When it comes to popular marine fish, the Ocellarish Clownfish (Amphiprion Ocellaris) is the undisputed king. The Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion Percula) shares its throne, since they look entirely alike to most people. They are the marine aquarium hobby's greatest ambassadors. Many people might correlate their popularity with the release of the hit animated film, Finding Nemo. What they wouldn't know is the fact that these clown fish were just as popular before the film was released.

These clownfish are a staple offering in the hobby. They are heavily collected from their natural habitats in South East Asia, they are the most abundant ornamental marine fish at the moment. You'll find at least one ocellaris clownfish for sale in any saltwater pet store you visit. They are also heavily bred in captivity with tank-raised ocellaris priced a little higher than wild caught specimens.

Ocellaris clownfish are entirely orange with three white bands (outlined with black) around their heads, body and near their tail. Percula and ocellaris are almost indistinguishable to the untrained eye. Yet they are both slightly different physically. Ocellaris clowns have 11 dorsal spines while percula's have 10. Thankfully there's an easier method to tell them apart. Ocellaris clownfish have thinner black outlines.

One of the cheapest marine fish you can buy, for as little as $10 you can have an ocellaris clownfish. A few dollars more can buy a tank-raised specimen. Given a choice, you should always go for tank-bred clownfish as they're generally better suited to captive life.

Their common names include the false percula clown and the false clown anemonefish. They are called anemonefish because of the symbiotic relationship they have with anemones. The anemone cannot sting clownfish, it is speculated that clownfish produce a mucus that renders them invisible to the anemone. In the wild ocellaris clownfish are always found nestled within their host anemones, however, these anemones are not needed in the aquarium.

Ocellaris clownfish are generally peaceful fish that get along well with tank mates. However, they can be hostile towards other clownfish from within or outside their species. There are three routes you can take when looking for pair :-

* Acquire a mated pair from the LFS * Put a large one in with a small one and hope they pair up * Purchase two small ones and put them together, eventually one will dominate the other and become a female, pairing up in the process

I cannot give a guarantee that options 2 or 3 will work 100% of the time.

Reaching a maximum of 3 inches in length, they are considered a small fish. Ocellaris are site attached, which means they are usually around their territory (a small area) most of the time. Their territory is anything from a pile of rubble to an anemone. They have also been known to host other corals like elegance or mushroom corals. Because of this behavior they can be kept in aquariums no larger than 20 gallons.

Getting them to eat in captivity is easy because they seem to able to eat anything you offer. While they are omnivores in the wild, they consume both meaty and algae based food in the aquarium. They should be fed a wide variety of foods. Prime reef, Formula One and Formula two are some good dry foods to offer. Formula two has an added amount of algae mixed in with seafood while Prime reef is mostly meaty.

New Life Spectrum produces in my opinion the best pellet food on the market. Add in some frozen food like krill or mysis shrimp and you're set.

Overall, with their hardy nature, good looks and endearing nature, they are a great choice for hobbyists from all experience levels.

Roman Veaila is a hobbyist that has kept numerous reef aquariums. In his spare time he writes guides on saltwater fish. Visit his hubpage for a more detailed guide on the Ocellaris Clownfish as well as other popular Clownfish.

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Written by Henry Logan using tags: amphiprion ocellaris, amphiprion ocellaris care, clown fish, clownfish, marine aquarium fish, marine fish, ocellaris clownfish, ocellaris clownfish care guide, ocellaris clownfish guide, Pets, pomacentridae, saltwater aquarium fish, saltwater clownfish, saltwater fish