Clownfish (Ocellaris)

Overview

The Clownfish (Ocellaris) (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a Saltwater (Marine) fish growing to about 3–4 in and living 6–10 yrs. It's semi-aggressive (hardy) and best kept in a pair or small group. Plan a tank of at least 20–30 gal. With a typical lifespan of around 8 years, it's a medium-length commitment.

Is the Clownfish (Ocellaris) right for you?

A good match if — you can keep water parameters stable.

Think twice if — you're not ready for the cost and complexity of saltwater; you wanted a peaceful community tank.

What a Clownfish (Ocellaris) needs from you

The ongoing work is water quality: filtration, regular water changes and stable parameters. As a marine fish, expect a more complex and more expensive saltwater set-up. Don't undersize the tank (minimum about 20–30 gal).

Key facts

Water type

Saltwater (Marine)

Scientific name

Amphiprion ocellaris

Adult size

3–4 in

Life span

6–10 yrs

Temperament

semi-aggressive (hardy)

Social needs

pair

Min. tank

20–30 gal

Care level

intermediate

Notes

Best beginner marine fish; captive-bred widely available

What it needs from you (at a glance)

What it costs

Scaled to this breed’s roughly 60 g and a ~8-year life, keeping a Clownfish (Ocellaris) works out at about:

Rough cross-breed averages in USD — a planning guide, not a quote. Break it down by life phase in the Cost Calculator →

Temperament (at a glance)