Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Onyx Clownfish is a designer clownfish variant selectively-bred from the standard Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula). This clownfish variant does not exist naturally in the wild. In general, adult Onyx clownfish will have a very dark brown-black body. As juveniles, their coloration will resemble more closely to that of a regular percula clownfish. Clownfish are well known for their interesting symbiotic relationships with anemones. A percula clown’s anemone of choice is a Bubble Tip (Entacmaea sp.) anemone. Host anemones provide clownfish with protection and a site for nest building, while the anemone also benefits from its clownfish host in many ways. Interestingly, all clownfish are born male and the most dominant individual in the group will change to female, a process known as hermaphroditism. Females grow larger than males, obtaining a size of approximately 3″ to 3-1/2″ typically in captivity. Clownfish come from the Pomacentridae family, which they share with Chromis and Damsels. To pair fish successfully, it is best to add both individuals into the aquarium at the same time. If possible, choosing individuals of two sizes can expedite the process of pairing. Different designer variants of Percula clownfish can be paired up successfully.

Diet Requirements: Clownfish are omnivorous. A varied diet of high quality algae, proteins, pellets, flakes, and enriched frozen foods are important for best coloration, immune function and optimal health. Clownfish are some of the unfussiest of saltwater livestock when it comes to feeding.

Care Requirements: A minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a single, or pair of, Onyx clownfish. A set-up with live rock is best for the health of the aquarium, and this clownfish will appreciate crevices to swim through and take refuge. Clownfish are one of the few groups of fish that can endure the break-in cycle of a new saltwater aquarium. An anemone host should only be added after the aquarium is biologically established. Their peaceful nature makes them an excellent choice to keep with almost all other community reef fish, invertebrates, and corals. We do not recommend keeping more than one pair of clownfish per aquarium, even in larger systems. We do not recommend mixing different genera of clownfish together. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ or less; Medium: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Large: 2″ to 2-3/4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.