Description

The Percula Clownfish is one of the most iconic saltwater aquarium fish in the hobby. Known for its vibrant orange body, bold white bands, and playful personality, the Percula Clownfish is a favourite among both beginner and advanced reef keepers. Their hardy nature, reef safe behaviour, and compatibility with many community fish make them one of the best choices for marine aquariums.

Often confused with the Ocellaris Clownfish, Percula Clownfish typically display thicker black outlines around their white bands and can show deeper coloration depending on their environment and lineage.

Scientific Name

Amphiprion percula

Common Names

• Percula Clownfish
• True Percula Clownfish
• Percula Nemo Fish

Care Level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Reef Safe

Yes — Completely reef safe

Minimum Tank Size

80L+

Maximum Size

Around 7–9cm

Lifespan

5–10+ years with proper care

Natural Habitat

Percula Clownfish are naturally found throughout the warm reef systems of the Western Pacific, including areas around Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Northern Australia. In the wild, they live amongst anemones where they gain protection from predators.

Diet & Feeding

Percula Clownfish are omnivores and generally very easy to feed. A varied diet helps maintain vibrant colouration, immune health, and long-term vitality.

Recommended foods include:

• Marine pellets
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Marine flakes
• Chopped seafood
• Algae-based foods occasionally

Feed 1–2 times daily in moderate amounts.

Water Parameters

Stable water quality is important for long-term success.

Recommended Parameters

• Salinity: 1.024–1.026
• Temperature: 24–26°C
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia: 0ppm
• Nitrite: 0ppm
• Nitrate: <15ppm

Tank Setup

Percula Clownfish thrive in established reef aquariums with plenty of rockwork and calm swimming zones.

Ideal setup includes:

• Live rock for shelter
• Moderate flow
• Stable temperature and salinity
• High-quality filtration
• Peaceful tank mates

While they may host anemones, an anemone is not required for healthy captive care.

Compatibility

Percula Clownfish are generally peaceful and work well in most reef community aquariums.

Common Compatible Tank Mates

• Gobies
• Blennies
• Firefish
• Royal Grammas
• Wrasses
• Cardinalfish
• Tangs in larger aquariums

Use Caution With

• Large aggressive triggers
• Lionfish
• Large dottybacks
• Aggressive clownfish species

Pairs usually do best together, though mature females may become territorial in smaller tanks.

Common Mistakes

Adding Too Many Clownfish

Clownfish establish strong social hierarchies. Keeping multiple clownfish together in smaller tanks often results in aggression.

Unstable Water Parameters

While hardy, sudden salinity or temperature swings can stress Percula Clownfish and weaken immunity.

Overstocking Small Tanks

Even peaceful clownfish benefit from personal space and stable territory.

Assuming They Need Anemones

Percula Clownfish do not require anemones to thrive in captivity and often happily host coral, rockwork, or powerheads instead.

Fun Facts

• Percula Clownfish are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning the dominant fish can change sex and become female.
• They are one of the few fish species capable of living safely within anemone tentacles.
• The species became globally famous through the movie Finding Nemo.
• Captive-bred Percula Clownfish are often hardier and more adaptable than wild-caught specimens.

Why Buy Percula Clownfish From Aquamarine Aquaristic?

At Aquamarine Aquaristic, our marine fish are carefully acclimated, observed, and feeding before sale. We prioritise healthy, active fish suited for long-term success in reef aquariums, helping hobbyists confidently add beautiful marine life to their systems.