robust clownfish is known for its hardy nature and striking coloration. Slightly larger and more assertive than Ocellaris clownfish, Tomato Clownfish make impressive additions to marine aquariums for aquarists seeking a more substantial and colorful clownfish species.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion frenatus
• Common Names: Tomato Clownfish, Red Clownfish, Bridled Clownfish
• Adult Size: 5–6 inches (12.5–15 cm)
• Lifespan: 8–12+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Aggressive; territorial, especially when paired or hosting
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe – will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (50+ gallons recommended for pairs)
• Experience Level: Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide host anemone (strongly preferred) or suitable coral substitute, substantial live rock with caves and territories, and moderate to strong water flow with sheltered areas.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Compatibility: Best housed with semi-aggressive to aggressive fish that can hold their own. Avoid housing with other clownfish, passive species, or similarly colored fish. Can be kept singly or in established pairs. Should be added last to avoid territorial aggression.

Diet & Feeding

Tomato Clownfish are voracious omnivores with hearty appetites:

• Meaty Foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped krill, finely minced seafood, marine fish flesh
• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality marine pellets, color-enhancing formulas, spirulina-based foods
• Plant Matter: Marine algae sheets, spirulina, nori
• Supplements: Vitamin-enriched foods to maintain vibrant red coloration and immune health
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily with appropriately sized portions. May dominate feeding time and outcompete passive tankmates.

Notes & Considerations

• Behavior: Significantly more aggressive than Ocellaris or Percula clownfish. Highly territorial, especially around host anemone. Will defend territory vigorously against tankmates. Becomes bolder and more assertive with age. Pairs form strong bonds with dominant fish becoming female.
• Coloration: Juveniles display brighter orange-red coloring. Adults develop deeper tomato-red to burgundy coloration, particularly females. A single white head bar may fade slightly in mature adults, especially females. Males retain more prominent white markings.
• Size Difference: Females can reach 5–6 inches and become noticeably larger than males (3–4 inches), creating clear size dimorphism in pairs.
• Anemone Preference: Shows strong preference for Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) and Sebae Anemones (Heteractis crispa). May accept Hammer or Torch corals but prefers actual anemones.
• Coral Compatibility: Completely reef-safe with corals and invertebrates. Aggressive behavior is directed only at fish tankmates, not reef inhabitants.
• Acclimation: Use drip acclimation over 60 minutes. May be initially shy but quickly becomes bold and assertive. Dim lighting during the first 24 hours is recommended.
• Health: Very hardy and disease-resistant. Captive-bred specimens are exceptionally robust. Quarantine is still recommended to prevent parasite introduction.

Why Choose a Quarantined Tomato Clownfish?

Our quarantined Tomato Clownfish have been professionally acclimated, health-screened for parasites and disease, and conditioned to accept a wide variety of prepared foods. Each specimen is carefully observed for 3–4 weeks to ensure robust health, proper feeding response, and vibrant red coloration, giving you a hardy, confident fish ready to establish itself as a bold and colorful presence in your marine aquarium from day one.