How to Draw a Clownfish

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: June 16, 2023

Clownfish are a colorful and instantly recognizable tropical fish, which makes them an excellent option for a little artistic project. These orange fish are a fun and relatively easy animal to draw, so break out your art supplies and get ready to flex your creative muscles. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to draw an elegant clownfish.

1

Draw the body and tail.

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Give the tail a little bit of an angle around the top and bottom.

2

Add the eye.

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This will help you get a better idea of the overall look of your fish.

3

Craft the fins.

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If it helps, add a few lines to show where the gill would be (you can’t really see it in a finished picture), and where the tail begins.

4

Sketch out the pattern.

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Decide what type of pattern your clownfish will have, and draw it in.

5

Add the mouth.

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It is close to the “chin” on the fish’s head.

6

Give the fish some detail.

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Use different wrist movements and strokes to give your drawing some variation.

7

Color your clownfish.

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While the orange and white pattern is probably the first thing you think of, clownfish come in a wide variety of colors, from bright yellow to almost black.

8

Add some shading (optional).

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This will give your fish a more dynamic look.

9

Flesh out the background and details (optional).

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Bubbles, aquatic plants, and even other fish can all work well.

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Question

What tool do you use to make the clownfish so shiny and realistic?

Community Answer

Shading. Just have a look at how to shade and practice it. Shading gives drawing a realistic edge.

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Question

How do I do all the defined details?

Community Answer

Be patient with yourself and make sure you have plenty of time prepared so you have time to add all the details. Search the internet for a reference picture and make sure to sharpen your pencils and colored pencils.

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I can't seem to get a nice look after I refine the lines. Any advice?

Community Answer

Try using a smaller eraser. If you have a small one, it's easier to get in between lines that are closer to each other.

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Tips

If you want a unique drawing of a clownfish, try looking at pictures of the different species. The patterns and colors vary from species to species, and sometimes even from fish to fish. Be creative!

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A pencil outline of a clownfish makes a great picture for kids to color.

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When drawing fins, keep in mind these tips:
- Fins look more realistic when they appear somewhat rough.
- Some clownfish have spines in their fins. This creates a webbed look, which is both unique and artistic.
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