Ocellaris Clownfish Care Sheet

Caring for the Clowns

Clownfish are one of the quintessential fish pictured when one mentions having a saltwater tank and understandably so! From their comical swimming (from which they derive their name) to their outgoing personality, clownfish are truly an aquarium member that quickly find themselves as part of the family. Their popularity has only soared since Nemo made his debut over 10 Years ago and his return this summer is sure to inspire a new wave of young aquarists. The good news is that beginning with a clownfish is a great choice for a budding aquarist as they are hardy fish (especially captive bred individuals) that can make themselves at home in a wide array of settings.

But before you rush out to find your own Nemo, it is important to understand what he needs to be happy & healthy within his aquatic abode. Otherwise, you might find yourself becoming the next Disney villain!
 

There are several different species of clownfish (sometimes referred to as anenome fish) available within the aquarium trade. This particular care sheet will be focusing on the common clownfish or False Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris).

Physical Features

• Size: 3 - 4 Inches (7.5 - 10 cm) Females are larger than males.
• Lifespan: Generally 3 - 6 years, but this number is typically attributed to poor husbandry and upkeep. Many aquarists report their clownfish living 10 years or longer. Some have even reported clownfish living 20+ years in captivity!
• Physical Description: Clownfish can be found in a wide variety of patterns and colors. The most traditional appearance is a bright orange body with three white vertical stripes edged with black.Each fin also has a black line surrounding its tips. However there is now a wide diversity of variations found among the ocellaris species of clownfish. Ranging from solid black and white to the inclusion of spots or less defined white bars, the ocellaris clownfish now have a wide array of diverse appearances to appeal to seeking a fish beyond the traditional look.

Behavioral Characteristics 

• Semi-Aggressive: While considered to be one of the more peaceful species of clownfish, they are still classified as semi-aggressive due to their tendency to defend their turf. Especially when eggs are present.
• Reef Safe: Ocellaris Clownfish are considered to be reef safe as they traditionally leave corals alone and find themselves at home among a host.
• Hosting: One of the most iconic scenes within a saltwater landscape is a clownfish hosting within an anemone. Clownfish form a symbiotic relationship with anemones as they are one of the few fish immune to the anemone’s stinging nematocysts. Once a clownfish as selected a host, it won’t venture more than a few inches from its new home. Clownfish have also been known to take up residence within corals including certain Large Polyped Stony Corals (LPS) and hairy mushroom corals. However, it should be noted that these fish will also do just fine without any type of hosting options. Make sure to include suitable hiding locations with live rock.
• Mating: Ocellaris Clownfish are born with no identified sex as they can switch genders given different social conditions. As juveniles, under certain social conditions, the fish will develop into males. However when an opportunity arises, the dominant fish will become female. Should something happen to the dominant female, another more dominant male can change genders to take over her position. Had Disney followed what truly happens, Nemo would have been an entirely different story.
  

Some clownfish choose hosts other than anemones such as torch corals.

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Size: 10 gallons for a single fish with 20 gallons being preferred for paired fish
• Temperature Range: 79 - 83 F (26 - 28 C)
• pH Range: 7.8 - 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.023 - 1.026
• Light Demands: No special light requirements. However if you are choosing to keep a clownfish to host with an anemone or LPS, please researching the lighting requirements necessary for the health of the anemone or coral.
• Live Rock: Make sure to include necessary live rock recommended for our tank’s size and filtration needs. Include hiding places for your fish, especially if you will not have any previously mentioned hosting locations.
• Tank Mates: Clownfish are suitable for either Reef Tanks or FOWL (Fish Only With Live Rock) Aquaria. Clownfish can be kept with an array of different fish species. They can be kept with peaceful fish (i.e. wrasses & gobies) and some semi-aggressive fish such as dwarf angelfish & tangs. However, close observation is need to insure that the semi-aggressive fish do not begin to harass the clownfish. Aggressive fish pose a threat to clownfish and should not be attempted unless you have large aquariums with anemones to provide protection for the clownfish. Again careful observation will be necessary to insure the safety of the clownfish.

Feeding Requirments

• Food Selection: Clownfish are omnivores meaning they enjoy both meat and plant meals. Dining selections can include: Mysis Shrimp, Algae, Brine Shrimp, Spirulina, Flake or Pellet.
• Feeding Frequency: Adults 2 small meals daily. Juveniles 3 to 4 small meals daily.