Saapunut 29.10.2025

Ocellaris Clownfish — Amphiprion ocellaris

Hardy, reef-safe clownfish. Suits beginners and advanced keepers.

Quick facts

• Adult size: 7–9 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive

• Reef-safe: Yes

• Lifespan: 10–15 years

• Minimum tank: 75–100 l / 20–26 gal (pair)

Aquarium requirements

• Tank: 75 l for a single or bonded pair; larger for communities.

• Cover: Recommended to prevent jumping.

• Aquascape: Live rock with open swimming space and a sheltered nesting surface.

• Water: pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, temp 24–26 °C (75–79 °F), ammonia/nitrite 0, nitrate <20 ppm.

• Flow: Low to moderate.

Diet

• Frequency: 1–2 times daily.

• Foods: Quality marine pellets and flakes, enriched mysis and brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood; add vitamin and HUFA supplements periodically.

Social behavior

• Keeping: Best as a single or bonded pair. Avoid mixing multiple species or mature females.

• Hierarchy: Protandrous hermaphrodites. The dominant fish becomes female, the subordinate male.

• Tankmates: Peaceful community reef fish; avoid large aggressive species.

Anemone hosting

• Optional: Does not require an anemone.

• Natural hosts: Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea.

• Note: May “adopt” corals or equipment; persistent rubbing can irritate fleshy LPS.

Breeding notes

• Pairs spawn on a cleaned surface near their territory.

• Eggs hatch in ~6–10 days depending on temperature.

• Larvae require separate rearing with rotifers then Artemia nauplii.

Health and acclimation

• Quarantine: 2–4 weeks recommended; watch for Brooklynella in wild-caught fish.

• Acclimation: Slow drip acclimation and stable salinity/temperature.

• Hardiness: Captive-bred specimens adapt quickly and are preferred.