Ocellaris Clownfish: Quick Guide To Keeping These Famous Saltwater Aquarium Fish

Did you ever want to keep Nemo in your saltwater aquarium? What’s stopping you? Nemo from the movie ‘Finding Nemo’ is a Clownfish. It is very well-known because of the attention it got in this movie that we all watched while growing up.

Ocellaris Clownfish is relatively easy-to-keep as it has simple diets. You will love to understand this vibrant fish and learn about its biologically.

Let’s walk you through this comprehensive guide that will tell you all about the care requirements of Ocellaris Clownfish.

Ideal Habitat

Ocellaris Clownfish is usually present in the coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific Ocean. Other than that, you can find them near Southeast Asia or Australia, where these adorable fish swim in shallow lagoons.

They like to stay in clear water. That should be achieved by keeping the nutrient count low in the aquarium.

Tank Size

You can keep them in a 20-gallon tank. However, if you want to keep other fish with your Ocellaris Clownfish, then you should go for a bigger aquarium, maybe a 50-gallon one.

Tank Set-Up

Temperature: Nemo likes warmer temperatures of the water, so you might have to install a heater in their tank to keep the temperature between 74 degrees to 79 degrees.

pH: The pH should be kept slightly alkaline, so the ideal digits would be between 7.8 to 8.4.

Water hardness: Try to keep the water hardness between 8 dKH to 12 dKH.

Specific gravity: You should set this between 1.021 to 1.026.

Decorations: Ocellaris Clownfish likes to have a few hiding spots for it. That’s why you should add rocks and plants that will form hiding structures for cute Nemos.

Water movement: They can swim in waters that are moving at various speeds. However, do keep an area where the water movement is slow as they will be more comfortable feeding in that spot.

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish is the least aggressive type of clownfish. That’s why, even in their natural habitat i.e. reefs, they peacefully swim in the same space as other fish.

Let’s see which fish are deemed appropriate to keep with Ocellaris Clownfish:

Bubble Tip Anemone

Leathery Sea Anemone

Magnificent Anemone

Damselfish

Wrasses

Dartfish

Butterflyfish

Blennies

Gobies

Peppermint Shrimp

Harlequin Shrimp

Ocellaris Clownfish isn’t one of the strongest swimmers. That’s why you shouldn’t keep bigger fish like Tangs or Angelfish with these, especially if not monitored. Aggressive fish shouldn’t be kept with these sweet Ocellaris Clownfish at all. Eels, triggerfish, etc. will not shy away from preying on your little Nemo. • Can you keep Ocellaris Clownfish with other Ocellaris Clownfish?

Yup. Feel free to keep these fish together. They do like to swim in pairs or groups.

Diet

As mentioned at the beginning of this guide, Ocellaris Clownfish have a basic diet. Them being omnivores adds to the ease. You have plenty of options to choose their feed from:

Algae

Mysis shrimp

Brine shrimp

Chopped fish

Pallets

Flakes

Keep a variety of meaty and green food in their diet.

Feeding routine: The small Ocellaris Clownfish should be fed 3 to 4 times a day while they adults should be fed twice a day.

Care

Ocellaris Clownfish are adaptable, but still like to stay in a well-maintained tank.

Cleaning: You should change 15% of their tank’s water twice a week, every two weeks. If you have kept coral decorations in the aquarium, then change 5% every week and 15% every two weeks.

You should also clean the rocks and plants, at least every two weeks. They won’t appreciate dirt accumulating on their hiding structures.

Conclusion

I am sure you must be convinced that Nemo is a sweetheart, and to keep it in your saltwater aquarium will just be an absolute pleasure.

You can understand their ways of communication, and you will end up bonding with your Ocellaris Clownfish. With proper care, you will be able to enjoy keeping these beautiful fish.