Description
Name: Amphiprion ocellaris
Difficulty: Easy
Max Size: 5cm
Origin: Indo-Pacific
pH: 8.1-8.5
Temperature: 21-26°C
Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres
The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Percula Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle, is found associating with anemones throughout the Indo-Pacific. It can attain a length of 3.2″ (8 cm) in the wild, but aquarium specimens rarely exceed 2″ (5 cm) unless they are imported large. 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 black outlines on the white stripes are also thinner on the Ocellaris Clown when compared to the Percula. The advantage of the Ocellaris is that it is much hardier.
It is a long-lived clownfish that is excellent for the beginner hobbyist. It does best in the presence of anemones such as Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea. Like the related damselfish, it is well-suited for all but the most predatory tanks.
Although there are no external characteristics to differentiate male and female, all clownfish are sexually immature when hatched. Meaning that the fry do not have a pre-determined sex, and develop into males and females depending on the hierarchy of the school. A pair will lay eggs along the base of the host anemone, using it to protect the eggs. The eggs normally appear orange in color. Without proper preparation, rearing in the average aquarium is nearly impossible.
This clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will take most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.
The diet of fish such as clownfish, chromis and damsels should consist of a variety of meaty protein rich foods such as Frozen Hikari Mysis Shrimp and Spirulina Brineshrimp as well as high quality dry foods such as Hikari Marine S or Marine A. It is best to feed several small meals several times throughout the day.
