About the Sustainable Aquatics Fancy Clownfish – Captive-Bred
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-agressive
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Omnivore
Max Size: 3 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
The SA Fancy Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, is a variety of the common orange ocellaris clownfish developed at Sustainable Aquatics for its additional black coloration in the fins and body along with a deep red/orange body color. These fish develop a very distinct black outline or trim on all of the fins that distinguish them from other designer varieties or the normal orange ocellaris. The color patterns of the SA Fancy Clownfish are evident from a young age, but they also continue to develop dark coloration around their stripes as they mature. Care for the SA Fancy is the same as for other varieties of ocellaris clownfish.
These fish will accept most fish foods and are perfect for reef tanks. More than one can be kept in the same aquarium and they prefer to be kept in groups.
Clownfish have a very distinct swimming motion that is different from most fish. This is likely passed on through their genetic makeup from centuries of wiggling within the tentacles of Anemones. As the Clownfish wiggles within the stinging tentacles the Anemone’s mucus is likely smeared over the Clownfish’s body, which then protects it from additional stings.
In the wild they live in small groups with one large dominant female, one smaller sexually active male, and a handful of smaller males and juveniles. When the female is lost the largest male will then change sex and become the dominant female with the other Clowns moving up the ladder behind it.
Since 2003 the Tennessee Sustainable Aquatics (SA) Hatchery breeds dozens of species from resident broodstock and every month provides thousands of colorful healthy fish.