They were popularised by the feature film Finding Nemo whose cinema release provoked a surge in their worldwide sales.

Now an East Sussex aquarium has taken delivery of 20 baby clown fish which are proving one of its most popular attractions.

Fascinated by their exposure in the movie, scores of children have visited Underwater World in Rock-A-Nore Road, Old Town, Hastings.

The clown fish, measuring just 0.5in, were bred in a garden shed in Eastbourne which has been transformed into a tropical fish breeding unit by Underwater World aquarist Alex Shepherd.

Mr Shepherd, 22, bred more than 400 clown fish in his 8ft by 10ft shed, saying their decline globally meant captive breeding was vital to avoid them dying out.

The rest of them are to be donated to public aquariums and shops across the country.

Clown fish are normally native to Australia's coral reefs. However, the rapid fall in these environments means the existence of clown fish is becoming threatened.

Mr Shepherd, who has bred tropical fish for three years, said: "Captive breeding of these animals is very important. This is one way we can ensure their survival."

The impact on clown fish sales since Finding Nemo's release has been marked. Tropical fish dealers have reported an 80 per cent increase in demand.

They breed all through the summer and have just a 21-day gestation period. When fully formed they grow to more than 2in and feed on plankton and crustaceans.

However, experts warn caring for them is timely and expensive, with rudimentary aquarium equipment costing more than £1,000.

Underwater World attractions manager Trevor White said: "Children come in with their parents and ask Have you got any Nemos?' We're really pleased to have these clown fish with us." THEY were popularised by the feature film Finding Nemo whose cinema release provoked a surge in their worldwide sales.

Now an East Sussex aquarium has taken delivery of 20 baby clown fish which are proving one of its most popular attractions. Fascinated by their exposure in the movie, scores of children have visited Underwater World in Rock-A-Nore Road, Old Town, Hastings.

The clown fish, measuring just 0.5in, were bred in a garden shed in Eastbourne which has been transformed into a tropical fish breeding unit by Underwater World aquarist Alex Shepherd.

Mr Shepherd, 22, bred more than 400 clown fish in his 8ft by 10ft shed, saying their decline globally meant captive breeding was vital to avoid them dying out.

The rest of them are to be donated to public aquariums and shops across the country.

Clown fish are normally native to Australia's coral reefs. However, the rapid fall in these environments means the existence of clown fish is becoming threatened.

Mr Shepherd, who has bred tropical fish for three years, said: "Captive breeding of these animals is very important. This is one way we can ensure their survival."

The impact on clown fish sales since Finding Nemo's release has been marked. Tropical fish dealers have reported an 80 per cent increase in demand.

They breed all through the summer and have just a 21-day gestation period. When fully formed they grow to more than 2in and feed on plankton and crustaceans.

However, experts warn caring for them is timely and expensive, with rudimentary aquarium equipment costing more than £1,000.

Underwater World attractions manager Trevor White said: "Children come in with their parents and ask Have you got any Nemos?' We're really pleased to have these clown fish with us."