Pomacentrids (Pomacentridae)
The Pomacentrids are a family of marine fish, which we all know under the name Clown fish and Damsel fish or Maiden fish.
They are fish that live in tropical seas, in shallow waters , near rocks where they find refuge.
They are usually small fish, short-bodied and brightly colored. They are marine fish recommended for beginners, because they are not problematic in their acclimatization, they eat everything and can share the aquarium with other marine fish that are not very large.
Another interesting point about the Pomacentrids is that they are one of the few tropical species that reproduce successfully in captivity.
For a newbie starting out this will be quite difficult, but an experienced marine aquarium hobbyist can successfully reproduce.
Common clown fish
Ocellaris clownfish
The clownfish (Clownfish) grouped some fifteen species for marine aquarium. They are easy to acclimatize and you don’t need a huge and complicated setup.
With a 50 liter pond you can have a pair of Clownfish and their anemone.
The common Clown fish is one of the most popular marine fish, and if we want to reproduce marine fish in the aquarium, it would be one of the most suitable.
The female can measure between 9 and 11 centimeters, the male is smaller.
If we decide to have a couple of Clown fish in an aquarium, we must accompany them with an anemone, where they will seek refuge.
The aquarium must be kept with a pH greater than 8, a temperature above 27ºC and a density of 1,025.
The water must be renewed frequently for the well-being of the fish, and to stimulate the laying of eggs.
See: Clown Fish
Backband Clownfish
Amphiprion acallopistus
This Clownfish needs a larger aquarium, around 200 liters. Although it has no problem spawning, it is not easy to bring the fry to fruition as they do not accept artificial food.
They measure between 7 and 10 centimeters, the males are smaller.
Red clown fish
Amphiprion frenatus
This Clownfish is native to the Philippine Islands and the southern China Sea . It only has a white stripe, near the caps, which it retains throughout its life.
It is a fairly peaceful fish, which can share space with other Clown fish, although if we unite several species of clown fish, relationships can become aggressive.
They are between 12 and 15 centimeters in size, and they need a large aquarium. It is essential that they have an anemone to protect themselves, around which they usually swim.
Green Damselfish
Chromis viridis
The Maiden fish can be kept in an aquarium with other species, it is not aggressive, although they are territorial.
During the spawning period, the male defines his territory and mates with several females, so they must have their own space within the aquarium.
They grow to about 8 centimeters, and need an aquarium of about 200 liters.
See: Green Damselfish
Domino Fish
Dascyllus trimaculatus
It is a very original fish in its coloration, formed by three white spots on a black background. It is a resistant species, which acclimates well to a marine aquarium, ideal for inexperienced hobbyists who want to get into marine aquariums.
It is possible to breed them in captivity, since they do not have problems spawning, although if we want to be successful, we must provide a suitable diet for the fry.
They measure about 10 centimeters and are ideal for an invertebrate aquarium.
Blue Maiden Fish
Pomacentrus caerulea
They have a bright blue color that makes them very spectacular , striking and easily recognizable. In addition, it is not an expensive fish, suitable for those who start in the hobby of marine aquariums.
They are native to the tropical areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where they can be found near rock formations.
Although it sometimes shows aggressive attitudes, it is possible to keep it in an aquarium with other fish of the same family.
They measure about 10 centimeters