Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Picasso Clownfish

Amphiprion percula

Also called Picasso Percula, Picasso Percula Clownfish

VarietyShort profile

From A rare natural pattern of the percula clownfish from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, now produced mainly by captive breeding1

At a glance the quick version

Length8 to 11 cm2 3

Sizesmall

Each fish has a unique, artistic pattern

Peaceful in the aquarium

Captive-bred, so wild reefs are spared

1 2

Looks how to spot one

Coloursbright orange with extended white markings and black edging1 2

Personality what they are like

Like the standard percula, it is a peaceful aquarium fish that keeps close to its chosen home.2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Stays near its host anemone or favourite spot, darting out briefly to feed.2

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A fully marine fish. In the wild its parent species lives in shallow, warm reef water of about 25 to 28 °C. Stable reef-style conditions suit it well.2

Home where they are happiest

A saltwater aquarium with rockwork or a host anemone. Wild fish live in shallow reef water no deeper than about 12 to 15 m, mainly in Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea anemones.2 3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore; in nature it eats algae, zooplankton, worms and small crustaceans.2

Company who they like around

Lives as a pair or small group led by one female, with the largest male next in line.2

The story where it all began

Picasso markings occur in the wild but are very rare. ORA began its breeding line in 2004 by pairing one wild male from the Solomon Islands with an ordinary Onyx female, and later added more wild Picassos. Much of the Picasso stock in the hobby traces back to that programme.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
Only a small share of babies from each Picasso spawn grow up with enough extra white to be sold as Picassos; most look like regular perculas.1
2
Young Picassos usually lack the black body markings, which fill in as they mature.1
3
Percula clownfish have 10 spines in the first dorsal fin, while the look-alike ocellaris usually has 11.2
4
A percula pair lays roughly 400 to 1,500 eggs per spawning, and they hatch in 6 to 8 days.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Parent species Amphiprion percula assessed as Least Concern; the Picasso is a pattern variety3
ORA (aquaculture breeder): Hand-graded into Picasso and Premium Picasso grades1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Picasso 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 Picasso Clownfish?

Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed small amounts once or twice a day. This matches their natural habit of grazing on algae and small prey. Always check with your vet if you have concerns about your fish's weight.2 Pet Wiki plan

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

They are omnivores and in the wild eat algae, zooplankton, worms and small crustaceans. Never feed them anything that isn't designed for marine fish, and avoid overfeeding. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.2

How much space does a Picasso Clownfish need?

They need a saltwater aquarium with rockwork or a host anemone. The exact tank size varies, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for the best setup for your fish.2 3

What temperature, light or water does a Picasso Clownfish need?

They thrive in stable reef-style conditions with water around 25 to 28 °C, as they come from shallow warm reefs. Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily and salinity weekly. Use a marine aquarium light suitable for a reef tank.2 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Picasso Clownfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan includes weekly glass cleaning and a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation with fresh RO water daily and test water weekly. This keeps conditions stable for your fish. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Picasso Clownfish live with others?

Yes, they live as a pair or small group led by one female, with the largest male next in line. They are peaceful and stay close to their chosen home, so they can share a tank with other peaceful marine fish.2

How long does a Picasso Clownfish live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For a more precise answer, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the specific lineage.

Can I handle a Picasso Clownfish?

It's best not to handle them, as they are delicate marine fish that stay near their home. Handling can stress them or damage their slime coat. Always use a net if you need to move them.2

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.

Percula Clownfish

Ocellaris Clownfish

Snowflake Clownfish

Black Ocellaris Clownfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

ORA: Picasso Clownfish orafarm.comused for origin, history, pattern, grading, development
Wikipedia: Orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) en.wikipedia.orgused for size, lifespan note, habitat, diet, temperament, dorsal spines, spawning
FishBase: Amphiprion percula fishbase.seused for max size, depth, host anemones, IUCN status of parent species

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.