Clownfish are some of the most popular yet pricey marine (saltwater) fish in captivity. They are often chosen for marine aquariums for their bright colors, peaceful temperaments, and fascinating behavior. Clownfish have been popular aquarium pets for decades, so it’s no surprise that hobbyists continue to be interested in these fish each year.
If you want to purchase clownfish for your marine aquarium, use this article as your go-to guide for 2024 prices.
How Much Do Clownfish Cost in 2024?
Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones and corals.
©Alex Stemmers/Shutterstock.com
Clownfish can cost a few dollars to a couple of thousand dollars. Certain types of clownfish are pricier than others, especially if they are rare and difficult to breed in captivity.
The common clownfish (Amphriprion ocellaris) is the cheapest clownfish you can purchase for aquariums. They generally cost between $10 to $50 and are commonly found for sale in pet stores and online retailers. Their cheaper cost is likely because of their popularity as pets and wide availability. It is not difficult to breed common clownfish in captivity, so they are not as rare as other species.
The peacemaker maroon clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) is one of the most expensive clownfish you can purchase in 2024. This designer clownfish has a hefty price tag of $8,900. Peacemaker maroon clownfish are incredibly rare, and their show-quality appearance makes them highly sought after by hobbyists. Another pricey type of clownfish is the Oman clownfish (Amphiprion omanensis) which can cost a couple hundred to thousands of dollars.
Generally, most clownfish cost between $10 to $250 if they are not rare. You can purchase clownfish from pet stores specializing in marine livestock, otherwise directly from breeders or online retailers.
| Type of Clownfish | Cost |
|---|---|
| Common clownfish: | $10 – $50 |
| Maroon clownfish: | $15 – $300 |
| Saddleback clownfish: | $30 – $120 |
| Caramel clownfish: | $30 – $100 |
| Helmet clownfish: | $50 – $300 |
| Clark’s clownfish: | $10 – $200 |
| Allard’s clownfish: | $25 – $120 |
| Oman clownfish: | $800 – $2,500 |
| Sebae clownfish: | $25 – $120 |
| Tomato clownfish: | $20 – $100 |
| Skunk clownfish: | $12 – $100 |
Factors Affecting Clownfish Prices
The cost of clownfish varies significantly depending on several factors, such as rarity, species, and appearance.
1. Rarity
Clownfish are available in various fascinating colors and patterns.
©Pavaphon Supanantananont/Shutterstock.com
The rarer the clownfish, the more expensive it is. Rarity is based on several factors such as species, availability, care, and breeding requirements.
2. Species
Certain species of clownfish are more expensive than others because of their rarity and availability. There are approximately 30 species of clownfish in two genera and six complexes. The two genera are Premnas and Amphriprion and the six complexes include the Clarkii, saddleback, and maroons. The Clarkii complex is the largest with 11 species of clownfish.
3. Appearance
When you think of a clownfish, you probably picture the orange and white striped common clownfish. However, clownfish have varying appearances based on their species and genetics. Yellow, orange, black, maroon, and coral are some of the many vibrant colors seen in clownfish.
Furthermore, the size of a clownfish can influence their price. A small, young clownfish is likely going to be cheaper than a fully grown clownfish. The larger clownfish species, such as the maroon clownfish, are generally pricier in comparison.
4. Age
Clownfish have an average lifespan of six to 20 years in captivity. Some clownfish are known to exceed the 20-year lifespan if they have good genetics and receive proper care. The age of a clownfish may affect their overall cost. This is because an older clownfish that is nearing the end of their lifespan won’t be as expensive as a younger one with many years left to live.
5. Availability
Not every clownfish is widely available and therefore might be more expensive. It can be difficult to find rare clownfish and they might be virtually non-existent in certain parts of the world. When they do pop up somewhere for sale, rare clownfish are bought quickly and often at a hefty price. Furthermore, clownfish that are not as widely available as others generally have more complex care and breeding requirements that make them challenging to raise and breed in captivity.
Clownfish Purchase Considerations
The maroon clownfish is the only member of the genus
Premnas.
©vojce/iStock via Getty Images
Most species of marine fish are not cheap to own, and clownfish are no exception. You can expect to spend a few hundred dollars on supplies and food for your clownfish. Some clownfish supplies will be once-off-cost, such as the tank, filter, and lighting. The main ongoing (or monthly) costs for clownfish will be their food and water treatments.
Setting up and maintaining marine aquariums is considered more expensive than freshwater or brackish ones. There is a lot of research, time, and money that goes into caring for clownfish and ensuring their aquarium conditions are ideal.
Keep in mind that proper clownfish care costs money and marine fish in general are not recommended for people on a tight budget.
So, what costs should you consider aside from the clownfish itself?
1. Tank Size
Choosing the right sized tank and setup is essential if you want them to thrive. Clownfish are usually kept in nano aquariums above 20 gallons in size. However, some larger clownfish species benefit from aquariums above 55 gallons in size. Too much additional swim space isn’t always necessary for clownfish, but they do require more horizontal swim space than vertical.
The average price of marine aquariums within that size range is about $100 to $1,000. Low-iron glass aquariums, which are preferred by many marine hobbyists, are usually pricier than “standard” glass ones.
2. Tank Setup
Clownfish thrive in a tank setup that replicates their natural habitat.
©Vojce/Shutterstock.com
The tank should be set up with a filter, wavemaker, heater, and lighting system to keep the water conditions ideal. It’s recommended to add live anemones or corals into their aquarium to replicate their natural environment. Some popular choices include Duncan coral and magnificent sea anemone.
Other than that, clownfish may also benefit from a sandy or crushed coral substrate in their aquarium. Some experts encourage live rock in clownfish aquariums as they offer biological filtration. It may cost about $150 to $750 for all the supplies needed to set up a clownfish aquarium.
3. Water Parameters
Clownfish are saltwater fish that require specific water parameters to thrive. You will need to purchase water treatments to add to your clownfish aquarium to make the water conditions ideal.
- Salinity: 1.020 to 1.035 specific gravity (SG)
- Temperature: 75° to 80° Fahrenheit
- pH: 8.0 to 8.4
- Ammonia: 0 parts per million (ppm)
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm
4. Temperature Requirements
Clownfish are tropical fish that need a heater in their aquarium. The temperature should remain between the ideal range of 75° to 80° Fahrenheit. You will need to keep a thermometer in the aquarium to monitor the temperature and adjust when needed.
5. Diet
As omnivores and opportunistic feeders, clownfish need a balanced diet to thrive. Clownfish primarily feed on zooplankton, algae, phytoplankton, and small crustaceans in the wild. You should try to replicate their wild diet in captivity so that they receive all the nutrients they need to be healthy.
Be sure to feed a mixture of live and frozen foods, pellets, and veggies to your clownfish. You can expect to spend around $12 to $55 on food for your clownfish.
6. Compatibility
Clownfish prefer to live in pairs, although some hobbyists have success housing them alone. If you get more than one clownfish, you can expect to spend a bit more every month on feeding and caring for them. Furthermore, clownfish are compatible with several other marine fish and invertebrates that can share a tank with them.
Conclusion: Clownfish Resources and Platforms
Check out the following clownfish resources and platforms for more information on these fish.
Information Resources
Online Marketplaces
Unsure where to purchase clownfish? These online marketplaces might have what you are looking for:
Forums and Communities
The photo featured at the top of this post is © engabito/iStock via Getty Images
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