Description

The Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is one of the most iconic and beginner-friendly marine fish, popularized by movies like Finding Nemo. Hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe, it’s often the first saltwater fish for new hobbyists.

🐠 Ocellaris Clownfish Description:

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris

• Common Names: Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish, Common Clownfish, “Nemo”

• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Australia, Southeast Asia); widely captive-bred

• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)

• Coloration: Orange body with three white vertical bands outlined in black; captive-bred varieties include black, snowflake, gladiator, picasso, and mocha morphs

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive (can be territorial when paired or hosting)

• Lifespan: 6–10 years, sometimes longer in captivity

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger for pairs or community setups)

• Water Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Aquascape: Live rock for territory; anemone optional (not required)

🍤 Diet:

• Omnivorous – Accepts a wide variety of foods:

  • Marine flakes and pellets

  • Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

  • Finely chopped seafood

  • Occasional algae-based foods or spirulina

Feed 1–2 times per day; avoid overfeeding.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes – does not harm corals or inverts

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish

  • Can be territorial with other clownfish or similar-shaped species

  • Best kept singly or as a mated pair

  • Avoid mixing with other clownfish species unless tank is very large

💡 Care Tips:

• Captive-bred varieties are hardier and better suited to aquariums

• Will often host anemones, but it’s not necessary – they may adopt corals, powerheads, or even rocks instead

• Extremely hardy once acclimated; tolerate minor water parameter swings better than many saltwater fish

• Females are larger and dominant; any two juveniles will form a hierarchy, with one becoming female

📝 Summary: