Common clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Usually orange with three white bands; dark captive-bred forms also exist. An anemonefish that defends a home territory. A live anemone is not required for good aquarium care.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Amphiprion ocellaris
- Dutch name
- Driebandanemoonvis
- Water temperature
- 24–26 °C
- pH
- 8.1–8.3
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 11 cm
- Experience
- Some experience
- Carbonate hardness (KH)
- 8–12 °dKH
- Specific gravity (SG)
- 1.024–1.025
- Starting volume
- 100 L
- Swimming or living zone
- Rocks & refuges
- Flow
- Moderate, with sheltered areas
- With corals
- Usually possible; check companions
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
General marine targets also use group-level care guidance. Check the needs of your corals too. SG is not salinity in ppt; follow your instrument’s temperature calibration.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
Indo-Pacific region
Habitat & setup
Tropical reef with rocks, crevices and open water.
Diet
Varied complete marine food and small thawed animal foods; include suitable plant-based food.
Behaviour & grouping
One animal or a compatible established pair; do not force pairing.
Living with other animals
Peaceful reef fish of suitable size with separate refuges. Check species-specific aggression and shrimp risks separately.
Possible combinations to investigate further
- Royal gramma
24–26 °C · pH 8.1–8.3
Reproduction
Egg-laying; raising marine larvae requires separate facilities and suitable tiny food.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
Photo: Clown_fish_in_the_Andaman_Coral_Reef.jpg — Ritiks. CC BY-SA 3.0.