Wild Percula Clownfish - Amphiprion ocellaris

Wild Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The Wild Ocellaris Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, is the classic orange, white and black marine clownfish recognised around the world for its bold colouration, rounded body shape and close natural association with host sea anemones. Also known as the Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish or Clown Anemonefish, this Indo-West Pacific species is generally hardier and more peaceful than many larger clownfish types. Wild-type Ocellaris Clownfish make excellent reef aquarium centrepiece fish, but they should still be given stable water quality, suitable tank mates and enough territory to settle comfortably.

Common Name:
Wild Ocellaris Clownfish, Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish, Common Clownfish, Clown Anemonefish, False Percula.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Amphiprion ocellaris

Maximum Size:
Up to around 11 cm, though many aquarium specimens remain closer to 8–9 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Indo-West Pacific, including the eastern Indian Ocean, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, north-western Australia, Taiwan and the Ryukyu Islands. In the wild, Amphiprion ocellaris inhabits shallow coral reefs and calm lagoons, where it lives among the tentacles of large host sea anemones.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Generally peaceful to semi-territorial. Ocellaris Clownfish are usually calmer than species such as Maroon, Tomato or Clarkii clownfish, but they may defend a chosen corner, rock, coral or host anemone, especially once paired or breeding.

Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, Ocellaris Clownfish feed on small zooplankton, tiny crustaceans and some algae-based material. In the aquarium, offer quality marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood and occasional spirulina or algae-based foods. Wild-caught individuals may need a little more time to settle onto prepared foods than captive-bred fish, but most adapt well when offered varied small foods.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 90 litres is recommended for a single specimen or compatible pair, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed reef communities. Provide rockwork, shelter, moderate water movement and stable water conditions.

Behaviour & Activity:
A site-attached clownfish that often chooses a favourite area of rockwork, coral, anemone or even an aquarium corner and spends much of its time nearby. It does not require a host anemone to thrive in captivity, but may accept suitable host anemones or sometimes adopt corals as a substitute. Like other clownfish, it forms a size-based hierarchy, with the larger individual becoming female in a pair. Wild-type specimens may show strong natural host-seeking and territorial behaviour once settled.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Generally safe with corals, snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps and most ornamental invertebrates. The caution is behavioural: a clownfish may irritate corals if it adopts them as a host, may move small amounts of sand near its territory and may become defensive towards nearby fish or the aquarist’s hand once mature or breeding.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Do not mix with other clownfish species in smaller aquariums, as territorial disputes can become serious. Keep singly or as a compatible pair. A host anemone is optional and should only be added to a mature, well-lit aquarium with stable water quality and suitable flow. If sold as wild-caught, careful acclimation, quarantine and observation are recommended, as wild fish may carry parasites or be less accustomed to prepared foods than captive-bred Ocellaris Clownfish. True Percula Clownfish, Amphiprion percula, are a separate species with a more restricted Western Pacific range and are often confused with Ocellaris.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade / Captive-bred where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.