True percula clownfish (Amphiprion percula) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Percula clownfish, Clown anemonefish, True percula
Family
Pomacentridae (damselfishes and clownfishes)
Origin
Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean, including northern Queensland and Melanesia; shallow reefs to about 12 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
intermediate
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 the wild it lives with Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea anemones, both demanding species. 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. Wild habitat temperatures are given as 25–28 °C. Behaviour: a weak swimmer that rarely strays far from its host. Groups are a breeding pair plus up to four non-breeders ranked by size; most aggression is between males. Generally peaceful in captivity, although the article describes keeping it as fairly involved. Identification: orange with three white bands edged with thick black margins, very like A. ocellaris. Averages about 8 cm, up to 11 cm. Trade: popular in the hobby and widely captive-bred. Collection in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is controlled by permit. Not CITES-listed. The article cites a 2017 IUCN assessment without giving the category. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphiprionpercula). Checked October 2026.

Diet

In the wild: algae, zooplankton such as copepods, worms and small crustaceans. In aquaria offer flake, small pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp and algae-based foods in several small meals a day.

Breeding

Breeds all year in warm water, following the lunar cycle. The female lays about 400–1,500 eggs per spawn, which the male fertilises and guards; they hatch after 6–8 days and the larvae drift for about a week before settling. All fish are born male and the dominant one becomes female. In aquaria clay pots and tiles make good spawning sites. Breeding females may hold their position for around 12 years in the wild, a long life for such a small fish.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe. A peaceful community fish; keep one pair per tank and do not mix with other clownfish species. Avoid large predators and boisterous tankmates.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.