Clownfish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
The classic marine beginner fish. Thrives in pairs or small groups; can be kept with most peaceful community fish. Host anemones are optional — captive-bred clowns often adopt coral or even equipment as a host.
Difficulty
beginner
Adult size
Up to 9 cm
Temperament
Peaceful; may defend a host anemone
Minimum tank
80+ litres
Diet
Omnivore — quality marine pellets/flakes, frozen mysis and brine shrimp
Lifespan
10–15+ years with good care
Water parameters
- Temperature75–80°F
- Specific gravity1.024–1.026
- pH8.1–8.4
Species-specific requirements override general saltwater guidelines.
Natural habitat
Sheltered reefs and lagoons of the Indo-Pacific, living among host anemones
Care notes
Hardy and forgiving of beginner mistakes, especially captive-bred specimens. Feed 1–2× daily with a varied diet for best colour.
Sourcing & ethics
Ask us about captive-bred availability; we do not sell wild-caught endangered or protected species, and we follow CITES requirements.
Captive-bred clownfish are the most widely available marine fish in the trade.
Compatibility
Keep with caution
“Caution” reflects likely aggression or predation — outcome depends on tank size, order of addition and individual temperament.