Description

Caramel Clownfish

The Caramel Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a captivating designer variant of the Black Ocellaris Clownfish, celebrated for its unique coloration and suitability for home aquariums. Its adaptability and peaceful nature make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

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🐠 Caramel Clownfish Overview

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris
• Common Names: Caramel Clownfish, Caramel Ocellaris
• Coloration: Juveniles exhibit a rich orange hue with three white stripes. As they mature, their coloration deepens to a darker orange or brown, often developing a black overlay. Some individuals may turn entirely black, while others retain their caramel tones.
• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in length
• Temperament: Peaceful and social; can be kept singly, in pairs, or small groups
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals
• Captive-Bred Advantage: Being captive-bred, they are more resilient, disease-resistant, and better adapted to aquarium life compared to wild-caught counterparts.

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🏠 Aquarium Setup & Care

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 10–20 gallons (38–76 liters); larger tanks are preferable for multiple specimens or community setups.
• Water Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.020–1.025
• pH Level: 8.0–8.4
• Water Hardness (dKH): 8–12
• Filtration: High-quality filtration with a protein skimmer is recommended to maintain optimal water quality.
• Water Changes: Perform 10–25% water changes every 2–4 weeks to maintain water quality.

Habitat Enhancements

• Anemone Association: While not required, Caramel Clownfish may host in anemones such as Heteractis magnifica or Stichodactyla mertensii.
• Aquascaping: Provide live rock structures and hiding spots to mimic natural reef environments.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

• Diet Type: Omnivorous
• Feeding Frequency: 2–3 times daily
• Food Types:
  • High-quality marine flakes or pellets enriched with spirulina
  • Frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood
  • Occasional vegetable matter or algae-based foods

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🐣 Breeding Insights

• Breeding Behavior: Caramel Clownfish are egg layers, depositing eggs on flat surfaces and guarding them diligently.
• Hatching Period: Eggs typically hatch within 6–11 days, depending on water temperature.
• Rearing Fry: Newly hatched fry should be transferred to a separate rearing tank and fed rotifers, transitioning to baby brine shrimp as they grow.

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✅ Summary

The Caramel Clownfish’s striking appearance, coupled with its hardy nature and ease of care, makes it a delightful addition to marine aquariums. Its compatibility with reef setups and potential for breeding offer both aesthetic appeal and engaging experiences for aquarists.

For a visual guide on clownfish care, you might find the following video helpful:

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