Description

The Black & White Ocellaris features a smooth, jet-black body accented by three clean, bright white bars. Juveniles begin life with orange tones that darken with age, gradually transitioning to their signature deep black coloration. This transformation is natural and can occur over several months.

Adults reach 7–9 cm (3–3.5 inches). Their velvety black pigmentation and sharp contrast give them a sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic that stands out beautifully against colourful corals and vibrant reef fish.

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 live rock, soft corals, or anemones to encourage natural hosting behaviour. Low-to-moderate water flow and consistent water quality are ideal. This aquacultured variant adapts easily to nano reefs, mixed community tanks, and large display reefs.

Diet and Feeding

The Black & White Ocellaris is an omnivore and readily accepts a wide range of marine foods. A balanced, varied diet promotes bright coloration, energy, and long-term health.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, marine plankton, and enriched brine shrimp

• High-quality marine pellets and flakes

• Finely chopped seafood blends

• Algae- or spirulina-based foods for nutritional balance

• Occasional live foods such as copepods or blackworms

Feed 1–2 times daily in moderate portions.

Temperament and Compatibility

This variety is known for its peaceful disposition and suitability for community aquariums. While semi-aggressive as adults—typical of all clownfish—they coexist well with a wide range of reef-safe species. Territorial behaviour may occur around a chosen hosting spot, especially when kept as a bonded pair.

Suitable Tankmates:

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

• Cleaner shrimps, snails, hermits, and other reef-safe invertebrates

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

Avoid:

• Other clownfish species due to territorial conflicts

• Large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or outcompete them

• Highly competitive feeders in compact aquariums

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Black & White Ocellaris does not harm corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It may naturally host:

• Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)

• Toadstool leather corals

• Euphyllia corals (hammer, torch, and frogspawn)

These interactions are natural and generally pose no risk 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 (very hardy and fully aquacultured)
Natural Behaviour: Social, semi-territorial; may develop strong host attachments
Origin: Captive-bred; lineage from Darwin, Australia
Colouration: Deep, velvety black body with crisp white bars; juveniles may show temporary orange tones

Summary

The Aquacultured Black & White Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a hardy, peaceful, and visually elegant clownfish variety known for its deep black coloration and bright white barring. Fully reef safe and well-suited to aquarium life, it thrives in stable marine environments with moderate flow, ample rockwork, and a varied omnivorous diet. Perfect for both beginners and experienced hobbyists, this refined clownfish adds contrast, character, and enduring beauty to any reef or nano aquarium.