Amphiprion ocellaris
| Common Names: | False Clownfish False Percula Ocellaris Clownfish Percula Clownfish |
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| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Category: | Damselfish |
| Distribution: | Indo Pacific; East Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean, and North to Japan. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Reef; Are always found in a host anemone. If a clownfish is without an anemone, it will quickly be eaten by one of the various reef predators. |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; Ocellaris clowns have a great reputation in just about every type of reef system. Even in a group, the largest clown will become the only female. Rarely aggressive towards other marine fish, will bother other clownfish though, especially in smaller systems. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Should recieve meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine. Benefits from herbivorous preparations as well. Once acclimated tends to be an excellent eater, almost all will take flake or pellet foods. |
| Care: | One of the smaller clownfish, ocellaris clowns do great even in nano set ups. Does not require an anemone for successful aquarium life. Can be kept solo, in pairs, or in a group, though more than two should not be kept except in large aquariums. Clownfish tend to be very hardy, and this species is no exception. Though smaller specimens do not always transport well, they will typically thrive once given a final, stable home. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 8.9cm (3.5") Female: 8.9cm (3.5") |
| Water Region: | All |
| Activity: | NonSpecific |
| Gender: | Female is always the largest clown, all others will be males. If the female should die for any reason, the next largest male will become the new female. |
| Breeding: | Possible, but should be left to the more experienced aquarist. |
| Variants: | Numerous wild and captive-bred variants are available. There are fish which are missing a stripe, have no stripes, have incomplete stripes, are black with normal stripes, or have a shorter and higher-backed body. As this species continues to be bred in captivity, more variants will probably be created. |
| Comments: | Excellent beginner fish. Very hardy, especially the captive bred specimens available through numerous breeders. Will normally associate with Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea and S. mertensii anemones, though other anemones or even corals can be chosen as a host. This is one of the most common clownfish seen in aquarium stores, and certainly the most recognizable. Even non-aquarists are familiar with this fish, especially because of the movie "Finding Nemo". |
| Main Colours: | Orange, White, Black |
| Markings: | Striped Vertical |
| Mouth: | Normal |
| Tail: | Convex |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | terranova |
| Submitted By: | terranova |
| Contributors: | terranova, sirbooks, bettachris |
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