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Ocellaris Clownfish

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Amphiprion ocellaris

Complete Ocellaris Clownfish care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 20 Gallons tank setup, and compatible saltwater tankmates. Difficulty: Easy.

Ocellaris Clownfish

Quick Answer

Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the most popular marine aquarium fish. It requires a minimum 20 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 8.1 - 8.4 and temperature range of 24-26°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the most popular marine aquarium fish. Its bright orange body with white bands outlined in black is iconic.

Setup

A 20-gallon or larger saltwater tank with live rock, stable salinity (1.020-1.025), and strong filtration. They do not require an anemone but will accept one.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats marine flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood. Feed twice daily.

Compatibility

Semi-aggressive. Keep one pair per tank. Can be kept with other peaceful marine fish: gobies, blennies, cardinals, and damsels (with caution).

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
8.1 - 8.4

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Ocellaris Clownfish should be kept together?
Keep a single specimen or a matched pair in a tank of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) with a footprint of 24x12 inches (60x30 cm). Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) are sequential hermaphrodites; introducing two young juveniles together allows the dominant fish to develop into the female. Groups larger than 2 in under 55 gallons cause aggression. For a pair, 20 gallons minimum. For a single, 10 gallons is adequate. Provide an anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor) or substitute with host corals. Avoid with aggressive damselfish.
What are the exact marine water parameters for Ocellaris Clownfish?
Target pH 8.1 - 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.025 (35-35.5 ppt), General Hardness 7 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 32,000 - 35,000 ppm, and temperature 72°F - 78°F (22°C - 26°C). Maintaining a stable salinity and carbonate hardness is essential for their skin health and immunity. Maintain nitrates below 15 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a protein skimmer and live rock (1 lb/gallon). Ammonia and nitrite must be 0 ppm. Calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1250-1350 ppm.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Ocellaris Clownfish?
They are omnivores requiring 45% protein, 12% fat, 43% algae. Feed premium marine flakes, pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped raw seafood blends twice daily. Offer spirulina flakes and nori sheets weekly. They are not picky eaters. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L Cupramine) and hyposalinity (1.009-1.012) for ich treatment. Praziquantel is safe. Quarantine with chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/L) for 14 days. They are susceptible to brooklynella; treat with formalin dips.
How to breed Ocellaris Clownfish in captivity?
Condition a bonded pair with enriched frozen mysis and brine shrimp for 4 weeks. Raise temperature to 80°F (27°C) and feed heavily. Provide a clay pot or tile near an anemone. The pair cleans the site; female lays 100-500 orange eggs. Male fans and guards eggs for 7-10 days at 78°F (25.5°C). Eggs hatch at night 8-10 days after spawning. Larvae require rotifers (Brachionus) for 8-10 days, then baby brine shrimp. Metamorphosis at day 12-14. Raise fry in separate 10-gallon tank with green water. Frequent water changes (20% daily) are critical.