Darwin Clownfish
Captive Bred Darwin Clownfish
Available for local pickup only. Price per Fish
Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris (Darwin variant)
Size: 3–3.5" (females larger than males)
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; may become territorial when paired or hosting.
Reef Safe: ✅ Yes, safe with corals & invertebrates.
Diet: Omnivore – marine pellets, frozen mysis/brine, krill, chopped seafood, spirulina. Feed 2–3 times daily.
Behavior: Hardy, beginner-friendly, forms pairs (female larger), playful swimmer, may host anemones (e.g., Bubble Tip).
Care Level: Easy. Excellent for beginners.
Water Parameters: 75–80°F, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025, nitrate <20 ppm.
Tank Size: 20+ gallons, provide rockwork & hiding places. Avoid large aggressive fish.
Special Notes: Captive bred = hardy, disease-resistant, aquarium-adapted, and sustainable.
Captive Bred Darwin Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris – Darwin variant).
Available for local pickup only. Price per Fish
Description
The Captive Bred Darwin Clownfish is a striking natural variant of the Ocellaris Clownfish, originating from the reefs near Darwin, Australia. Unlike the classic orange and white Ocellaris, this clownfish displays a bold jet-black body contrasted by three clean white bands, making it a dramatic and elegant addition to marine aquariums. Their calm temperament, durability, and ease of care make them a popular choice for both beginner and advanced aquarists. Being captive bred, they are hardier, more disease-resistant, and adapt better to home aquariums than wild-caught counterparts.
Size
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Typically grows up to 3–3.5 inches (7.5–9 cm).
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Females are generally larger than males.
Temperament
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Peaceful to semi-aggressive.
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Can be territorial, especially when paired or hosting anemones.
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Best kept singly, in pairs, or in groups if introduced carefully.
Reef Compatibility
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Reef Safe ✅
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Will not harm corals or invertebrates.
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May host in anemones (e.g., Entacmaea quadricolor – Bubble Tip Anemone) or surrogate corals like Euphyllia species.
Diet
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Omnivorous – accepts a wide variety of foods.
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Diet should include:
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High-quality marine pellets and flakes
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Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill
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Chopped seafood (clam, squid, shrimp)
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Occasional algae- or spirulina-based foods
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Feeding small amounts 2–3 times daily is ideal.
Behavior & Social Structure
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Hardy and adaptable, making them excellent starter fish.
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Can form a pair – the larger fish becomes the female, the smaller the male.
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May become protective of their territory when breeding or if bonded to an anemone.
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Known for their playful swimming style and strong bond with hosts.
Care Level
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Easy – one of the most beginner-friendly marine fish.
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Thrive in a wide range of reef and fish-only tanks.
Water Parameters
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Temperature: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm
Tank Requirements
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Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a single or pair.
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Provide live rock, caves, and hiding places.
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Compatible with many peaceful to semi-aggressive community reef fish.
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Avoid housing with large aggressive species (triggers, groupers, aggressive damsels).
Key Benefits of Captive Bred Specimens
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More resilient than wild-caught fish.
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Adapted to aquarium life and common foods.
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Ethically and environmentally sustainable.
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Less prone to disease and stress.
Summary:
Captive Bred Darwin Clownfish are hardy, peaceful, and visually striking marine fish, ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists. Their deep black coloration and bold white stripes add contrast and elegance to reef tanks. Being captive bred ensures better adaptability, longevity, and sustainability, making them an excellent choice for any saltwater aquarium setup.