The Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a damselfish found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including regions near northern Australia, Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and parts of the western Pacific. It is also known as the False Percula Clownfish or simply the Common Clownfish.
Appearance
Ocellaris Clownfish have an orange body marked by three white vertical bands, each bordered with thin black edging. Their fins are rounded and outlined in black, giving them a clean, distinct appearance. Coloration can range from deep orange to a lighter, more muted shade depending on location and age. Adults typically reach around 3 to 4 inches in length, while juveniles show brighter tones and sharper pattern contrast.
Behavior and Daily Activity
Ocellaris Clownfish display a calm, steady swimming style and often remain close to a chosen shelter. They form stable social groups structured by a strict dominance hierarchy, with the largest individual acting as the female and the next largest functioning as the breeding male. Interactions within the group are subtle but continuous, involving gentle displays, posturing, and small territorial cues around their preferred host area.
Feeding Habits
Ocellaris Clownfish have an omnivorous diet. They feed on planktonic items in the water column, small crustaceans, algae, and other organic material they encounter throughout the day. Their natural feeding behavior combines short bursts of open-water foraging with picking at nearby surfaces, allowing them to take advantage of a wide range of small food sources.
Reef Safety
Ocellaris Clownfish are generally considered reef-safe. They do not show interest in corals, clams, or other sessile invertebrates, and their activity remains focused around their host area rather than on reef structures. Their presence tends to be localized and predictable, with minimal disruption to surrounding organisms.
Compatibility With Other Species
Ocellaris Clownfish coexist well with species that do not interfere with their chosen territory. They can show territorial behavior toward similarly sized or similarly behaving fish that approach their host area, but interactions are usually limited to brief displays. Outside of this immediate zone, they tend to ignore other species and maintain a stable routine centered around their social group and feeding habits.
