Percula clownfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: More localized than the Ocellaris: endemic to the northern Australian Great Barrier Reef, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Colonizes sunny shallow reefs establishing a symbiosis with the Heteractis magnifica anemone or the giant carpet anemone (Stichodactyla).

Taxonomy and Morphology: The True Percula Clownfish. Stockier and physically smaller than its cousin A. ocellaris. Reaches a maximum of 8 cm (3 inches) (female). The iris of the eye is black and devoid of the bright golden circle, giving the gaze a darker and more marked appearance.

Social Behavior: Forms complex patriarchal micro-societies around the host anemone. They are sedentary fish: they swim "wagging" awkwardly but rarely wander more than half a meter from their stinging home, from which they extract food scraps bringing new mouthfuls as a gift.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Bright orange background with three white bands. The drastic difference with the Ocellaris lies in the heavy and marked black outlines: the black lines around the white are so thick that they often cover large portions of the body ("Onyx" and "Picasso" variants, almost entirely black and white).

Aquarium Setup: Being very small swimmers, a dedicated 50-60 liters (13-15 gallons) marine reef aquarium (nano-reef) is their realm. Although an anemone enhances their natural behavior, in the tank they will adapt beautifully to floating soft corals (Sarcophyton, Rhodactis).

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore with marked predatory aptitudes on zooplankton. Extremely simple aquarium diet: gladly accepts any high quality marine preparation. Alternate spirulina-based flakes with frequent doses of live copepods, lobster eggs and mysis.

Water Quality: Emotionally and biologically very resistant if purchased captive-bred (Tank-Bred). Ideal values: SG 1.023-1.025, stable temperature 25-27°C (77-81°F). The water must be crystal clear. Wild-caught Perculas suffer terribly from initial shocks.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Exquisitely peaceful with other small species (Gobies, Blennies). Becoming fiercely protective of the spawning area, they MUST be kept as a single pair per aquarium. They would quickly kill a third specimen (especially if female) or clownfish of other species.

Aquarium Reproduction: Easily reproduced. Like all clownfish, they are protandric hermaphrodites. The eggs (about 300) are tirelessly cared for by the male, who fans them for 8-10 days. Rearing the larvae requires active cultures of brachionus (rotifers).

Risks and Diseases: At lethal risk if paired with fish that are too turbulent or predatory, due to their very reduced escape capabilities. Like the ocellaris, they are exposed to the Brooklynella parasite; strictly quarantine or buy only native aquarium specimens.