Name: Black Ocellaris Clownfish — Amphiprion ocellaris
Brand: TSA Fish
SKU: CLOWNxBlack
Price: 31.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Black Ocellaris Clownfish — Amphiprion ocellaris

$31.99

$31.99 $39.99

Black Ocellaris Clownfish — Amphiprion ocellaris

Captive-Bred Clownfish Nano Fish Reef Safe

$31.99

$31.99 $39.99

SKU: CLOWNxBlack

5 Day Guarantee

Reef Guard Covers You

Ships Overnight

Only FedEx Priority

Expert Support

We've got your back!

Diet

Pellets Mysis Finely Chopped Seafood

Min Tank Size 20 gallons

Temperament Peaceful

Reef Safe Yes

Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Black Ocellaris Clownfish are omnivores and benefit from a varied diet. Feed them a mix of high-quality marine pellets or flakes, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. Ensure food is appropriately sized for easy consumption.

Pellets Mysis Finely Chopped Seafood

Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

Black Ocellaris Clownfish exhibit peaceful swimming patterns, often staying close to anemones for protection. They display strong social behaviors, forming monogamous pairs or small groups. Territoriality is moderate, as they defend their host anemone but are generally non-aggressive. They are compatible with other peaceful species and can coexist with different clownfish types if sufficient space is provided.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.

Min Tank Size: 20 gallons
Max Size: 4 inches
Care Level: Easy
Origin: Australia

Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes

Clownfish Reef Safe Omnivore

Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.

Reef Safe: Yes
Care Level: Easy

FAQs Answers to the most common questions.

How can I tell if my Black Ocellaris Clownfish is a true black variety or just a dark morph of a regular Ocellaris that will change color with age?

True Black Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris “Darwin”) are usually jet black in the body with crisp white bars and typically come from captive-bred lines labeled “Black Ocellaris” or “Darwin Ocellaris.” Juveniles may show some brown or orange near the face that fills in black as they mature, usually by 12–18 months. Regular Ocellaris that are just dark orange still show clearly orange areas on the body even as adults and do not turn fully black. If the fish is from a reputable source labeled as Black Ocellaris and you see the black slowly spreading over months (especially from the dorsal area downward), it is almost certainly the black variety and not a standard Ocellaris.

My Black Ocellaris Clownfish is turning brownish around the head and chest. Is its color fading due to stress, lighting, or diet, and how can I keep it deep black?

Mild brownish shading around the face and chest can be natural in young or newly imported fish and often darkens over time, especially in captive-bred lines. However, washed-out or patchy color can be linked to poor diet, low-quality flake as the main food, or chronic low-level stress (bullying, poor water quality, unstable salinity). To help keep a deep black color, maintain stable parameters (SG 1.024–1.026, temp 24–26°C/75–79°F, nitrate ideally under ~20 ppm), and feed a varied, carotenoid-rich diet: quality marine pellets, frozen mysis, enriched brine, and occasional foods with spirulina or krill. Strong but not overly harsh lighting is fine; they do well under reef LEDs and do not require dim light for dark color.

Can I keep Black Ocellaris Clownfish with standard orange Ocellaris in the same tank, and will they hybridize or fight?

Black Ocellaris are the same species as standard orange Ocellaris, so they can form pairs and hybridize easily. If you keep more than two, they will sort out a dominance hierarchy and usually bully extra clownfish, especially in smaller tanks under ~40 gallons. The safest approach is one pair total. If you mix a black and an orange Ocellaris, they can form a bonded pair and will produce mixed-colored offspring if they spawn. To reduce aggression, introduce them as juveniles at the same time, with the slightly larger one becoming female over time. Avoid mixing multiple established pairs or adding a smaller clown later to a tank with a long-established female, as that often leads to serious aggression.

My Black Ocellaris Clownfish ignores the anemone I bought for it and instead hosts in my powerhead or torch coral. Is this normal, and should I try a specific anemone species for them?

This is normal behavior. Captive-bred Black Ocellaris often have no instinctive preference for anemones and may “host” in powerheads, corners, or random corals. If you want a natural host relationship, the most suitable anemone species are Entacmaea quadricolor (Bubble Tip Anemone) and Heteractis magnifica, though the former is much easier to keep. Even with the “right” anemone, they might take weeks to months to move in, and some never do. Do not force them or confine them with the anemone. Always protect powerhead intakes with guards or foam covers so the clownfish cannot be injured while “hosting” equipment.

My paired Black Ocellaris Clownfish started laying eggs on the rock near their territory. What specific conditions do they need to continue breeding successfully and for the eggs to hatch on schedule?

Consistent breeding depends on stable, warm, and clean water and regular feeding. Aim for 26–27°C (78–80°F), SG 1.024–1.026, and low nitrate (ideally under 10–15 ppm). Feed the pair at least 2–3 times daily with a mix of quality pellets, frozen mysis, and finely chopped seafood to keep them in condition. They usually lay eggs every 10–14 days. The eggs will darken from bright orange to gray/silver as they near hatching, typically on night 7–10 depending on temperature. Keep strong flow from a nearby powerhead or the return gently directed over the nest to oxygenate the eggs. Avoid sudden light changes or major maintenance on expected hatch nights. If you plan to raise larvae, you’ll need a separate larval tank, gentle aeration, and live foods (rotifers first, then baby brine shrimp), as almost no larvae survive in the display tank.

Goes well with:

You will receive a fish SIMILAR in design and size to the fish in the photo. This is NOT a WYSIWYG fish.

Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

Ocellaris Clownfish, often referred to as the “Nemo” fish, are one of the most iconic and beginner-friendly species in the saltwater aquarium hobby. With their vibrant orange bodies, bold white bands, and lively personalities, they bring energy and charm to any reef setup. These captive-bred fish are hardy, adaptable, and ideal for aquarists of all experience levels.

Tank Requirements

Ocellaris Clownfish thrive in aquariums of 20 gallons or more, with ample swimming space and live rock for exploring and hiding. They can be kept solo, in bonded pairs, or even in small harems in larger systems. While they don’t require a host anemone, many will readily adopt soft corals or LPS as substitutes.

Captive-Bred and Hardy

Captive-bred Ocellaris are well-suited to aquarium life—more disease-resistant, less aggressive, and easier to feed than their wild counterparts. Their peaceful temperament and adaptability make them perfect residents for both nano reefs and larger community tanks.

Diet and Feeding

Omnivorous by nature, these clownfish readily accept a wide variety of foods. Feed a balanced mix of high-quality pellets or flakes, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and occasional chopped seafood or algae-based foods. Regular feeding helps maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Tankmates and Behavior

Ocellaris Clownfish are peaceful and reef-safe, making them ideal companions for a variety of fish and invertebrates. While generally non-aggressive, they may show territorial behavior when breeding or defending a host. Compatible with most community reef fish, they add both beauty and animation to any saltwater setup.

Introduction to Saltwater Clownfish

Clownfish are among the most popular and recognizable marine fish, known for their bright colors, hardy nature, and fascinating symbiotic relationships with anemones. Native to tropical reefs in the Indo-Pacific, these fish thrive in reef aquariums of all sizes, making them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. Clownfish are incredibly adaptable, and many aquacultured varieties are available, making them easier to care for and less aggressive than wild-caught specimens.

Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy Minimum Tank Size: 20 – 50+ gallons Ocellaris & Percula Clownfish – 20+ gallons (smaller and more peaceful) Maroon Clownfish & Larger Varieties – 50+ gallons (more aggressive, need more space) Aquarium Setup: Prefers rock structures for hiding and stable water conditions.

Diet & Nutrition

Clownfish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet that includes both meaty and plant-based foods. Diet: Omnivorous – Eats a mix of proteins and algae

Recommended Foods:

High-quality marine pellets and flakes Frozen mysis and brine shrimp Chopped seafood and enriched frozen foods Algae-based foods (spirulina, seaweed sheets) Feeding small portions 1-2 times per day ensures optimal health, vibrant coloration, and proper growth.

Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 6-10+ years Growth Rate: Moderate – Most species reach 2-6 inches depending on the variety With proper care, clownfish can live over a decade in captivity, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists.

Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive – Can become territorial as they mature Reef Safe? Yes – Clownfish do not harm corals or invertebrates Clownfish are peaceful fish but may become territorial as they establish their space, especially when paired with an anemone. To ensure compatibility: Best kept in pairs or small groups—but avoid mixing different clownfish species in small tanks. Introduce them before more aggressive fish to help them establish their territory. Compatible with most reef-safe community fish, including wrasses, gobies, and tangs.

Common Challenges & Considerations

Aggression in Larger Species: Maroon Clownfish and Tomato Clownfish can be highly territorial and may bully tankmates. Hosting with Anemones: While not required, clownfish may form a symbiotic bond with certain anemones like Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor). However, not all clownfish will host anemones in captivity. Jumping Risk: Clownfish can jump out of open-top tanks, so a lid or mesh cover is recommended. Water Conditions Temperature: 74-80°F dKH (Alkalinity): 8-12 pH: 8.1-8.4 Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025 Clownfish are hardy and adaptable, but stable water parameters are essential for long-term health.

Color Varieties & Popular Species

Clownfish come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, with many aquacultured morphs available. Some of the most popular species include: Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) – Classic "Nemo" appearance, available in wild-type and designer morphs Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) – Similar to Ocellaris but with brighter colors and thicker black outlines Maroon Clownfish (Premnas biaculeatus) – Deep red coloration, highly territorial and best kept alone or in pairs Snowflake Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris variant) – White and orange designer morph with irregular banding