Darwin Clownfish

The Darwin Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) has a pitch-black body with solid white stripes; juveniles have orange faces and underbellies, but develop darker colors as they mature. Wild populations only exist off Darwin, in North Australia, where they thrive among the reefs. They are omnivorous by nature, requiring a mixture of meaty preparations, as well as plant fiber and seaweed. These fish will accept most fish foods and are perfect for reef tanks. More than one can be kept in the same aquarium and they prefer to be kept in groups.

Clownfish have a very distinct swimming motion that is different from most fish. This is likely passed on through their genetic makeup from centuries of wiggling within the tentacles of Anemones. As the Clownfish wiggles within the stinging tentacles the Anemone's mucus is likely smeared over the Clownfish's body, which then protects it from additional stings.

 In the wild they live in small groups with one large dominant female, one smaller sexually active male, and a handful of smaller males and juveniles. When the female is lost the largest male will then change sex and become the dominant female with the other Clowns moving up the ladder behind it.