ORA Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish - Captive Bred

How to Care for Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish

written by Dave Burr

Behavior: The Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish that we sell are aqua-cultured making them a hardy aquarium fish that is great for beginners. Misbarred Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish are a unique variation - their middle stripe is only partial.

As with most clownfish, the Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish is best kept singly unless a pair is introduced together. It may attack other clownfishes and nip at passive tank-mates who wander near its host anemone or territory. Generally, it is a great fish for the reef aquarium and spends much of its time nestled peacefully in its anemone. If you plan to keep other clownfish, it is best to do it in a larger aquarium of 100 gallons or more and provide each clownfish, or pair of clownfish, with their own anemone. That way each fish has a comfortable home and quarrels will be reduced. Adding all of the clownfish at the same time will also help to reduce territorial disputes.

Symbiotic Relationship: The Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish does not require a host anemone for survival; however, it is a real treat for any hobbyist to observe the symbiotic relationship between the clownfish and its host anemone. The anemone provides a safe haven for the clownfish because its tentacles will inflict a painful sting on all but other clownfish. The clownfish, in return, chases off fish that threaten to pick at the anemone and brings it scraps of food. The Ocellaris Clownfish prefers the Long Tentacle Anemone, Rose Bubble Tip Anemone, or Bubble Tip Anemone.

Feeding: Offer the Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish mysis shrimp and frozen herbivore preparations 4-5 times per week. Their diet consists mostly of meaty foods, however they will accept some algae based foods as well. Soaking all fish food with vitamins will help keep your fish healthier and make them less susceptible to disease. We recommend soaking food in garlic as well when adding new fish and whenever your notice ich or other disease in the aquarium. Garlic will help repel external parasites and will boost the fishes immunity.

Feeding Tips: Remember to feed slowly. Leftover food will cause nitrates and phosphates to rise. If you see food falling to the sand bed and into the rocks, you should feed slower and give the fish a chance to eat before adding a little more. Using a turkey baster allows you to target food to different fish. For example you can feed the aggressive fish on one side of the tank and then squirt a little bit on the other side for the less aggressive fish. This way all the fish get a chance to eat enough.

Maximum Length: 3.5"
Care Level: Easy
Family: Pomacentridae
Reef Compatibility: Excellent
Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gal.
Range: Australia, Aqua-cultured
Diet: Omnivore
Water Conditions: 75-80° F; sg 1.024-1.026 (1.025 is ideal); pH 8.1-8.4 Ca 420-440 ppm, Alk 8-9.5 dKH, Mg 1260-1350, Nitrates <10ppm, Phosphates, < .10ppm

Water Chemistry: Maintaining Ammonia at 0 ppm, Nitrites at 0 ppm, and Nitrates below 10ppm will help to keep your Black & White Ocellaris Clownfish happy and healthy. We recommend doing a water change soon after Nitrates rise above 10 ppm. Maintaining proper calcium (420-440 ppm), alkalinity (8-9.5 dkh - run it 7-8 if you are carbon dosing) , and magnesium levels (1260-1350 ppm) will help to keep pH stable in the 8.1-8.4 range. We recommend a specific gravity of 1.024-1.026 with 1.025 being ideal for fish. Temperature should remain stable as well and should stay within a 2 degree range.

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