Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons 
Care Level: Easy 
Temperament: Peaceful 
Reef Compatible: Yes 
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 
Max. Size: 3½" 
Color Form: Black, Orange, White 
Diet: Omnivore 
Compatibility: View Chart 
Origin: Tank Bred, Tank Bred - Asia, Tank Bred - USA 
Family: Pomacentridae 

The Ocellaris Clownfish may be one of the aquarium industry's most popular marine fish. Its beautiful orange body dressed with white bands outlined in black instantly distinguishes the Ocellaris Clownfish. This member of the Pomacentridae family is an excellent addition to almost any saltwater aquarium system. What makes this specific variety even more appealing to aquarists is the fact that each Ocellaris Clownfish is tank-bred to help protect the fragile reef environments of the world.

The Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish has other unique advantages over wild-caught species. For one, the Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish is very hardy and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike. The Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish can also be kept with a variety of other tank-bred clownfish, if introduced into the aquarium at the same time.

The Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish is also easy to breed in the home aquarium. The females will be the largest of the pair and the two fish will usually stay close to each other in the aquarium. The Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish is an egg layer and will deposit the eggs on a flat surface and defend the eggs from other tankmates. The eggs will normally hatch in 6-11 days depending on the water temperature. The fry must be reared in a separate aquarium on a diet of rotifers followed by baby brine shrimp.

The Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish is also known as the False Percula Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle. This fish is sometimes sold as the Percula Clown, even though it is not. The color pattern is very similar, but it is not as bright orange. The Tank-Bred Ocellaris is usually significantly lighter in coloration and is often missing one or more stripes. It may also have non-symmetrical stripes on the sides of its body, making the Tank-Bred Ocellaris Clownfish unusual and appealing to most hobbyists. The coloration of these fish will darken to a nice solid orange with age.

This Clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will accept most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.

Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris (Cuvier, 1830)

Other Common Names: False Clown Anemonefish.

Identification: Normally bright orange with three white bars, the middle one with forward-projecting bulge; bars have narrow black margins.
 

Distribtution: Eastern Indian Ocean and Western Pacific.

Average Size: To 3.5 inches.

Habitat: Provide with plenty of hiding places and live rock growth for grazing on.

Minimum Tank Size Suggested: 20 gallons

Reef Tank Suitability: Excellent fish for a reef tank environment.

Preferred Host Anemone Species: Heteractis magnifica(magnificent sea anemone or Ritteri Anemone); Stichodactyla gigantea(giant carpet anemone); S. mertensii(The Merten's carpet sea anemone). This fish also does fine without a host anemone.

Characteristics & Compatibility: Gets along well with most other species, including other Clownfish.

Diet & Feeding: An omnivore 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. Feed 2 to 3 times per day.