Black Frostbite Clownfish - Amphiprion ocellaris

Black Frostbite Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The Black Frostbite Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, is a stunning captive-bred designer clownfish with a bold black body, bright white irregular patterning and a crisp frosted appearance. Each fish has its own unique markings, giving this variety a highly individual look while still keeping the hardy, personable nature that makes Ocellaris Clownfish one of the most popular marine aquarium fish. It is an excellent choice for reef aquariums, fish-only systems and aquarists wanting a distinctive captive-bred clownfish with strong visual impact.

Common Name:
Black Frostbite Clownfish, Frostbite Clownfish, Black Frostbite Ocellaris Clownfish, Designer Ocellaris Clownfish, Ocellaris Clownfish, False Percula Clownfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Amphiprion ocellaris

Maximum Size:
Up to around 11 cm in the wild, though most aquarium specimens are usually closer to 7–9 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Black Frostbite Clownfish is a captive-bred designer form of Amphiprion ocellaris. The natural form of this species is found across the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, including areas around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, the Ryukyu Islands and north-western Australia. In the wild, Ocellaris Clownfish inhabit shallow coral reefs and calm lagoons, usually living close to host anemones and reef structure where they can shelter from predators.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Generally peaceful, but can become territorial once settled, especially when kept as a bonded pair or when defending a chosen area of the aquarium. Usually suitable for peaceful to moderately active marine community aquariums. Avoid mixing multiple clownfish pairs in smaller aquariums, as territorial aggression can develop.

Diet:
Omnivorous. Black Frostbite Clownfish are usually easy to feed and will accept a wide range of prepared marine foods. Offer a varied diet including quality marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, copepod-based foods, finely chopped seafood and occasional algae-based foods. A varied diet will help maintain colour, condition and natural behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 75 litres is recommended for a single fish or bonded pair, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed reef systems or community marine displays.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active, confident and interactive clownfish that will often choose a favourite area of the aquarium and spend much of its time close to that territory. It may host an anemone, but this is not required, and captive-bred clownfish commonly adopt corals, rockwork, corners or other sheltered areas instead. Like other clownfish, they form a size-based pair structure, with the larger individual becoming female. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Black Frostbite Clownfish are considered reef safe and do not normally nip corals or clam mantles. They are suitable for reef aquariums, fish-only systems and mixed marine displays. If they decide to host certain corals, they may occasionally irritate them through constant rubbing, but this is behaviour-related rather than feeding damage.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept singly or as a bonded pair. Captive-bred specimens are usually hardy, well adapted to aquarium life and quick to accept prepared foods. An anemone is not essential and should only be added to mature aquariums with suitable lighting, water movement and stability. Provide clean, stable marine water, good oxygenation and enough rockwork or shelter for the fish to establish a secure territory.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Designer captive-bred morph / Availability can vary depending on pattern, size and supplier

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.