Clownfish Anemone Compatibility Chart

The chart on this page lists some of the various anemone species along with compatible clownfish species that they can form a symbiotic relationship with. This relationship is called "sybmiotic" because both species benefit. The clownfish can protect the anemone from predation from certain anemone eating fish species (Racoon Butterfly Fish) and the anemone can protect the clownfish from predation as well. Clownfishes may also provide food in a round about way for the anemone. Any food that the clownfish doesn't eat (bits and scraps) may be consumed by the anemone. They are also thought to feed off of the clownfish waste products, i.e. ammonia.

There are various theories trying to explain why clownfishes can enter anemones while other fish species cannot, but there is no widely accepted scientific explanation for why clownfish can do this. Some scientists think clownfish can live with anemones because they build up a thick layer of mucus, thereby protecting them from the nematocyst stings. Another group believes that clownfishes are covered in anemone mucus that makes it difficult for the anemone to recognize them as a stingable item.

Whatever the reasoning is behind this remarkable phenomenon, it makes a spectacular sight in a saltwater aquarium. Beginners to the saltwater hobby need to be advised that most anemones need intense lighting provided by metal halide lighting systems. They also need trace element supplements added periodically and certain species even need to be feed. Even though there isn't alot of information out there on all the anemone species, try your best to thoroughly research any species before buying them.

If you have a clownfish species that is not listed in the table below and it is hosting with one of these anemones, please let us know.

Anemone	Compatible Clownfish Species
Bubble Tip Anemone (Rose Anemone) Entacmaea quadricolor	Amphiprion akindynos - Barrier Reef Clownfish A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. frenatus - Tomato Clownfish A. melanopus - Red and Black Clownfish A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish Premnas Biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish
Long Tentacle (Corkscrew) Anemone Macrodactyla doreensis	A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish A. polymnus - Saddleback Clownfish Premnas Biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish
Pizza or Carpet Anemone Cryptodendrum adhaesivum	A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. frenatus - Tomato Clownfish Premnas biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish
Sebae Anemone Heteractis malu	A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish Premnas biaculeatus - Maroon Clownfish
Magnificent Anemone (Ritteri Sea Anemone) Heteractis magnifica	A. akallapisos - Skunk Clownfish A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. melanopus - Red and Black Clownfish A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish A. percula - Percula Clownfish A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish
Leathery Sea Anemone Heteractis crispa	A. chrysopterus - Orange Fin Clownfish A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. melanopus - Red and Black Clownfish A. percula - Percula Clownfish A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish A. polymnus - Saddleback Clownfish
Giant Carpet Anemone Stichodactyla gigantea	A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish A. percula - Percula Clownfish A. perideraion - Pink Skunk Clownfish
Saddle Carpet Anemone (Haddon's Sea Anemone) Stichodactyla haddoni	A. chrysopterus - Orange Fin Clownfish A. clarkii - Clark's Clownfish A. ocellaris - Ocellaris Clownfish A. percula - Percula Clownfish
Condy Anemone Condylactis gigantea	No reported relationship with clownfishes
Haitian Reef Anemone Condylactis spp.	No reported relationship with clownfishes
Tube Anemone Ceranthus membranaceus	No reported relationship with clownfishes
Rock Anemone Epicystis crucifer	No reported relationship with clownfishes

The chart above is by no means an exhaustive list and should only be used as a rough guide. Some clownfish species not listed may in fact host with an anemone species that is represented above. Some anemone species can be difficult for even advanced aquarists and we strongly urge you to research, research, research before acquiring them.