If you are wondering how long do clownfish live, there are a couple of factors that go into it. From genetic factors to environmental ones, there are a few aspects that determine the lifespan of clownfish. If cared for properly, the average lifespan of clownfish is hard to pin down but in my 36 years as a hobbyist and business owner at Aquarium Specialty we have had several clownfish live for 10 years or more with one fish living in a store display tank for about 17 years before we lost her.