Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

Variant 1: Black and White (Juvenile)

Also known as: Ocellaris Clownfish, Clownfish
Maximum size: 3.5 inches
Minimum tank size (as adult): 20 Gallons
Temperament:  peaceful
Reef safe with corals: yes
Reef safe with crustaceans: yes
Reef safe with small fish: yes
Water quality sensitivity: low
Feeding difficulty:  low
Currently available aqua cultured: yes

Description:
These brightly colored fish are probably the most popular saltwater fish species on the market, mainly  because of the Disney movie Finding Nemo. Ocellaris Clownfish are usually orange, white and black in coloration and differ from True Percula clownfish by the thickness of the black stripes. The black stripes on an Ocellaris Clownfish are thin, whereas on a True Percula Clownfish, thick black stripes sometimes take up large parts of the body. Clownfish are an anemone fish, ie. they will host (live) in an anemone. However, clownfish do not require an anemone to thrive, and there have been many reports of successful breeding without an anemone. Clownfish are very easy to feed and will eat just about any food that is put in your tank.

Clownfish are often purchased in pairs, with the intention of the pair becoming ‘mated’. Clownfish are asexual in their juvenile stage, and can become male or female depending on many factors. If you purchase a pair of juvenile Clownfish, you may notice that one will start to harass and chase the other. This is normal in most cases, and the ‘chaser’ will soon grow larger and become female, with the ‘chasee’ becoming male.

Overall, Clownfish are a great addition to any new or established marine tank.