Ocellaris Clownfish

Care at a glance

Overview

A hardy, easygoing fish that is a great choice for a first saltwater tank. It stays in a small territory around its chosen host and rarely bothers other species, though it can be territorial toward other clownfish and will usually harass a second clown that is not its mate. Best kept singly or as a bonded pair. Accepts virtually all prepared, frozen, and live foods.

In the wild

Lives in warm, shallow coral reefs and lagoons across the Indo-Pacific, almost always nestled in a host anemone that shelters it from predators. The clownfish's protective slime coat lets it live unharmed among the anemone's stinging tentacles, and the two share a well known partnership. In the aquarium it will happily settle near a host anemone, certain corals, or even just a corner of the rockwork.

Good to know

All clownfish are born male and are sequential hermaphrodites (protandrous), meaning the largest and most dominant fish in a group becomes the female. If she dies, the top-ranking male changes sex to replace her. A. ocellaris is one of the most widely captive-bred marine fish, which is why tank-raised stock is so hardy and readily available.

Did you know

It does not need a live anemone to thrive in captivity and will often adopt a coral, a powerhead, or a patch of rock as a surrogate home instead.

Related species

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  Percula Clownfish

  Amphiprion percula

  3.1 in (8 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Barberi Clownfish

  Amphiprion barberi

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• 

  Pink Skunk Clownfish

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• 

  Skunk Clownfish

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• 

  Cinnamon Clownfish

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• 

  Saddleback Clownfish

  Amphiprion polymnus

  5.1 in (13 cm)40 gal (150 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)