The Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as the False Percula Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle, is found associating with anemones throughout the Indo-Pacific. It can attain a length of 3.2" (8 cm) in the wild, but aquarium specimens rarely exceed 2" (5 cm) unless they are imported large. This fish is sometimes sold as the Percula Clown, even though it is not. The color pattern is very similar, but it is not as bright orange. The black outlines on the white stripes are also thinner on the Ocellaris Clown when compared to the Percula. The advantage of the Ocellaris is that it is much hardier.
It is a long-lived clownfish that is excellent for the beginner hobbyist. It does best in the presence of anemones such as Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea. Like the related damselfish, it is well-suited for all but the most predatory tanks.
Although there are no external characteristics to differentiate male and female, all clownfish are sexually immature when hatched. Meaning that the fry do not have a pre-determined sex, and develop into males and females depending on the hierarchy of the school. A pair will lay eggs along the base of the host anemone, using it to protect the eggs. The eggs normally appear orange in color. Without proper preparation, rearing in the average aquarium is nearly impossible.
This clownfish is an aggressive eater. It will take most meaty foods and frozen herbivore preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"
Testimonial By:
Testimonial:
Dan H Mahopac, NY
I added two of these guys and they were great from the start. Always active and swimming around happily, and always together. They are very hardy and accept almost anything I feed! I recommend these fish to everyone.
These guys were my first online purchase. They are wonderful specimens and adjusted very well. They are pretty active and swim with all the other fish. While they accept any food I feed them, they seem to prefer slow-sink pellets over the flakes that stay on the top.
I got four of them and they all swim together all around my 72 gal tank. They love to play with my K2 and K3 power heads. Swimming both towards it against the current and sometimes just ride the wave very fast across the tank. Lot of fun to watch them play all day long!
