Black Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris)

The Black Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the striking melanistic form of the classic clownfish, tracing its roots to the wild population around Darwin, Australia. Juveniles start out with warm orange faces that deepen to velvety jet black with crisp white bars as they mature, so you get to watch the transformation happen in your own tank. Just as hardy, peaceful, and reef-safe as the standard Ocellaris, it is an easy recommendation for beginners and a sleek, dramatic look for seasoned reefers. Browse the rest of our saltwater livestock and supplies to build the perfect reef around it.

Care Guide

• Tank size: 20 gallons or larger for a single fish or a bonded pair. Like all Ocellaris, they claim a home base and stick close to it.
• Water parameters: 72 to 78°F, pH 8.0 to 8.4, salinity 1.020 to 1.026, dKH 8 to 12. Steady parameters matter more than chasing exact numbers.
• Aquascape: open swimming space with rockwork to shelter near. A lid is a smart precaution, especially while a new fish settles in.
• Feeding: enthusiastic omnivore. Feed once or twice daily with a quality marine pellet plus frozen foods like PE Mysis and brine shrimp.
• Color change: young Black Ocellaris show orange on the face and body. The black spreads as the fish matures, usually finishing as a full jet-black fish with white bars within the first year or two.

Specifications

Compatibility

Black Ocellaris are model citizens in a peaceful community or reef tank. Great tank mates include the Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma, Blue Green Chromis, Banggai Cardinal, and cleanup crew inverts like the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner Shrimp. Since it is the same species, a Black Ocellaris can even pair with a standard Ocellaris Clownfish for a black and orange duo. Keep it to one clownfish pair per tank; adding a third or mixing different clownfish species usually leads to bullying. An anemone is optional, but a settled pair will often adopt a bubble tip anemone as a host.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Piscine Energetics PE Mysis frozen food
• Xtreme Marine PeeWee Pellets
• Vitalis Marine Grazing Pellets
• Green Bulb Anemone or Snowflake Bulb Anemone host options
• HELLOREEF Clownfish & Anemone Aquarium Kit for a first clownfish setup

FAQ

Why does my Black Ocellaris have orange on it?
That is normal juvenile coloration. Young fish show orange faces and bellies, and the black fills in as they grow. Most are fully black with white bars by one to two years old.

Does it need an anemone?
No. Ocellaris do perfectly well without one. If you want the full host experience, a bubble tip anemone is the easiest option once your tank is mature and stable.

Can I pair it with a regular orange Ocellaris?
Yes. They are the same species, so a black and orange pair works beautifully. Add both at the same time, ideally as juveniles, and they will sort out the female and male roles on their own.

Is it reef safe?
Completely. Black Ocellaris will not bother corals or invertebrates. A hosting clown may wallow in soft corals, which can annoy the coral but does no lasting harm.