This clownfish craft is a bright, simple ocean activity for preschoolers and kindergartners. Kids cut out the orange body, fins, three white stripes and an eye, then follow the picture directions to glue their fish together.
No reading required, so even little ones can work through it on their own. It’s a great fit for an ocean unit or a quiet table activity.
How to Make the Clownfish Cut and Paste Craft
Clownfish Cut and Paste Craft printable
Get the printableScissors
Glue stick
Crayons or markers (for the black and white version)
Cardstock (optional, for a sturdier clownfish)
Print the template
Print the color template, or the black and white one if your kids want to color their own clownfish.
Color the pieces
If you’re using the black and white version, let kids color the pieces before they cut. Orange with white stripes is classic, but rainbow clownfish are welcome too.
Cut out the pieces
Kids cut out each piece. Younger kids can cut loosely around the shapes, or you can pre-cut the trickiest parts.
Follow the picture directions
Use the 8-step picture directions to glue the clownfish together one piece at a time. Each step has a picture, so kids who can’t read yet can follow along on their own.
Write about it
Finish with the writing pages: “I like clownfish because…” and “Clownfish are special because…” Little ones can dictate while you write.
✂️ For new cutters
Draw a thick line around each shape for kids to follow, and remind them to turn the paper, not the scissors. Afterward, mix up the 8 sequencing cards and have kids put the steps back in order.
Clownfish Facts for Kids
Pair the craft with a few fun facts:
- Clownfish live in sea anemones. The anemone’s stinging tentacles keep predators away, and a slimy coat of mucus keeps the clownfish from getting stung.
- They help each other. The clownfish keeps the anemone clean, and the anemone gives the clownfish a safe home.
- All clownfish start out as boys. The biggest fish in a group can change into a female.
- They live on warm coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- They stay close to home and rarely swim far from their anemone.
More ocean cut and paste crafts
Get the whole set →
Doing a whole ocean unit? The Ocean Cut and Paste Crafts Bundle has every ocean animal in this series for less than buying them one at a time.
Want to go deeper? The clownfish animal study pairs a real photo with kid-friendly facts and simple writing practice.
Clownfish craft includes
- Craft template in color and black and white
- Supply list
- Step-by-step picture directions
- 8 sequencing cards
- 2 writing pages
- Instant PDF download, nothing is shipped
Perfect for
- Ocean and summer units
- Preschool and kindergarten
- Fine motor centers
- Special education and OT
- Homeschool
Clownfish Craft FAQ
It’s made for preschool through first grade, about ages 3 to 6. Younger kids may need help cutting.
No. The directions are all pictures, so non-readers can follow each step.
Yes. The template comes in color and black and white, so kids can color their own clownfish.
A slimy layer of mucus on their skin protects them from the anemone’s stinging tentacles.
Kids cut out the body, fins, three white stripes and an eye, then glue them together in 8 picture steps.
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