Best Clownfish Tank Mates for 10, 20, and 30 Gallon Tank

What are the best clownfish tank mates for your reef tank? If you are looking for the answer to this question, look no further because, in this article, I will cover all the fish that can live and are compatible with clownfish.

Before I got into the hobby, I made sure that I did my research. Always start with a larger tank if you could; the common saying was. It’s better for maintaining stable water parameters, and you can keep different types of fish and corals. 

Unfortunately, my space and means were limited, so I started with a 20-gallon tank. It’s not a large tank but large enough to keep a couple of fish.

I started with a pair of clownfish like many beginners do. My initial plan was to keep a maximum of four fish in that tank, but at that time, my local fish store didn’t have much in stock, so I decided to wait.

A year later, I still have just two clownfish. However, I plan to add two more fish soon. I did the research, and this guide will serve me, and hopefully you, as a reference for what fish are compatible with clownfish.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Note: These fish are compatible with clownfish, but whether you can keep them or not will depend on the size of your tank. Some of these fish require larger tanks, and you can’t keep them in nano. Look into the FAQ section to find the most suitable clownfish tankmates for 10, 20, and 30-gallon tanks.

What fish can live with clownfish?

Clownfish can live with different variates of saltwater fish such as gobies, cardinals, dragonets, and tangs.

Here are some of the most popular clownfish tankmates listed in no particular order.

Banggai Cardinalfish

The Banggai cardinalfish is a small tropical fish that is very popular in the saltwater aquarium hobby. It is endemic to the Banggai Islands of Indonesia.

In the wild, Banggai cardinalfish has a small population and are considered endangered. Luckily, they are easily bred in captivity.

The Banggai cardinalfish can be kept in a 20-gallon or larger tank and is compatible with clownfish.

Mandarin Dragonet

The mandarin dragonet is one of the most beautiful fish you will encounter in the saltwater aquarium hobby.

However, these fish are not recommended for beginners because they require an established tank with a large population of pods.

In theory, they are compatible with clownfish assuming you provide them with the required conditions.

Firefish

The Firefish, also known as a Fire Goby or Fire Dartfish, is a small tropical fish with a unique body structure and intriguing personality. It is one of the most popular saltwater fish in the hobby.

These fish require at least a 20-gallon tank and are compatible with clownfish. Make sure you introduce them first in the tank, or clownfish may be aggressive towards them.

Neon Goby

The Neon Goby is a popular small saltwater fish that can be kept in nano tanks. It’s a peaceful and hardy fish making it ideal for most reef tanks. The Neon Goby is compatible with clownfish.

Royal Gramma

The Royal Gramma is a beautiful saltwater fish that can bring color to your reef tank. It can be aggressive toward its species but peaceful with other saltwater fish.

This fish can be an excellent tank mate to a clownfish, assuming the appropriate tank size is provided.

Yellow Tang

The Yellow Tang is one of the most iconic saltwater aquarium fish. It can be found in the Pacific Ocean, where it inhabits shallow waters from 2 to 46 meters.

The Yellow Tang is compatible with clownfish but can only be kept in large tanks. It requires at least a 100-gallon tank.

FAQ

What are the best clownfish tank mates for a 10-gallon tank?

A 10-gallon tank is small, even for a pair of clownfish. You can keep two juvenile clownfish in a 10-gallon tank and upgrade when they grow bigger.

What are the best clownfish tank mates for a 20-gallon tank?

Clownfish can live with small gobies, cardinals, and blennies in a 20-gallon tank. You can keep a maximum of 4 fish in that water volume.

What are the best clownfish tank mates for a 30-gallon tank?

Clownfish can live with gobies, mandarin fish, wrasses, and other smaller fish in 30-gallon tanks.

Final Thoughts

There you have it; a list of fish that can live with clownfish. Choosing suitable clownfish tank mates is essential for the success of your tank.

Failing to combine the right fish may cause you to lose interest in the hobby. Take your time and plan your aquarium stocking list well, whether it is a 20, 30 gallon, or larger tank.

Nothing good happens when you rush things out, especially in this hobby.

Before you leave, I’d like to know. What is your ideal tank mate for a clownfish? Let me know in the comment section below.