The Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion Ocellaris) reigns supreme in the most popular marine fish category. 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. They don't realize these clown fish were already popular before the film was released.

These clownfish are a staple offering in the hobby. They hail from South East Asia and are heavily collected for the trade, they are the most plentiful ornamental marine fish at the moment. Walk into any saltwater pet store and you'll find at least one ocellaris there for sale. 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. Ocellaris and Percula clowns look almost alike. But they are both physically different, only slightly. Ocellaris clowns have 11 dorsal spines while percula's have 10. Fortunately, there is an easier way. Percula clownfish have thicker, more pronounced black outlines while those on the ocelaris are always thin.

One of the cheapest marine fish you can buy, for as little as $10 you can have an ocellaris clownfish. Tank raised ocellaris usually cost a few dollars more. Given a choice, never go with wild caught specimens as tank-bred ones are generally hardier and better suited to the aquarium.

They are commonly known as 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 thought they have a layer of mucus on their bodies that fool the anemone into thinking there's nothing there. While ocellaris clownfish are always found hosting anemones in the wild, anemones are not required for survival in captivity.

Generally peaceful, these cownfish get along well with a wide variety of 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 :-

* Purchase a mated pair * Put a large one in with a small one and hope they pair up * Put two small ones together and let them work it out, the winner will turn into a female

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

Considered a small fish, ocellaris clownfish only reach 3 inches in length. They are a site attached fish, which means they do not leave their territory (a small area) all that often. Their territory can be anything from an anemone to some pieces of live rock. Mushroom and elegance corals have been hosted by the ocellaris when an anemone isn't available. Because of this behavior they can be kept in aquariums no larger than 20 gallons.

Feeding them prepared foods is an east task because they consume almost anything offered. While they are omnivores in the wild, they consume both meaty and algae based food in the aquarium. Offer them a wide variety of foods. Some good dry foods to feed are Formula One, Formula Two and Prime Reef. Formula two has an added amount of algae mixed in with seafood while Prime reef is mostly meaty.

The best pellet food on the market are those made by New Life Spectrum. Mix in some frozen foods like mysis shrimp or krill and they will be very happy.

Overall, the ocellaris clownfish is a hardy fish that is a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

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

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Written by Roman Veaila 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