Description

The Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris), often called the false percula clownfish or simply the common clownfish, is one of the most popular and iconic saltwater aquarium fish, known for its striking orange, white, and black coloration and its role in the film Finding Nemo.

🔶 Description

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris
• Common Names: Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish, Common Clownfish
• Size: Up to 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm)
• Coloration: Bright orange body with three white vertical bands outlined in black. There are also black and albino varieties.
• Lifespan: 6–10 years in captivity (longer with excellent care)
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive, especially when defending a territory or during breeding
• Reef Safe: Yes

🐠 Habitat and Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a pair, though larger is always better
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
  • pH: 8.0–8.4
  • Salinity: 1.020–1.025 specific gravity
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Aquascape:
  • Live rock for biological filtration and hiding spots
  • Open swimming space
• Lighting: Moderate to high, especially if housing anemones

🍽️ Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Foods:
  • High-quality marine flakes and pellets
  • Frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
  • Chopped seafood
  • Occasional algae or spirulina-based food
• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts

🤝 Tank Mates

• Compatible with:
  • Other peaceful community fish (e.g., gobies, blennies, firefish)
  • Other clownfish (only if introduced as a mated pair)
• Avoid:
  • Large aggressive fish (e.g., lionfish, groupers)
  • Other clownfish species unless tank is large

🌿 Symbiosis with Anemones

• Anemone Host Compatibility:
  • Ocellaris clownfish do not require anemones to thrive
  • If kept, they commonly host:
    • Heteractis magnifica (Magnificent sea anemone)
    • Stichodactyla gigantea (Giant carpet anemone)
  • Hosting is not guaranteed in captivity
• Caution: Anemones require high lighting and stable water conditions—recommended only for experienced aquarists

🧬 Breeding

• Breeding Level: Moderate
• Mating Behavior:
  • Ocellaris clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites (all start as males; dominant one becomes female)
  • They form monogamous pairs and lay eggs on flat surfaces
• Care: Parents guard and aerate eggs; fry need separate rearing tank and specialized food (rotifers, baby brine shrimp)

✅ Summary of Care Tips