Ocellaris Clownfish

Ocellaris Clownfish with a Giant Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantea) on display at the Seattle Aquarium.

Ocellaris Clownfish with a large Ritteri Anemone (Heteractis magnifica).

A mated pair of Black Ocellaris Clownfish, the male (smaller fish) is tending the black eggs on the live rock at the base of the Ritteri Anemone.  Black Ocellaris are the most valuable color variant of this species, normally costing $30 to $40US for 1 inch (2.5cm) fish.  Juveniles of this variant start off brown and turn black as they mature.  Most of these fish available in the aquarium trade are tank raised.  I have often seen Black Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus), a much more common, and less valuable fish (less than $20 per fish) trying to be passed off as this species under a common name of Black Percula.  Make sure you know the difference before you buy, as these fish prefer different host anemones.

Tank raised no stripe Ocellaris Clownfish produced by ORA.