Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Also known as: Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish, Nemo Fish
The Clownfish, made famous by the movie "Finding Nemo," is one of the most recognizable marine fish in the world. These vibrant orange fish with distinctive white bands live in a symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, gaining protection from predators while providing the anemone with food scraps and nutrients.
Max Size
4.3 inches (11 cm)
Lifespan
6-10 years
Depth
1-15 meters
Water Type
saltwater
Scientific Classification
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Pomacentridae
- Species
- Amphiprion ocellaris
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat
Distribution
Behavior
Clownfish are territorial and will aggressively defend their host anemone. They have a complex social hierarchy where the largest fish is the dominant female, the second-largest is the breeding male, and smaller fish are non-breeding males.
Reproduction
The male prepares a nest site near the anemone and performs elaborate courtship displays. The female lays 100-1000 eggs which the male guards and aerates for 6-10 days until hatching.
Aquarium Care Guide
Minimum Tank Size
20 gallons
Care Level
Easy
Temperament
Semi-Aggressive
Temperature
74°F - 82°F
Diet
Omnivore - flakes, pellets, frozen foods, algae
Can Clownfish Live With...?
Explore detailed compatibility guides for Clownfish with other popular aquarium fish.
Conservation Status
Main Threats
- Coral reef degradation
- Climate change
- Collection for aquarium trade
🎉 Fun Facts
- All clownfish are born male and can change to female
- They are immune to anemone stings due to a protective mucus layer
- A dominant female leads each clownfish group
- They can live up to 10 years in captivity
- Clownfish rarely venture more than a few feet from their host anemone
