I at the moment have a percula. I assume it is one.. cause he is orange with large white bands... that are trimmed with black, and black fins and a tail. This is my second one that I have kept. My first one lived for 5 years.. I am not sure how old he was when I got him.
I have kept my clowns in a 33g tank, and like mentioned they swim to be active swimmers in larger tanks. The ones I see at the pet stores in smaller tanks seem to stay in one spot. Clown fish are I find amusing fish to watch as they interact with other tank mates. Both of mine have been clever enough to cruise the tank and look for the hermit crabs. They know that where there are hermits.. there is bound to be some left over food.. so they steal it from them.
My clownfish book mentions that a clown can live to be 15 years old. You may find that if you clown lasts as long as that are even as long as my first one.. that a small tank may get "boring" after awhile. If I had the space I would actually keep a larger tank than my 33g. A larger tank allows for my fish.. but also for my places to build up a reef and keep more coral.
My thought for you is.. perhaps try a 20g if you want a smaller tank.. try to keep coral if you have the right lighting or an anemone.. which can be as fascinating as the fish itself I think.
Clown fish are a pleasure to have and watch.. so whatever you decide to do.. I hope you enjoy your tank.. and not sigh like me and wish you had just bought the 50g when you had the chance!
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