Description

The Common Ocellaris Clownfish features a bright orange body accented by three clean white bars edged in thin black lines. Its round, compact body shape and smooth swimming motion make it an attractive and lively presence in the aquarium.

Adults typically reach 7–9 cm (3–3.5 inches). While similar in appearance to the Percula Clownfish, A. ocellaris is distinguished by thinner black outlines, slightly different bar shapes, and a smoother overall colour transition.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 US gallons)

Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.023–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate: < 20 ppm

Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a stable, mature aquarium with ample rockwork, corals, or anemones for natural hosting behaviour. Low-to-moderate flow is ideal. As a captive-bred fish, the Common Ocellaris adapts easily to nano reefs, community tanks, and larger mixed reef setups.

Diet and Feeding

The Common Ocellaris is an omnivorous species that readily accepts a wide variety of foods. A balanced, varied diet ensures vibrant coloration, strong immunity, and long-term health.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and chopped marine blends

• High-quality pellets and flakes designed for marine omnivores

• Spirulina- or algae-based foods for added nutritional diversity

• Occasional live foods such as copepods or blackworms

Feed 1–2 times daily, offering portions that can be consumed within a few minutes.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Common Ocellaris Clownfish is known for its peaceful nature and compatibility with a broad range of tankmates. While semi-aggressive as adults—especially when defending a host—it is generally one of the most well-behaved clownfish species.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Peaceful reef fish such as gobies, blennies, dartfish, chromis, cardinalfish, and small wrasses

• Reef-safe invertebrates including shrimp, snails, and hermit crabs

• Another A. ocellaris when paired as juveniles or as a bonded pair

Avoid:

• Other clownfish species to prevent territorial disputes

• Large or aggressive fish that may harass smaller tankmates

• Very timid species in small aquariums

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Common Ocellaris does not harm corals or sessile invertebrates and is fully suitable for reef aquariums. It may naturally host:

• Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)

• Toadstool leather corals

• Euphyllia corals (hammer, torch, frogspawn)

These interactions are natural and generally harmless to the coral or anemone.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 7–9 cm (3–3.5 inches)
Lifespan: 10–12 years in captivity (with proper care)
Difficulty Level: Easy (extremely hardy and fully aquacultured)
Natural Behaviour: Social, semi-territorial; may host corals or anemones
Origin: Captive-bred; widespread aquaculture availability
Colouration: Bright orange with thin black-edged white bars; classic Ocellaris pattern

Summary

The Aquacultured Common Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a hardy, peaceful, and iconic marine species ideally suited for aquarists of all experience levels. Fully reef safe and highly adaptable, it thrives in stable marine environments with moderate flow, plentiful rockwork, and a varied omnivorous diet. With its timeless colouration and engaging behaviour, this classic clownfish remains a favourite choice for reef and nano aquarium enthusiasts worldwide.