Black Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) – Squeaky’s Aquatics

In-store pickup only.Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.

The Black Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is the striking jet-black color form of the classic ocellaris clown,trading the usual orange for a deep velvety black body crossed by three crisp white bars. Hardy, peaceful, and full of personality, it is one of the best beginner saltwater fish and a perfect centerpiece for a reef or fish-only tank. Pair it with the rest of our saltwater livestock selection.

Care Guide

• Aquarium:20 gallons or larger with live rock for shelter and territory. Clownfish are not strong swimmers and appreciate a calm flow zone they can call home.
• Water quality:Keep parameters stable. Target 72 to 78°F, pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025, and dKH 8 to 12. Captive-bred clowns like this one adapt easily to aquarium life.
• Diet:Easy-to-feed omnivore. Offer a varied menu of marine flake, mysis, and brine shrimp 1 to 2 times a day.
• Temperament:Peaceful and reef safe, though it can be feisty in defense of its chosen spot. Keep singly or as a bonded pair, and add it before more aggressive tankmates so it can settle in.
• Anemone host:An anemone is not required, but this clown will happily host a Bulb Tip Anemone if you choose to add one. Many captive-bred clowns also adopt a coral or just a favorite rock.

Specifications

Common Name	Black Darwin Ocellaris Clownfish
Scientific Name	Amphiprion ocellaris
Care Level	Beginner
Temperament	Peaceful
Max Adult Size	Around 3.5 inches (9 cm)
Minimum Tank Size	20 gallons
Water Temperature	72 to 78°F
pH	8.1 to 8.4
Specific Gravity	1.020 to 1.025
Diet	Omnivore
Reef Safe	Yes
Origin	Captive-bred (Darwin lineage)
Availability	In-store pickup only

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Black Darwin Clowns are peaceful and reef safe, mixing well with other calm to moderately bold reef fish and with corals and most invertebrates. Good companions we carry include:

• Banggai Cardinal
• Purple Firefish Goby
• Midas Blenny
• Neon Wrasse
• Red Mandarin Goby and reef-safe cleanup crew

Avoid large aggressive fish and other clownfish species, which can trigger territorial squabbles.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Ocean Nutrition Brine Shrimp Plus Flake for daily staple feeding
• Freeze-Dried Mysis Shrimp for protein and color
• Bulb Tip Anemone if you want to offer a natural host
• Browse all marine fish nutrition

FAQ

Is the Black Darwin Clownfish reef safe?
Yes. It is fully reef safe and will not bother corals or invertebrates, making it a great fit for any reef tank.

Does it need an anemone?
No. Clownfish do not require an anemone to stay healthy. This one will host a Bulb Tip Anemone if offered, but is perfectly happy claiming a coral or rock instead.

Is it good for beginners?
Yes. Captive-bred ocellaris clowns are among the hardiest and easiest marine fish, which makes them a top choice for a first saltwater tank.

Can I keep more than one?
Keep them singly or as a bonded pair. Two unpaired clowns, or mixing with other clownfish species, can lead to territorial aggression.