Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion Ocellaris)
Ocellaris Clownfish is a very hardy species some times known as the False Percula. These are a lot easier for new saltwater people to raise since they are not as fragile as the Percula. They are orange and white but not as bright orange as the Percula clownfish. Both of these fish are hard for some people to tell apart. If you look at them close you can tell by the fins, the color of the orange and the thickness of the black lines.
The black lines on the Ocellaris is not as thick as it is on the Percula Clown fish. The Ocellaris has a thin to no line seperating the white lines on his/her body. Also the line that traces around the fish may not be there or parts maybe missing. It is like a finger print each one is different.
On the fish there are two sets of fins on the top. The first set is called the dorsal fins or dorsal spines. The Ocellaris has 11 dorsal spines (The dorsal spine is the first set of fins on the top of the fish.) on some rare false clownfish there has been reports of 10 dorsal spines. The second set is called the soft fins.
Ocellaris and the Percula are both omnivore’s this means that they will eat animal flesh and vegetable matter. Some people feed them a mixture of flakes and either frozen brine shrimp or mysis shrimp.
Ocellaris are easily breed in a tank if there is a mated pair. It is important that we try to get the ones that are tank rasied instead of wild caught. One way to do this is to ask your local fish stores to carry them. That way the balance of nature is not lost. If left in the wild they will grow up to 3.5-4 inches but if they are tank rasied the will usually only get up to 2-2.5 inches.
They like the Heteractis Magnifica for there clownfish anemone. But you have to be sure the tank and lights will be good enough for them. The Ocellaris can and will live in a tank with out the anemone. But if you do have an anemone they will do a lot of the feeding and cleaning of it. They help each other out, one with feed the other with protection. the anemone will help the clownfish by keeping it safe from predators that would like to eat them.
These are really neat fish for a newcomer to the reef tanks. Just make sure you read alot before jumping in so you and your fish will both be healthy and happy.