Percula Clownfish

Looks how to spot one

Small, rounded reef fish with a protective mucus coat

A compact, bright orange fish with three white bands, behind the eye, mid-body and near the tail. Thick black borders edge the bands and fins, thicker than in the similar ocellaris clownfish, and older fish can develop black areas between the bands. It usually has 10 spines in its first dorsal fin.32

Personality what they are like

Peaceful and docile in an aquarium. Groups live by a strict size ranking, with the female largest and the breeding male next.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A weak swimmer that stays close to its home anemone or chosen spot rather than roaming.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A fully marine reef fish for a stable saltwater aquarium at around 25 to 28 °C. It is peaceful and does well in captivity, though reef-quality water conditions are needed.31

Home where they are happiest

Shallow coral reefs at about 1 to 15 m depth, living in the host anemones Heteractis magnifica, H. crispa and Stichodactyla gigantea.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that eats algae, zooplankton, copepods, worms and small crustaceans. In the aquarium it takes marine flake, pellet and frozen foods.3

Company who they like around

Usually a breeding pair, sometimes with up to four smaller non-breeding fish waiting in line. Kept as a single fish or a pair in aquariums.13

The story where it all began

Lacépède described the species in 1802. It lives in partnership with sea anemones on Pacific reefs and is a long-time favourite of marine aquarists; collection on the Great Barrier Reef is permit-controlled and captive breeding supplies many aquarium fish.132

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed 2010)1

Bernard Germain de Lacépède

Described in 18021