Common name: Common Clownfish

General information

Clownfish are very common in the aquarium trade. They are very hardy and easily captive-bred. Captive-bred specimen are even more hardy than wild-caught specimen.

Some people might refer to the Ocellaris Clownfish as a “Nemo” because this clownfish was popularized in the movie “Finding Nemo”.

Also called a “False Percula Clownfish” because of the similarities with the @species:amphiprion-percula. The Percula Clownfish has a more bright orange color, larger fins and more black… but even with these hints it’s sometimes hard to see the difference.

Care

Ocellaris Clownfish are relatively easy to care for, making them excellent choices for both novice and experienced aquarists. A well-established aquarium with live rock and ample hiding places is ideal. While they can adapt to a variety of foods, a diet rich in marine-based proteins and vitamins will ensure their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Reproduction

Clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites which means they are born as male and can change to female at some point in life. The largest specimen will become the female and will dominate over other – male and juvenile – specimens in the group. If the female dies then the largest male will become the next female. When buying a pair of clownfish make sure one is significantly bigger than the other.

The breeding pair have a monogamous relationship. The female will lay her eggs on the subtrate near the foor of the host anemone. The male guards and aerates the eggs. After about 6 to 11 days, depending on the water temperature, the eggs will hatch into the larval stage and are no longer dependent on their parents.

If your goal is to raise the fry the hard part starts now. They must be reared in a separate tank where they will feed on rotifiers followed by baby brine shrimp.

Symbiosis

Clownfish have a symbiotic relationship with anemones where they will live and lay their eggs. The anemone protects the clownfish from most predators with its sting from which the clownfish itself is immune due to a protective slime later. In return the anemone eats food leftovers from the clownfish and the clownfish defends the anemone from predators like butterflyfish and sea turtles.

In the wild the Ocellaris Clownfish is mainly found in or near the anemones @species:heteractis-magnifica, @species:stichodactyla-gigantea, and @species:stichodactyla-mertensii but in our reed tanks they will accept @species:entacmaea-quadricolor or even some LPS corals like @species:euphyllia-divisa as host.

Habitat

The Ocellaris Clownfish inhabits coral reefs and sheltered lagoons up to a depth of 15 meters (50 feet).

Geographical distribution includes Indo-West Pacific: eastern Indian Ocean including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, and northwest Australia to Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines; ranges north to Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands.