Amphiprion ocellaris

Datasheet

General Description

The Ocellaris Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion ocellaris, is highly coveted in the aquarium trade due to its striking appearance. Sporting a vibrant orange body adorned with white bands outlined in black, this species is a visually captivating addition to marine tanks. There are variations within the species including the Ocellaris Misbar which displays broken or unconnected bars, and the Extreme Misbar with minimal bars, possibly on just one side.

Aquarium Suitability

Known for its hardiness and adaptability to a wide range of aquarium conditions, the Ocellaris Clownfish is a popular choice among both novice and experienced aquarists. It can coexist with various clownfish species when introduced simultaneously, offering versatility in community tank setups.

Care and Hardiness

This Clownfish species is recognized for being easy to care for, making it an ideal option for aquarists of all skill levels. Its resilience to fluctuations in water parameters commonly found in home aquariums contributes to its overall appeal.

Reef Suitability

The Ocellaris Clownfish is considered reef-compatible, enabling aquarists to include it in reef tank setups without concerns of it posing a threat to coral or other inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

A minimum tank size of 75 litres is recommended for housing the Ocellaris Clownfish. Maintaining water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 is crucial for its well-being.

Behaviour

Exhibiting semi-aggressive behavior, the Ocellaris Clownfish may display territorial tendencies, especially towards similar species. However, they are generally amicable towards tankmates within a compatible community setup.

Feeding and Diet

As an omnivorous species, the Ocellaris Clownfish has a robust appetite, readily consuming various meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations. Ensuring a well-rounded diet is essential for its nutritional needs.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

In terms of dimorphism, female Ocellaris Clownfish tend to be larger than males. These fish are relatively easy to breed in a home aquarium, with the female depositing eggs on a flat surface and diligently defending them. Hatching typically occurs within 6-11 days, depending on water temperature, followed by rearing the fry separately on a diet of rotifers and baby brine shrimp.

Habitat and Distribution

Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, the Ocellaris Clownfish is found in tropical waters characterized by coral reefs. Its natural habitat consists of sheltered lagoons and shallow reefs, where it forms symbiotic relationships with sea anemones.