Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Black Ocellaris Clownfish

Amphiprion ocellaris

Also called Black Ocellaris, Darwin Ocellaris, Darwin False Percula

VarietyShort profile

From A natural colour form of the ocellaris clownfish found only around Darwin in Northern Australia; almost all fish in the hobby are captive-bred1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length8 to 11 cm3 4

Lifespan6 to 12 years5 6 7

Sizesmall

Striking black and white look

Peaceful by clownfish standards

Easy care level and accepts a wide range of foods

1 4

Looks how to spot one

Coloursblack with three white bandsjuveniles orange, darkening to black with age1

Personality what they are like

Calm and peaceful for a clownfish, though it will claim and defend a favourite spot in the tank.4 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Stays close to a chosen home base such as an anemone, coral or rock and bobs in and out of it rather than roaming the whole tank.7 2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A fully marine fish. Suggested aquarium water: about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, carbonate hardness 8 to 12 dKH and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Rated easy to care for, and it does not need an anemone to do well.4

Home where they are happiest

A saltwater reef or fish-only aquarium of at least about 76 L (20 US gallons), with rockwork or a host anemone or coral to settle into.4 2

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that readily takes marine flakes, pellets and frozen meaty foods, with some algae-based food in the mix.4 2

Company who they like around

Best kept alone or as a bonded pair. Two young fish put together will settle into a pair, with the larger one becoming the female.2 3

The story where it all began

This black form occurs naturally only in a small area around Darwin, Northern Australia, so wild fish are hardly ever exported. Aquaculture breeders took it on, and today captive-bred fish supply nearly the entire hobby. Scientists have discussed whether it deserves species status, but it is still treated as a colour variety of the ocellaris clownfish.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It is also called the Darwin Ocellaris after the Australian city near where the wild form lives.1
2
Babies hatch looking like ordinary orange clownfish and only turn black as they grow.1
3
Like all ocellaris clownfish, every fish starts life as a male, and the dominant one becomes female when the group needs one.5
4
Clownfish talk to each other with clicks and pops made by snapping their jaws.8

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Parent species Amphiprion ocellaris assessed as Least Concern; the black form is treated as a colour variety, not a separate species3
ORA (aquaculture breeder): Classed as a colour morph of A. ocellaris; its status as a possible separate species has been debated1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Black Ocellaris Clownfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Black Ocellaris Clownfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feedings in small portions. This keeps your clownfish healthy without overfeeding. Pet Wiki plan

What does a Black Ocellaris Clownfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It's an omnivore that enjoys marine flakes, pellets, frozen meaty foods, and some algae-based food. As for what it should never eat, that varies by individual; ask a vet or experienced breeder for a safe list.4 2

How much space does a Black Ocellaris Clownfish need?

A saltwater aquarium of at least 76 liters (20 US gallons) is recommended. Provide rockwork or a host anemone or coral for it to settle into.4 2

What temperature, light or water does a Black Ocellaris Clownfish need?

Keep water temperature between 22 and 26°C (72-78°F), pH 8.1-8.4, carbonate hardness 8-12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Lighting needs are not specified, so ask a good breeder or vet for guidance.4

How often should I clean a Black Ocellaris Clownfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Black Ocellaris Clownfish live with others?

Yes, it's best kept alone or as a bonded pair. If you put two young fish together, they will form a pair with the larger becoming female. It is calm but will defend its favorite spot.2 3

How long does a Black Ocellaris Clownfish live?

With good care, they typically live between 6 and 12 years. Provide stable water conditions and a proper diet to help them reach their full lifespan.5 6 7

Can I handle a Black Ocellaris Clownfish?

Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and damage its protective slime coat. If you need to move it, ask a vet or experienced aquarist for the safest method.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.