reef fish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Small, oval-bodied fish with a bright orange color. It features three vertical white bands: one behind the eye, one in the middle of the body with a forward bulge, and one at the base of the tail. The bands often have thin black outlines. It has rounded fins with black margins.
- Habitat
- Native to the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacif…
- Size & weight
- Adults typically reach 7 to 11 cm (2.8 to 4.3 inches) in…
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and…
Identified More reef fish →
Learn more about Ocellaris Clownfish in the encyclopedia →Identify your own catch.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical characteristics
Small, oval-bodied fish with a bright orange color. It features three vertical white bands: one behind the eye, one in the middle of the body with a forward bulge, and one at the base of the tail. The bands often have thin black outlines. It has rounded fins with black margins.
Habitat & distribution
Native to the eastern Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. Lives in coral reefs at depths of 1 to 15 meters, specifically within the stinging tentacles of sea anemones like Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea.
Behavior
Highly territorial over their host anemone. They live in a hierarchical social structure headed by a dominant female. They are diurnal and exhibit a unique 'wobbling' swimming style.
Diet
Omnivorous; feeds on zooplankton, small crustaceans, and algae found within or near their host anemone.
Reproduction
Sequential hermaphrodites; they are born male and the largest individual in a group changes sex to become the dominant female. They lay eggs on flat surfaces near the anemone, which the male guards and fans.
Ecological role
Forms a symbiotic relationship with anemones; the fish provides nutrients via waste and protection from polyp-eating fish, while the anemone provides protection from predators with its stinging cells.
Similar species
Orange Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) - nearly identical but has thicker black outlines around the white bands and generally 10 dorsal spines instead of 11.
Identification tips
Look for three white bands on an orange body with black outlines. The middle band has a distinct forward-reaching bulge. Found almost exclusively hovering in or near anemones.
Interesting facts
The mucus layer on their skin protects them from the anemone's stinging nematocysts. If the dominant female dies, the largest male will change sex and become the new female.