Ocellaris clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion ocellaris, is one of the most recognizable marine creatures, largely due to the popularity of Finding Nemo. Or, perhaps, you might know them as Nemofish from the film. Typically, they sport a vibrant mix of orange, white, and black, just like in the movie, but they can also be found in other colors like blue, yellow, and pink. To keep these fish healthy, happy, and active, it’s essential to requires knowledge of their needs and care. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about ocellaris clowfish care, from setting up their tank to their dietary needs. Let’s get started!
Ocellaris Clownfish Brief Overview
Types of Clownfish
Although everyone knows the standard look of clownfish, they are more diverse than most people realize. There are more than 30 known species of clownfish, each with thei own unique colors and patterns. The ocellaris and percula clownfish are often confused because they look alike, but they’re actually different species. Percula has thicker lines next to its white strips, and has one less fin on top than Ocellaris.
Size and Grow Rate
Ocellaris clownfish usually grow to be 3 to 4 inches long, though some can reach up to 4.5 inches. Females ocellaris tend to be bigger than males. They grow slowly, with young fish taking about 1 to 2 years to mature, and often several years to reach full length.
Lifespan
Wild ocellaris clownfish can live 6 to 10 years, while captive ones can live longer, around 8 to 12 years or even more. Their lifespan largely depends on the physique of your pet fish and the living conditions you provide for them.
Natural Habitat
Ocellaris clownfish are native to the warm tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, especially the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea. They live in shallow reefs and lagoons, usually not deeper than 50 feet, and have a unique partnership with sea anemones. The stinging tentacles of anemone offer protection and shelter for the clownfish, while the clownfish provides food and nutrients to the anemone through its excrement.
Behavior
Unlike the aggressive betta fish, ocellaris clownfish are very social creatures that always stay in groups and communicate by making popping and clicking noises. They’re pretty friendly too. If you get close enough to them, they’ll swim to your hand.
Interestingly, they’re hermaphrodites, but the largest individual in the group is always the female, taking charge of most of the breeding. If she happens to pass away, the next largest clownfish will step up and become the new female, and this change is irreversible.
Aquarium Setup
As mentioned before, a good environment can maximize the lifespan of your ocellaris clownfish, so take some time to learn the tank settings.
Tank Size
For a pair of clownfish, you need at least a 20-gallon tank, but if you have more, go bigger. I’ve got two clownfish, along with some coral reefs and invertebrates in one corner, so I opted for a 30-gallon tank. So far, my pet fish seem to really enjoy their home.
Water Parameters
The ideal water parameters for ocellaris clownfish are similar to their native habitat:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
- Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
Consider use a temperature controller and heater to manage the temperature automatically. For other conditions, partial water changes, about 10-20% every 1-2 weeks should be sufficient to maintain the water quality.
Filtration
In addition to water changes, you should also need to know some filtration tips to remove waste and keep water clear:
- Mechanical filtration: Use filter pads or sponges to remove particulate matter
- Biological filtration: Live rock or bio-balls house beneficial bacteria that convert ammonia and nitrites into safer nitrates
- Chemical filtration: Activated carbon removed dissolved organic compounds and improve water clarity
Substrate
A sand bed made of aragonite is best for saltwater aquarium. This provides a surface for beneficial bacteria to colonize and helps maintain a stable pH levels.
Aquascaping and Decorations
To mimic the natural environment for ocellaris clownfish, fill your tank with plenty of live rock, providing them with nooks too explore and hide in. Live rock also helps with biological filtration. While it’s not a must, you might think about adding some anemones, such as Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis crispa. Just make sure your tank is suitable for them before you add any.
Feeding and Nutrition
Ocellaris clownfish are omnivores that primarily munch on zooplankton, copepods, and algae. They are not picky eaters at all, so you can rotate different types of food to provide variety in their diet. For example:
- Frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill are excellent protein sources
- Flake or pellet foods: Choose a marine-specific formula designed for omnivorous fish
- Live foods: Live brine shrimp or copepods can provide nutrient-rich diet and stimulate their natural hunting instincts
- Plant-based foods: Seaweed flakes or spirulina flakes to provide essential vitamins and minerals
Feed your fish 1 to 2 times a day, only providing an amount they can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues and obesity. If you notice that your fish have lost their appetite, it could be because the water temperature is too high. That’s why we suggest using an INKBIRD Aquarium Temperature Controller.
Common Diseases and Treatments
The fact is, even with your best efforts, your fish can still fall ill. Catching issues early and treating them quickly are critical.
- Marin Ich (White Spot Disease): This parasitic infection shows up as tiny white spots on your fish body and fins. You can treat it with copper-based medications or by loweing the water salinity.
- Brooklynella: This is another parasite often seen in clownfish, leading to rapid breathing, lethargy, and a thick white mucus on the skin. Treatment involves formalin dips or medications specifically designed for Brooklynella.
- Uronema (Red Sore Disease): Presents as red sores or ulcers on the fish. It requires antibiotics and pristine water quality.
- Fin Rot: This causes frayed or damaged fins. Its treatment is the same as for Uronema - antibiotics and good water quality.
Before adding new fish to your main tank, always quarantine them in a separate tank for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent spreading infections. Plus, maintaining high water quality, providing a balanced diet, and minimizing stress are the best ways to prevent disease in your clownfish.
FAQs
How long do ocellaris clownfish live?
In a well-maintained aquarium, ocellaris clownfish can live 8 to 12 years, with some even reaching beyond that. However, in the wild, their lifespan may be shorter, averaging around 6 years.
Where do ocellaris clownfish live?
Ocellaris clownfish an be found in warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in the coral reefs of Australia, Southeast Asia, and some Pacific islands. In the wild, they always live with sea anemones, in a symbiotic relationship.
What do ocellaris clownfish eat?
Ocellaris clownfish are omnivores. In their natural habitat, they munch on algae, tiny invertebrates, and leftover food from their host anemone. In captivity, they readily accept all sorts of foods like flakes, small pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other meaty treats.
Can ocellaris clownfish change gender?
Yes, ocellaris clownfish are protandrous hermaphrodites, which means they are born male and have the ability to change into female. Within a group of clownfish, the largest and most aggressive one is always the female, while the second largest is the breeding male. If the female passes away, the breeding male will change into a female, and the next largest male will step up as the new breeding male.
Do ocellaris clownfish eat their own eggs?
Unfortunately, yes, ocellaris clownfish can and sometimes do eat their own eggs. They will seek out any eggs that look unhealthy or damaged, and in some cases, they might consume all the eggs, especially during their initial breeding attempts.
