ORA Solomon Island Clarkii Clownfish - Captive Bred

How to Care for Solomon Island Clarkii Clownfish

written by Dave Burr

Behavior: The Solomon Island Clarkii Clownfish that we sell are aqua-cultured making them a hardy aquarium fish that is great for beginners. 

The Clarkii Clownfish is a highly popular aquarium species. They are sometimes sold under the name of “Sebae Clownfish”, which is actually the species name of a very different clownfish. Full grown Clarkii Clownfish can reach a size of about 4 inches, and are territorial when full grown. This is a species easily cared for in aquariums and will accept a wide variety of foods. Most clownfish eat some algae in nature, and this should be included in their diet.

Clarkii Clownfish are the most widely distributed anemonefish in the world, and show a large range of color variation. They occur from the Caroline Islands in the east, west to the Persian Gulf, north to Southern Japan and south to the New Hebrides.

This variation of Clarkii originates from the Solomon Islands, and fish from this lineage typically develop dark black flanks that contrast their bright yellow fins.  Clarkii are one of the least restrictive species when it comes to host anemones, and will associate with a variety of them.

Symbiotic Relationship: The Solomon Island Clarkii 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 Solomon Island Clarkii Clownfish prefers the Long Tentacle Anemone, Rose Bubble Tip Anemone, sebae anemone or Bubble Tip Anemone.

Feeding: Offer the Solomon Island Clarkii 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: ORA 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.