Why are clownfish so popular?

[Bolt_Action]

I think clownfish are so popular because they’re the perfect reef animal. In the wild their territory is about as big as a 2x2 ft area and they stay close to that area most of the time. Clownfish have amazing color and so many different variations in their patterns. They have all these great traits and come with a fairly affordable price tag.

 

[James M]

The most reason clowns and the blue tangs are popular is because of Nemo.

 

[Bolt_Action]

The most reason they and the blue tang are popular is because of Nemo.

That’s almost a huge factor. Everyone has seen that movie haha

 

[CB2029]

I think is also how hardy they are

 

[Geebs19]

Finding Nemo, I dont think they are the perfect reef fish, many can be very territorial and aggressive. And the only reason those amazing variety of colors are from breeding.

 

[dantimdad]

I love that movie and hate it.

It is responsible for more clown fish death than any disease.

That being said, I have loved clownfish since starting in the hobby.

I just got a pair of Wyoming Whites. They are my favorite. I will get a pair of storms when the 93 cube is ready.

 

[Sailingeric]

I like how mine are so derfy. The seem to swim in all different positions and have a funny wag when they swim. Plus I love the coloring.

 

[SDK]

Clownfish popularity predates Finding Nemo by decades, although the movie certainly helped (or didn't, looked at another way)...

For me as a kid, inhaling Jacques Cousteau reruns and any books on the marine environment I could find, it was the colors, the symbiotic relationship with anemones, and the fact that they were available for less than two years worth of allowance back then lol

 

[James M]

That’s almost a huge factor. Everyone has seen that movie haha

About a month ago I was at the lfs and some people asked a employee for a nemo and the employee asked if they had a saltwater tank setup and they said no and walked away....

 

[Bolt_Action]

Y

Finding Nemo, I dont think they are the perfect reef fish, many can be very territorial and aggressive. And the only reason those amazing variety of colors are from breeding.

There have been accounts of finding different variations out in the wild too.

 

[Bolt_Action]

Clownfish popularity predates Finding Nemo by decades, although the movie certainly helped (or didn't, looked at another way)...

For me as a kid, inhaling Jacques Cousteau reruns and any books on the marine environment I could find, it was the colors, the symbiotic relationship with anemones, and the fact that they were available for less than two years worth of allowance back then lol

It’s crazy how much the newest color morph cost now. The black storm were 500+ for one a year ago and now they’re 299 for a pair hah

 

[inktomi]

I find my clowns have great personalities as well. They act almost like little dogs - they come over and wag around in their little swimming pattern begging for food anytime I'm around the tank.

 

[Bolt_Action]

I find my clowns have great personalities as well. They act almost like little dogs - they come over and wag around in their little swimming pattern begging for food anytime I'm around the tank.

You’re exactly right it’s so funny how they change from first getting them and after having them for 6 months they’ll come up to you

 

[Gonebad395]

Well the movie did help that’s for sure. But for me this fish has always been a favorite. I remember watching pbs and Cousteau dive or reading National Geographic and seeing the jaw dropping colors of these fish and reefs. It seemed a million miles away. It’s what started my love of fish tanks first fresh then salt. But a clownfish was always first and I’m sure it’s because others like me when talking about saltwater associates that with the clownfish. Kinda like the oceans unofficial mascot lol.

 

[CarolinaReefs]

I can remember when I was a teen (I'm 50 now so 30+ years ago) going to the local pet store. A real pet store, long before big box stores. Mr. Gupton was his name. Many fish tanks there but one in the front of them, bare as it was, with a pair of clown fish that were not for sale. The first saltwater tank I had ever seen. I remember it like it was yesterday.

 

[SDK]

It’s crazy how much the newest color morph cost now. The black storm were 500+ for one a year ago and now they’re 299 for a pair hah

One good thing about being old school is that I still prefer the wild version. Plus my allowance is much better than it was in the 70’s lol

 

[Why-Me]

Personality is amazing for sure, like some here have said they're like dogs they come up when you get home etc. pretty neat fish. I love clowns, can't wait to get a pair of mocha gladiators once my tank is set up.

 

[Dom]

I think it is because they are easy to keep. Good first fish for newbies.

 

[KrisReef]

I looked this one up on the internets:
Citations edited to avoid potential difficulties
"
Search Results
Featured snippet from the web (aka: internets-KR)

www.livescixxxx.com
Clownfish get their name from the bold color strokes on their body, like a clown's face paint. Finding Nemo, a movie about a clownfish, caused home-aquarium demand for them to triple. Clownfish can't survive without a host anemone, whose stinging tentacles protect them.
Clownfish | National Geograxxxx
"

"Proving once again that the internets has all the answers including the wrong ones." KrisReef 2019.

 

[jsvand5]

One good thing about being old school is that I still prefer the wild version.

Definitely agree with that. I had my designer clown phase but now I prefer the wild types. I have a pair of latezonatus and I’d take them over any designer.