Occelaris Clownfish - Pacific

Introduction

Species: Amphiprion ocellaris
Common Names: Ocellaris Clownfish
Natural Habitat: Found in the shallow coral reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in areas with abundant anemones, where it forms symbiotic relationships.

Physical Characteristics

Appearance: Iconic orange body with three white vertical bands outlined in black. The black edges of the bands vary in thickness depending on the individual.
Size: Reaches a length of 3-4 inches (8-10 cm).
Lifespan: Can live up to 10 years or more in captivity with proper care.

Habitat Requirements

Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons for a pair, with larger tanks preferred for community setups.
Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
• pH: 8.0 to 8.4
• Salinity: 1.020 to 1.025 specific gravity
  Aquascaping: Incorporate live rock and provide hosting anemones like Bubble Tip (Entacmaea quadricolor) for natural behavior.

Diet

Primary Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on plankton, small crustaceans, and algae in the wild.
Supplemental Feeding: Offer high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and marine algae.
Feeding Frequency: Feed 1-2 times daily in small portions.

Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful; adapts well to community tanks but can be territorial toward other clownfish species.
Suitable Tank Mates: Compatible with gobies, wrasses, damselfish, and other peaceful reef fish.
Incompatibilities: Avoid aggressive fish that may bully or outcompete them for food.

Care Level

Difficulty: Easy to moderate; hardy and well-suited for beginners with stable water parameters.
Health Monitoring: Regularly observe for signs of common ailments like ich or marine velvet.

Breeding

Breeding in Captivity: Readily breeds in aquariums, making it a popular choice for captive propagation.
Spawning: Females lay eggs on flat surfaces near their hosting anemone, which males fertilize and guard until hatching.

Economic Considerations

Market Demand: One of the most popular marine aquarium fish due to its vibrant appearance and hardy nature.
Wholesale Pricing: Affordable, reflecting widespread availability from aquaculture facilities.
Retail Pricing: Competitively priced, making it accessible for hobbyists at all levels.

Sustainability and Conservation

Wild Population: Stable, with minimal pressure from wild collection due to extensive captive breeding.
Aquaculture Efforts: Widely bred in captivity, reducing the need for wild harvesting and supporting sustainable aquarium practices.
Regulations: Encourage the purchase of captive-bred specimens to promote conservation.

Conclusion

The Ocellaris Clownfish is a vibrant, hardy, and peaceful addition to marine aquariums. Its symbiotic relationship with anemones and captivating behavior make it a favorite among aquarists. With proper care and a stable environment, this iconic species can thrive, adding charm and personality to any reef tank.