Black & White Clownfish - Amphiprion ocellaris

Black & White Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The Black & White Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, is a striking colour form of the popular Ocellaris Clownfish, admired for its deep black body, clean white bands and bold contrasting appearance. Also known as the Black Ocellaris Clownfish or Black False Percula Clownfish, this variety offers all the hardy, personable and reef-safe qualities that make Ocellaris Clownfish one of the most popular marine aquarium fish, but with a more distinctive monochrome look. Captive-bred specimens are especially well suited to aquarium life and make an excellent choice for reef aquariums, fish-only systems and mixed marine displays.

Common Name:
Black & White Clownfish, Black Ocellaris Clownfish, Black and White Ocellaris Clownfish, Black False Percula 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 & White Clownfish is a naturally occurring colour form and captive-bred strain 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 live on shallow coral reefs and calm lagoons, usually close to host anemones and protective reef structure.

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 keeping multiple clownfish pairs together in smaller systems, as territorial aggression can develop.

Diet:
Omnivorous. Black & White 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 strong colour, healthy body 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 communities or systems with more active tank mates.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active, confident and interactive clownfish that often chooses a favourite area of the aquarium and spends much of its time close to that territory. It may host an anemone, but this is not required, and many captive-bred clownfish will instead adopt a coral, rock structure, corner or other sheltered area. Like other clownfish, they form a size-based pair structure, with the larger individual becoming female. Juveniles may show more brown or orange tones before developing a deeper black colour as they mature. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe
Black & White 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 choose 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, flow and stable water quality. Provide clean, stable marine water, good oxygenation and enough shelter within the aquascape for the fish to establish a secure territory.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade / Captive-bred specimens are regularly available

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.