All species
Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Photo: Ritiks · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
75 L
Temperature
24–27 °C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
8 cm
Group size
2+
Will it fit your tank?

Sign in and AquaLog compares Ocellaris clownfish against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.

Sign in to check my tanks
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
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
75 L
Aggression
Only defends its host or a small patch of rock.
Feeding
Twice daily, small portions.
Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
75 L
Temperature
24–27 °C
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 gramma
Firefish
Cleaner shrimp
Yellow watchman goby
Avoid
Other clownfish species
Large groupers
Lionfish
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
Brooklynella
Marine ich
Bacterial fin erosion

Similar species