Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
False percula clownfish, Common clownfish, Ocellaris
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes and clownfishes)
Origin
Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, including northern Australia, South-East Asia and Japan; outer reef slopes and sheltered lagoons to 15 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
11 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
75 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank: a reef aquarium with rockwork. Tank: an estimated minimum of about 75 litres (our estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources), for a pair. In reef tanks it may host in bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) or adopt corals such as Euphyllia or xenia as substitutes. A host anemone is not essential in the aquarium; many captive-bred fish never use one, and anemones need a mature, well-lit system of their own. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep conditions stable with good filtration and regular water changes. The article notes it can tolerate brackish water down to 15‰ salinity, but full-strength seawater is the norm in aquaria. Behaviour: active by day and territorial around its host, living in a small social group with a size-based hierarchy. Captive-bred fish are generally peaceful community fish. Identification: bright orange (sometimes yellowish) with three white bands thinly edged in black and black-rimmed fins; specimens from northern Australia can be black. Very like A. percula but with thinner or no black edging and usually 11 dorsal spines. Females are larger than males. Trade: widely traded and easy to breed, so captive-bred fish dominate the hobby, including many designer colour forms. Not CITES-listed. The article cites an IUCN assessment without giving the category. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiprionocellaris). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Omnivorous: plankton such as copepods and other zooplankton, plus algae. In aquaria it takes flake, small pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and algae-based foods. Feed small amounts two or three times a day.

Breeding

Monogamous protandrous hermaphrodites: the dominant fish becomes female. The male prepares a nest site near the host and courts the female, who lays eggs over one to two hours; the male fertilises and guards them. Eggs hatch in about six to eight days depending on temperature. It breeds readily in aquaria and is used in research for that reason; larvae are reared on rotifers then baby brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. One of the most peaceful clownfish: suitable for community reef tanks with other peaceful fish. Keep one pair per tank; groups of unrelated juveniles will sort themselves out, sometimes violently, as they mature.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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