Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris

Alt Scientific Name:

Common Name: Ocellaris Clownfish

Alt Common Name: False Percula Clownfish, False Percula, False Clown, False Clownfish, Percula Clownfish, Nemo Fish

Group: Damselfish (Damsels/Clownfish)

Family: Pomacentridae

Distribution: Indo-Pacific

Adult Size: 3 inches (7.6cm)

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Temperament: Generally peaceful but will fight with other species of clown fish.

Care Difficulty: 3/10

Reef Safety Score : 3/3

Temperature Range: 75°F - 79°F

pH Range: 8.1 - 8.4

Salinity Range (specific gravity): 1.022 - 1.028

Diet Information: Omnivorous - usually accepts flake or pellet foods but also should recieve meaty foods such as mysis and enriched brine.

Additional Information :

Probably the most recognized marine fish, the false percula clown is often the fish that draws new people into saltwater aquariums. This species has a symbiotic relationship with anemones. In nature neither the clownfish or the anemone would live long without one another. In aquariums, this relationship is not generally needed because of a lack of predators for both clowns and anemones.

The occelaris clownfish is an excellent species for beginners because it is generally hearty and undemanding.

Tank Mate Compatibility : Most other non aggresive fish should be fine. Do NOT mix with any other clownfish species.

Breeding Information: Ocellaris clownfish are one of the easiest to breed saltwater fish. Once a pair is formed, breeding should take place in a host anemone or a surrogate host such as a coral or even a small cave.

Determining Sex: Ocellaris clownfish are born asexual and the most dominant fish in a group will become a female. The other fish will become males. The females are larger, more colorful and more dominant. If the female clownfish died or is removed from the aquarium, one of the males will take over the dominant role and become a female.

Primary Area in Tank: All over