Ocellaris (Amphiprion ocellaris)

Description:
An orange-colored clownfish with three white stripes. Black margins are found on the edges of all fins and thin black lines bordering the white stripes.

Natural Ecology:
This species naturally lives among the tentacles of magnificent anemones (Heteractis magnifica), giant carpet anemones (Stichodactyla gigantea), and carpet anemones (Stichodactyla mertensii). This natural behavior protects wild clownfish from predators. Proaquatix clownfish do not require anemone hosts but will accept them if present.

Indigenous To:
Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands east to Moluccas, northward to Ryukyu Islands, and southward to northwestern Australia.

Behavior:
Like all clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris is a sequential hermaphrodite. The largest individual present will exert dominance and become reproductively female. The next largest fish will become reproductively male. Remaining smaller individuals are usually tolerated but will not be reproductively active.

Compatibility:
Usually ignores reef invertebrates and corals. Clownfish sometimes adopt various corals and algae as substitutes for host anemones.

Food:
Proaquatix specimens have been weaned to take aquarium pellets and flakes. Freshly frozen invertebrates such as ocean plankton, Mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp will be readily accepted.