Fish of the Month!

The Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a tropical marine reef fish from
the Pacific and Indian oceans. While the clownfish has been widely
available for many decades it became a Celebrity
after the release of the Disney movie, Finding Nemo in 2003.  Since reaching Celebrity status the Clownfish has become the preeminent saltwater fish to keep in fish only
and marine reef aquariums.

The Ocellaris clownfish is a relatively small fish reaching only 2-4 inches in the average home aquarium. If given enough space and water volume, minimum 10 gallons per clownfish, the clownfish can live for a decade if not longer. The clownfish is also incredibly hardy and can live with with a variety of tankmates including invertebrates. Clownfish also accept many different types of food including pellet, frozen and live brine shrimp.

In the wild the clownfish form a symbiotic relationship with the Bubbletip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). This “hosting” is beneficial to both the clownfish and anemone. The clownfish is provided a home and protection from larger preditors while the anemone is fed and cleaned by the clownfish. If you want to simulate this behavior in the aquarium just add a bubbletip anemone in a stable aquarium and allow the clown to host on his own time, there is no easy way to rush the symbiotic relationship though you can nurture it by providing the animals with plenty of current through the use of powerheads.

The clownfish, or anemonefish, is actually a type of damsel and there are many species.  There are many varieties of Percula and Ocellaris to choose from such as Picasso, Snowflake, Black, and Platinum. No matter which variation you choose you’ll have the perfect underwater companion for many years to come.