Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm fed up with the clownfish hype. They're everywhere, and honestly, they're just not that impressive. The hobby's supposed to be about variety, but it feels like clownfish are overshadowing everything else. I think that's a big part of why we're missing out on some really cool and diverse fish.

Just my two cents, even if it's an unpopular opinion.

Falkeon wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 3:51 pm I'm fed up with the clownfish hype. They're everywhere, and honestly, they're just not that impressive. The hobby's supposed to be about variety, but it feels like clownfish are overshadowing everything else. I think that's a big part of why we're missing out on some really cool and diverse fish.

Just my two cents, even if it's an unpopular opinion.

I've gotta respectfully disagree. Clownfish might be super common, but I don't think they're really the face of the hobby. If I asked someone about their favorite ocean fish, I'd bet they'd say something like sharks or whales, not clownfish. Unless, of course, it's a kid who's obsessed with Disney movies - then you might get a loud "Nemo!" But personally, I've fallen for clownfish. Mine have been absolute sweethearts since I brought them home two months ago. They're really entertaining to watch, especially when they follow my finger as I move it across the glass - my cardinals do the same thing, it's pretty cool.

I'm not a fan of the whole "Dori" thing, people always assume I'd get one for my 10-gallon tank.

Flaremax wrote: ↑Sat Jul 12, 2025 6:00 pm I'm not a fan of the whole "Dori" thing, people always assume I'd get one for my 10-gallon tank.

I've seen that tank from Finding Nemo and yeah it's pretty small. Realistically, some of those fish just wouldn't get along. It's just a cartoon though.

I'm fed up with the 'Finding Nemo' craze.

Falkeon's right, clownfish have become the face of the hobby, and I'm tired of every other fish being called "NEMO!" by kids. The hobby's losing its diversity, and it's becoming all about the same old "standard" setup: a pair of clownfish, a dwarf angel, a sixline wrasse, and a goby.

I like clownfish, I own a pair, but I agree with Falkeon that there are way more interesting fish out there - frogfish, lionfish, scorpionfish, triggers, morays, puffers... the list goes on.

GoldenFusion's got a point, though - most people don't know much about fish, and they'll always go for the biggest or the most ferocious. Piranhas, for example, aren't even close to being the most aggressive fish.

That being said, I think maroon clownfish are amazing. They're not boring at all, and they're the only clownfish I'd call truly beautiful. I'd definitely consider getting a pair of maroons for my new tank. They're tough, and I love that about them - they can hold their own in a fight.

My new tank's going to be all about the predators of the reef, not the prey. It'll have inverts and corals, so it's not a complete departure from the "standard" reef setup, but it's going to be way more exciting. I'm done with "prey pets" - it's time for some kick-ass fish.

I'm all for predator tanks, but let's be real, prey fish are only prey because most people set up their tanks like a barren wasteland - no cover, no shelter. Clownfish, for example, aren't usually prey if they're kept with what protects them, like anemones. I mean, I've seen a 75-gallon chromis tank at my LFS with about 30 chromis, and some genius added a full-size lionfish that was used to feeding on goldfish. The lionfish moved in on the chromis, got scared, and ran away when they bunched up.

Those popular fish - clownfish, chromis, etc. - they're popular for a reason. They're easy to care for, cheap, small, cute or cool, reef-safe, and easy to feed.

I'm quite fond of my Tomato clowns, they've been a pleasant change from my previous clownfish experiences. However, at the end of the day, they're still clowns.

When it comes to choosing fish, I think it's essential to pick them based on your personal preference, rather than their popularity. You shouldn't let the fear of being seen as 'mainstream' dictate your decisions. It's not about being a fish connoisseur or a rebel, it's about enjoying the hobby for what it is.

I'd have to agree with some of you, when I'm at my LFS, there's always kids with their parents watching the clownfish and screaming "Look mom, it's Nemo!" - it's actually kind of cute, seeing them get excited about the hobby. As long as they can provide a proper environment for the fish, I'm all for it. What gets me is when people buy fish just because their kids want them, and then they stick a clownfish in a bowl - that's just not right. Anyway, back on topic, I don't think clownfish are the icon of the hobby, but they're definitely one of the most recognizable saltwater fish to non-hobbyists. I personally think every tank needs at least a pair of clowns - I love them. But I also agree, there are many other amazing fish out there that I'd choose over clowns.

I'm not one to shy away from popular fish, my current tank is proof of that.

My upcoming setup, a 77 gallon on top and a 55 gallon on the bottom, will be a semi-predator reef on top and a macroalgae planted tank below, serving as a refugium. I've always been drawn to predators and the unusual, it's just my thing.

My partner and I have a soft spot for clownfish, they're actually what sparked our interest in getting a marine tank next year. We're planning on getting a few more fish, but we're still in the process of deciding which ones.