Nano-Reef.com » Fish Information » Ocellaris Clownfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Scientific Name
Amphiprion Ocellaris
Common Names
False Percula, Ocellaris Clownfish, Common Clownfish
Average Size
3 inches to 4 inches
Nano Reef Size
7g minimum
Aggressiveness
Generally docile
Current
Any
Hardiness
Good, Very good fish for beginning nano reef keepers.
Behavior
A. Ocellaris gets along well with peaceful tank mates, but can become aggressive towards others of its species. If more than one A. Ocellaris is to be kept in the same aquarium it is suggested that they be a mated pair, or are introduced to the aquarium when very young.
Feeding
Meaty foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp are readily accepted. They will also eat most flake food, and frozen food. Rotating the types of food you feed is a good idea, this will keep the fish from becoming too picky.
Description
This fish has three white stripes with black boarders on an vibrant orange body. A. Ocellaris is often confused with A. Percula, because of their coloration and stripe patter. The discerning difference is that A. Ocellaris has 11 dorsal spines, where A. Percula has 9 or 10. A. Ocellaris is often bred in captivity making it a very hardy fish, and good for beginners. It is readily available in the aquarium trade.
Ocellaris, as with most clownfish, breed by laying their eggs near their host anemone. The parents will defend the eggs and will occasionally fan them. After 8 days the eggs will hatch, about an hour after dark. The fry should then be removed so that predators and the parents will not harm them. The fry will need to be fed baby brine shrimp several times a day. Many of the fry will not survive until maturity.
William Garner 07/06/2003
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