How to Draw a Clownfish (Easy Step by Step)
A clownfish is a cheerful drawing made almost entirely of ovals, curves, and wiggly lines. You start with one big oval for the body, add a fan-shaped tail, a top fin and a bottom fin, then finish with wavy stripes and floating bubbles. It is a great first sea animal because every part is simple and forgiving.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a clownfish step by step
How to Draw a Clownfish · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch this oval. It only shows where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase it at the end.
Step 2: The body
Draw a big, wide oval in the middle of your page, like a lying-down egg. Leave a small gap on the right side, because the tail will join there.
Step 3: The tail
Starting at the gap on the right side of the body, draw a tail that spreads out like a fan. Make the far end wavy with a little notch in the middle, then bring the line back to the body.
Step 4: Fins and a curved line
On top of the body, draw a half circle like a little hill for the top fin. From the hill, draw a long curvy line down across the body to the belly. Then add a small rounded flap under the belly for the bottom fin.
Step 5: Eye and smile
Near the left end of the body, draw a small filled dot for the eye. Under it, add a short curvy line for a happy smile.
Step 6: First wavy stripes
Draw two wiggly lines that start at the top edge of the body and curve down to the bottom edge, one beside the other. Put them just behind the eye.
Step 7: More wavy stripes
Add three more wavy lines from the top of the body to the bottom, next to the first two. Try to keep the gaps between the stripes about the same size.
Step 8: Tail lines
Inside the tail, draw a short straight line going sideways toward the body. At its left end, add two short slanted lines that make an arrowhead pointing at the body.
Step 9: Bubbles
Above and to the left of the fish, draw two circles floating up. Make one small and one a little bigger.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your clownfish? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a sea turtle or how to draw a dolphin next.
Tips for drawing a clownfish
- The wavy stripes are the trickiest part. Draw each one in a single slow, relaxed motion from top to bottom instead of stopping and starting.
- Let the stripes touch the outline of the body at both ends so they look like they wrap around the fish.
- Draw the tail fan a little bigger than you think you need. Then the arrow lines inside have plenty of room.
Free clownfish coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this clownfish coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your clownfish drawing
Color the body orange and leave every other stripe white for a classic clownfish look. For a creative twist, make a rainbow clownfish with a different color in each stripe, and color the bubbles light blue.
Clownfish fun fact for kids
Clownfish live safely among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. A special coating on their skin protects them, and in return they help keep the anemone clean.
Questions about drawing a clownfish
What shapes do I need to draw a clownfish?
You need one big oval for the body, a half circle for the top fin, and a fan shape with a wavy end for the tail. Wavy lines make the stripes and two small circles make the bubbles.
How do I make my clownfish look cuter?
Make the eye a big, round dot and add a curvy smile right beneath it. A chubby, round body also makes the fish look friendlier.
How do I draw wavy stripes that look even?
Draw the first stripe, then copy its curve for the next one, leaving a gap about as wide as your thumb. They do not need to match perfectly, since small wobbles make the fish look lively.
