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True Percula Clownfish

Family: PomacentridaeAmphiprion perculaPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The True Percula Clownfish is very beautiful and a favorite of many marine enthusiats! Can you tell a True Percula Clownfish from a "False" Percula Clownfish?

   This True Percula Clownfish is very similar to the Ocellaris Clownfish or False Percula Clownfish, A. ocellaris. The difference is in the number of dorsal spines (11 for A. ocellaris, and 10 or 9 for A. percula), the anterior part of the dorsal fins is taller in A. ocellaris, and A. ocellaris never have a thick black margin around the three white bars. The two fish do not occur together in nature. The black bar is sometimes expanded more than the fish in the above picture.

For more Information on keeping this fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Marine Aquarium

Maintenance difficulty:    The True Percula Clownfish is generally easy to keep.

Maintenance:    Feed all kinds of live, frozen, and flake foods. It is best to feed small amounts several times a day.

Habitat: Natural geographic location:    True Percula Clownfish are found in the Northern Queensland and Melanesia ( New Guinea, New Britain, New Ireland, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu).

Host Anemones:    Heteractus magnifica ~ Magnificent sea anemone.
   Stichtodactyla gigantea ~ Gigantic sea anemone.
   Stichtodactyla crispa ~ Leathery sea anemone.

Foods:    All kinds. See "maintenance" above.

Social Behaviors:    Like all damselfish, they can be territorial and aggressive, especially as they get older.

Sex: Sexual differences:    The female is usually much larger than the male.

Light: Recommended light levels:    No special requirements.

Breeding/Reproduction:    This species has been bred in captivity. See general breeding techniques on the Breeding Marine Fish page.

Temperature:    No special requirements.

Length/Diameter of fish:
   True Percula Clownfish adults can grow to 8 cm ( 3.2 inches).

Minimum Tank Length/Size:    A minimum 20 gallon aquarium is recommended.

Water Movement: Weak, Moderate, Strong    No special requirements.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom    No special requirements.

Availability:    This fish is generally readily available.

Author: David Brough. CFS.

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Lastest Comments on True Percula Clownfish View all 35 comments on True Percula Clownfish Add Your Comment

jami - 2011-01-31 I just purchased a set of clown fish. I have a 110 gallon tank and wondered if anyone could tell me why they seem to always stay at the top of the tank? Chris - 2011-02-17 Hi Jami I recently purchased 2 False Percula's which tend to stay around bottom 2/3rd of the tank which is normal for False variety, from what I have read in forums it seems quite normal as True Percs tend to prefer the top 2/3rd of the tank. I may be wrong but I have come across similar threads while researching. Wish you all the look with your new friends, if your like me I can't stop watching them, everyone thinks I'm a saddo. David Jonathan Brodow - 2011-05-27 The fish are probably just fearful and don't have a territory of their own. Set up a 65 gal tank 2 months ago. Lost some fish to ich until I set up a UV sterilizer. Now I have a fire clownfish who is doing great. I added another clownfish who took some shots from the fire clown but survived. The newer clown stayed on the top for one week then found an anemone to call home. Kelly - 2012-03-02 I have a female Percula Clown who sleeps at the top of my 55 gal. She hides in a fake log I put in my tank all day and at night, floats at the top. I'm told that clowns often do that. Also, the top of the tank is warmer than the bottom, maybe they just like it where it's warmer? Reply

Collecting Clownfish - 2012-02-07 Wow lots of room! Sounds like this will be a very COOL tank once you slowly add your inhabitants! I noticed when my clowns do not have an anemone to host (which they do not need to live) if I make a little cave or cozy overhang, they will use that instead. Otherwise, hovering at the top is not a big deal, and they will adjust. They, at times like to "host" the heater or power-heads. No worries, just as long as they are not gasping for air, you are fine. With a tank that big, you can actually have another pair of clowns (not maroons, they are mean) like a pair of pink skunks, ocellaris, or clarkiis. Introduce the other pair into the other end of the tank. I had a 150 with 3 pairs of clowns, each had their own anemone and everyone was cool with each other. I had a pair of tomatoes, perculas and skunks. Reply

coree - 2012-01-15 Why don't you guys have a section for seahorses and pipefish? Some people might want one of those kind of fish. I put that up on the long nosed hawk fish yesterday but no respond back. Toby Jungle - 2012-01-15 You know Coree... that's a very good question and its a great idea. Stay tuned because they are in the works! red kangaroo - 2012-01-15 they might be in the horse section that would be funny but i probaly doubt it. Toby Jungle - 2012-01-15 You know Red Kangaroo... that's not a bad idea!...lol Alex Burleson - 2012-01-18 I apologize that you received no response. However, we are constantly working to better Animal-World, and those are pages we will certainly have to consider. british - 2012-01-18 I was thinking the same thing cuz I want to get a seahorse real bad.:) p.s. I'm american and I love british people especialy their accent and australians too but british more :) Reply

coree - 2012-01-15 How long would it take the seahorses and pipefish to get on this website? Charlie Roche - 2012-01-16 As soon as we can. Trying to get the Atlas finished now. Reply

coree - 2012-01-15 what do you mean in the works? the seahorse and pipefish are going to be on this website? Toby Jungle - 2012-01-15 Yup... in the works means we have a Seahorse and Pipefish section being put together. It will also have a few others, like the Weedy Seadragon! I really love these guys too, so can hardly wait! Reply

Kitsune - 2009-11-02 I love clownfish! This website is so useful for me! It will help me on my report!! jackike - 2011-09-09 Me too. It also helps me with my project especially since no one else in my group is gonna do it. So might as well do every thing. Reply

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