Ocellaris clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris · Pomacentridae
Also known as False percula, Nemo
Beginner
The default first marine fish: hardy, captive-bred everywhere, and it pairs off in a small tank.
In short: An ocellaris clownfish needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 24–27 °C (75–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, kept in pairs or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 8 cm (3.1 in)
- Group size
- 2+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Safe with all corals; may host in a euphyllia or carpet anemone.
- With inverts
- Safe with shrimp, snails and crabs.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Aggression
- Only defends its host or a small patch of rock.
- Feeding
- Twice daily, small portions.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 6–15 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — marine pellets, frozen mysis and enriched brine.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific, Andaman Sea to Indonesia
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Sheltered lagoons and reef flats around host anemones
- Natural conditions
- Warm, stable reef water with moderate flow.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 2 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Royal grammaFirefishCleaner shrimpYellow watchman goby
- Avoid
- Other clownfish speciesLarge groupersLionfish
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Largest of the pair turns female; hierarchy decides sex.
- Notes
- Bonded pairs lay on flat rock or tile; rearing needs rotifers and a dedicated larval tank.
- Common ailments
- BrooklynellaMarine ichBacterial fin erosion
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