Black Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The Black Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the striking jet-black color form of the classic ocellaris clown, trading the usual orange for a deep velvety black body crossed by three crisp white bars. Hardy, peaceful, and full of personality, it is one of the best beginner saltwater fish and a perfect centerpiece for a reef or fish-only tank. Pair it with the rest of our saltwater livestock selection.

Care Guide

• Aquarium: 20 gallons or larger with live rock for shelter and territory. Clownfish are not strong swimmers and appreciate a calm flow zone they can call home.
• Water quality: Keep parameters stable. Target 72 to 78°F, pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, and dKH 8 to 12. Captive-bred clowns like this one adapt easily to aquarium life.
• Diet: Easy-to-feed omnivore. Offer a varied menu of marine flake, mysis, and brine shrimp 1 to 2 times a day.
• Temperament: Peaceful and reef safe, though it can be feisty in defense of its chosen spot. Keep singly or as a bonded pair, and add it before more aggressive tankmates so it can settle in.
• Anemone host: An anemone is not required, but this clown will happily host a Bulb Tip Anemone if you choose to add one. Many captive-bred clowns also adopt a coral or just a favorite rock.

Specifications

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Black Darwin Clowns are peaceful and reef safe, mixing well with other calm to moderately bold reef fish and with corals and most invertebrates. Good companions we carry include:

• Banggai Cardinal
• Purple Firefish Goby
• Midas Blenny
• Neon Wrasse
• Red Mandarin Goby and reef-safe cleanup crew

Avoid large aggressive fish and other clownfish species, which can trigger territorial squabbles.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake for daily staple feeding
• Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp for protein and color
• Bulb Tip Anemone if you want to offer a natural host
• Browse all marine fish nutrition

FAQ

Is the Black Darwin Clownfish reef safe?
Yes. It is fully reef safe and will not bother corals or invertebrates, making it a great fit for any reef tank.

Does it need an anemone?
No. Clownfish do not require an anemone to stay healthy. This one will host a Bulb Tip Anemone if offered, but is perfectly happy claiming a coral or rock instead.

Is it good for beginners?
Yes. Captive-bred ocellaris clowns are among the hardiest and easiest marine fish, which makes them a top choice for a first saltwater tank.

Can I keep more than one?
Keep them singly or as a bonded pair. Two unpaired clowns, or mixing with other clownfish species, can lead to territorial aggression.