Clown anemonefish (Nemo)
| Family | Pomacentridae |
|---|---|
| Genus | Amphiprion |
| IUCN category (World) | LC |
Introduction
Amphiprion ocellaris is the best-known species of clownfish. It was popularized by Disney's productions "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory". It is mainly found in the eastern Indian Ocean, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along the coasts of Thailand and Malaysia, as well as from northwestern Australia to Singapore.
Although the movie directly criticizes the poor maintenance of wild fish in aquariums, the direct consequences of the success of these films have been an increase in the demand for clownfish and blue tangs in the aquarium hobby.
Several populations have been overfished and have disappeared in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and certain parts of the Great Barrier Reef. However, it is not possible to attribute all of these disappearances solely to the aquarium trade because other threats also play a role, particularly coral bleaching, which leads to the complete destruction of this species' habitat. Today, the breeding of clownfish is controlled and the majority of fish sold come from aquaculture, which limits the pressure on wild populations.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Type
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Average size8 cm
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Maximum size12 cm
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Longevity15 year
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ShapeOval
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Patternvertical stripes
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Type
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Average size8 cm
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Maximum size12 cm
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Longevity15 year
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ShapeOval
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Patternvertical stripes
How to recognize This fish ?
Amphiprion ocellaris is easily recognizable by its bright orange color and three white bands. As an adult, it does not exceed 9 cm in length.
It resembles Amphiprion percula. The difference between the two lies in the thickness of the black outlines surrounding the white bands.
The spiny part of the dorsal fin is also larger in A. ocellaris. It is rare to confuse them as their geographical ranges do not overlap.
There is a completely black variety with white bars near Darwin.
Sexual dimorphism
The female is larger than the male.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving as a couple
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territorialYes
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Way of livingdiurnal
This clown anemonefish lives in colonies organized around a dominant female and juveniles. It lives in symbiosis with anemones of the Heteractis and Stichodactyla genera. This fish is immune to the venom of anemones, which allows it to be protected from predators. In return, it cleans, feeds, and defends the anemone against its own predators.
Although slightly territorial, the clownfish is generally a peaceful fish that behaves peacefully towards other species. It is worth noting that it is less tolerant of its own kind, especially among mature females.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
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Hermaphroditeprotandric
The clownfish is an oviparous fish that lays its eggs on an exposed substrate. The parents take turns oxygenating the eggs by stirring them throughout their development. After hatching, the fry are left to fend for themselves and are carried into pelagic zones.
Harmless species
This species does not pose a particular danger to humans if encountered in its natural environment.
Origin and distribution
Geographic distribution & Conservation
This species of clownfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region from Japan to Australia.
Conservation status of populations (IUCN)
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature22 - 28 °C
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Depth0 - 15 m
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FlowMedium and Slow
Biotope presentation
The clownfish is found in coral-rich areas, usually at depths below 15 meters.
Main recommendations for fishkeeping
Deontology
In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.
Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.
We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.
Our recommendations
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Min volume100 liters
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Population min2
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Temperature22 - 28 °C
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pH (acidity)8.2 - 8.4
Characteristics
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Difficulty breedingeasy
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Robustnessrobust
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Behaviourpeaceful
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Availabilityusual
General reminders
It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.
General reminder on maintenance datas
Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.
Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.
Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.
Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.
En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Une eau trop dure ou trop calcaire peut être inadaptée à de nombreuses espèces tropicales d’eau douce. Si nécessaire, vous pouvez la couper avec de l’eau osmosée ou de pluie filtrée afin d’obtenir une dureté plus adaptée aux besoins de vos poissons et de vos plantes. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.
Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.
Specific needs for the Clown anemonefish (Nemo)
The Clown anemonefish (Nemo) is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 28 °C. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.
Breeding this species is accessible to any hobbyist. It is recommended to follow some basic rules and to be rigorous to achieve a good maintenance.
Cohabitation & Environment
In a community aquarium context, this species should be kept in a minimum volume of 100 liters.
Fearful by nature, it is advised not to let the Clown anemonefish (Nemo) cohabit with large territorial species or with too aggressive fish. It can easily evolve with territorial neighbors with a peaceful temperament or with non-territorial species.
Be careful to plan an adequate space for each territorial species. Each species should have a surface and a decor allowing it to juxtapose its territory with that of its neighbors.
Tips for feeding
The Clown anemonefish (Nemo) is carnivorous.
This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.
Feed animals in moderation to maintain good water quality. Meals should be eaten within 2–3 minutes, served in several small portions rather than a single large ration.
Uneaten food quickly decomposes, releasing ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which disturb the aquarium’s biological balance.
Make sure each species can access food properly, slower or bottom-dwelling individuals may require targeted feeding.Reproduction protocol
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Maintenance difficultymoderate
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Spawning cleaningFemale & Male
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egg-laying protectionFemale & Male
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Fry protection
Hybridization risks
In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.
To go further
Species of the same family
Espèces du même genre
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Adrien Falzon
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
Marine Kassel
Where to see this species?
Scientific partners
Tags
Species of the same family
Same genus
