True Percula Clownfish

Amphiprion percula

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Pomacentridae

📍 Pacific Ocean, Great Barrier Reef to Melanesia

Slightly more vibrant coloring than its ocellaris cousin. Pairs beautifully with Bubbletip or Magnificent anemones. Very popular reef fish.

Size3"

Min Tank20g

School2+

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

True Percula Clownfish are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods. Feed once daily in small portions that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes. Supplement occasionally with algae-based foods and blanched vegetables to support overall health and coloration.

Behavior

These clownfish are semi-aggressive and highly territorial, especially when paired or hosting an anemone. They exhibit curious, active behavior during the day and spend considerable time near their host anemone or preferred shelter. Pairs bond strongly and will defend their territory vigorously against other fish, though they remain relatively peaceful toward larger species and invertebrates.

Breeding

Breeding True Percula Clownfish in captivity is moderately difficult but achievable with proper conditioning and stable water parameters. Pairs will lay eggs on flat surfaces near their anemone host; eggs hatch in 8-9 days and fry require specialized rearing with copepod-sized foods. Success requires patience, excellent water quality, and separate rearing tanks for larvae.

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Similar species may compete for territory and anemone access; only compatible in very large tanks with multiple anemones

caution

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial symbiotic relationship; shrimp remove parasites and algae without threat to clownfish

excellent

Pistol Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that occupies different tank zones; no predatory threat to clownfish

good

Neon Goby

Small, peaceful fish that provides cleaning services and poses no territorial conflict

excellent

Firefish Goby

Fast-moving, non-aggressive species that stays in lower tank zones away from clownfish territory

good

Astrea Snail

Algae-eating invertebrate that does not compete for food or space with clownfish

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Marine White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-based or formalin treatments; quarantine infected fish if possible

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin bases, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, perform frequent partial water changes, use antibacterial medications if severe; ensure adequate anemone host for stress reduction

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, loss of appetite, scratching behavior

Treatment

Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28-29°C, use copper treatments or formalin; quarantine and treat separately to protect tank inhabitants

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy eyes, swollen abdomen, torn fins, behavioral changes

Treatment

Perform large water changes, maintain pristine water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotics if available; isolate in quarantine tank if condition worsens