Ocellaris Clownfish, also known as False Percula Clownfish or Common Clownfish, is a marine fish in the family Pomacentridae, which includes other clownfish and damselfish.
This fish comes in different colors based on their location. For example, black with white bands near Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
Orange or red-brown ones also exist with three white bands. You can tell them apart from other species by counting their pectoral rays and dorsal spines.
Ocellaris Clownfish life cycle starts at the ocean’s surface when they hatch.
They form a special relationship with specific types of sea anemones like Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea, or Stichodactyla mertensii, and live among their venomous tentacles in coral reefs and shallow lagoons.
Ocellaris Clownfish is popular in aquariums since it’s reef safe and some have even been bred artificially in Florida.
In captivity, these fish can live up to 12 years.
Ocellaris Clownfish Interesting Facts
- Ocellaris Clownfish change color based on location, with black and white bands found near Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
- These fish form a unique bond with sea anemones, living among their venomous tentacles in coral reefs and shallow lagoons.
- As protandrous hermaphrodites, they start as males and change to females later in life. They form monogamous pairs during the breeding season.
- In captivity, Ocellaris Clownfish can live up to 12 years and are safe for reef aquariums.
Ocellaris Clownfish Habitat
Ocellaris Clownfish is found in the eastern Indian Ocean, from places like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to northwest Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
It also lives in Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. This fish exists in marine environments near coral reefs and doesn’t migrate.
It usually swims at depths of 1 to 15 meters (3 to 15 meters typically).
The tropical habitat of this fish ranges from 46°N to 17°S latitude, and from 92°E to 147°E longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Ocellaris Clownfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters)
Ocellaris Clownfish grows up to 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters) long, with females being larger than males.
It has 10 to 11 dorsal spines, 13 to 17 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 11 to 13 anal soft rays.
This fish is easy to recognize because of its orange color and three white bands. The middle band gets wider toward the head.
Its tail fin is rounded, and its body depth is about twice its length.
Ocellaris Clownfish Reproduction
Ocellaris Clownfish are known as protandrous hermaphrodites (starting as male and then changing to female).
They change gender when they reach 4.4 cm in length and form monogamous pairs during the breeding season.
Ocellaris Clownfish lives near the ocean floor and lays eggs on solid surfaces.
The eggs stick to surfaces underwater, like rocks or plants. Male clownfish protect and provide oxygen to the eggs.
Ocellaris Clownfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Amphiprion |
| Scientific Name: | Amphiprion ocellaris |
| Also Known As: | Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish, Common Clownfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |