WC Percula Clownfish - Amphiprion percula

WC Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula)

The WC Percula Clownfish, Amphiprion percula, is the true wild Percula Clownfish, recognised by its bright orange body, three bold white bars and stronger black edging compared with many Ocellaris clownfish. Also known as the True Percula Clownfish or Orange Clownfish, this Western Pacific species is naturally found living closely with host sea anemones on lagoon and seaward reefs. Wild-caught specimens can be especially attractive and naturally patterned, but they should be acclimated carefully and are best suited to mature, stable marine aquariums.

Common Name:
WC Percula Clownfish, Wild Caught Percula Clownfish, True Percula Clownfish, Percula Clownfish, Orange Clownfish, Clown Anemonefish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Amphiprion percula

Maximum Size:
Up to around 11 cm, though many aquarium specimens remain closer to 8–9 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Western Pacific, including northern Queensland, New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and surrounding Melanesian reef regions. Naturally found in shallow lagoon and seaward reef habitats, usually living in small social groups within the tentacles of host sea anemones.

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

Temperament:
Generally peaceful to semi-territorial. Percula Clownfish are usually manageable in reef communities, but they may defend a chosen corner, cave, coral or host anemone, especially once paired or breeding. Wild-caught individuals may be more cautious at first than captive-bred clownfish.

Diet:
Omnivorous. In the wild, Percula Clownfish feed on small planktonic foods, tiny crustaceans and some algae-based material. In the aquarium, offer quality marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis, enriched brineshrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood and occasional spirulina or algae-based foods. Wild-caught specimens may need a little patience while adapting to prepared foods, so varied frozen foods are useful during settling.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 90 litres is recommended for a single specimen or compatible pair, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed reef communities. Provide stable water quality, rockwork, shelter and moderate water movement.

Behaviour & Activity:
A site-attached clownfish that usually chooses a favourite area and remains close to it. In nature, Amphiprion percula lives in social groups with a size-based hierarchy, where the largest fish is female and the second largest is male. It does not require an anemone in captivity, but may accept suitable host anemones such as Heteractis magnifica or Stichodactyla gigantea, or may adopt corals and rockwork as substitutes. Hosting is natural but never guaranteed.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Generally safe with corals, snails, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps and most ornamental invertebrates. The caution is behavioural: clownfish may irritate corals if they adopt them as a host, move small amounts of sand near their territory or become defensive towards nearby fish and the aquarist’s hand when mature or breeding.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Wild-caught clownfish should be quarantined and observed carefully, as they may arrive with parasites or be slower to accept prepared foods than captive-bred fish. Keep singly or as a compatible pair; avoid mixing with other clownfish species in smaller aquariums. A host anemone is optional and should only be added to a mature, well-lit aquarium with stable water quality and suitable flow. Do not confuse Amphiprion percula with Amphiprion ocellaris, the False Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Wild caught where relevant

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.