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Clownfish
AKA: False Percula Clownfish
Amphiprion
ocellaris (Cuvier, 1830)
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| Temperment |
Sociability |
Min. Tank |
Availability
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Area |
| Peaceful |
Pairs |
25 gallons |
Common |
All Ranges |
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The common Clownfish is a beautiful fish found widespread throughout the
tropical Indo-Pacific. Amphiprion ocellaris is the most commonly seen
Clownfish in the hobby. Its body is bright orange with three vertical white
bands edged in black. All fins are also edged in black.
Clownfish are especially susceptible to the disease Oodinium ocellatum.
The aquarium need not be large; 25 gallons will suffice.
Clownfish are not picky eaters. As omnivores they accept a large variety of
foods. They relish small live sea creatures as well as scraps of beef heart,
flake foods and frozen worms of all types.
These hardy fish can live in water with a salinity level anywhere between
1.023-1.027 and with a temperature between 75-79 degrees F.
They possess the unique ability to hide in an anemone without getting hurt.
They have a slimy coat similar to that of the anemones, which do not
identify them as enemies, which helps to protect them from predators. It may
also help the anemone get food as Clownfish adds activity around the
food-searching tentacles. This relationship is called symbiosis, though it
has been disputed whether the anemone benefits from the Clownfish at all.
Anemone's are not recommended for beginning aquarists, but if one chooses to
keep anemone's with Clownfish, at least one anemone should be provided per
Clownfish in the tank.
Eggs are laid close to an anemone. These eggs and the resulting fry are
cared for by both parents until they are young fish able to fend for
themselves. Sexual differences are unknown. |
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