Ocellaris Clownfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful   • Maximum Size: 4"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 74-82° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Family: Pomacentridae   • Species: Clownfish   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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The Ocellaris Clownfish or False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a very popular species of clownfish within the aquarium hobby. It is very closely related to A. percula, the Orange Clownfish or "True Percula Clownfish", and shares many common attributes both physically and in their habits. Both species can be found cohabitating with the sea anemone Heteractis magnifica, using them for both shelter and protection.

Generally, Ocellaris clownfish are hardier, and slightly less aggressive than its Percula counterpart. Both species are found in coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the Fiji and Tonga regions.

Ocellaris Clownfish can be recognised by its orange colour with three white bars and black markings on the fins. They can be differentiated from True Percula Clownfish by the differences with their colors and patterns. Ocellaris are usually less vibrantly colored, and have 11 dorsal fin-spines instead of 10, as on the Percula. Also the species have different eye arrangements, Percula have bright orange irises, making their eyes appear smaller whereas Ocellaris have grey/orange irises which make the species eyes appear bigger.

There is a rare melanistic variety hailing from the reefs around Darwin, Australia, that is a dark black color with the normal white stripes. Although not common in the wild, they are becoming more and more popular in the aquarium hobby.

Ocellaris Clownfish prefer living with anemones including: Heteractis magnifica; Stichodactyla gigantea; S. mertensii; however, they will also do fine without a host anemone. They are true omnivores which should have a varied diet including meaty food items and algae. A high quality marine omnivore flake food with these items can supply adequate levels of these nutrients, they will also readily feed on brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and other similar preparations. Feed 2 to 3 times per day.