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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Pomacentridae (Damselfish)
Natural Range: Indian Ocean
Depth: 3 to 49 ft. Size: 3.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 10+ gal.
Reef Safe: Yes Care Level: Easy Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Filamentous algae, planktonic copepods, planktonic fish eggs, bristle worms
Natural History: Ocellaris Clownfish are found on coastal reefs, turbid bays, and on reef flats and faces. They are observed to be closely associated with their symbiotic anemones, best from the genera Heteractis or Stichodactyla. They rarely venture more than 12 inches from their host. Usually a social unit consists of the anemone, a male-female pair, and several nonbreeding Ocellaris Clownfish.
Husbandry: Ocellaris Clownfish are generally hardy if transported carefully. Captive-raised animals are the best source of healthy fish. If kept in groups they exhibit an aggressive pecking order that requires sheltered areas to allow subordinates to retreat. If space is limited the subordinates will rapidly decline. This species does not require an anemone to thrive.
Reproduction: Ocellaris are easy to breed in captivity, in aquariums with as little as 10 gallons capacity. Captive-bred individuals are always easier to acclimate than collected ones.
AKA: Clown Anemonefish, False Percula Clownfish, False Clownfish