Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Percula Clownfish
Amphiprion percula
Also called Orange clownfish, True percula clownfish, Eastern clown anemonefish, Clown anemonefish
From Western Pacific: northern Queensland including the northern Great Barrier Reef, and Melanesia (northern New Guinea, New Britain, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu)12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small, rounded reef fish with a protective mucus coat
A compact, bright orange fish with three white bands, behind the eye, mid-body and near the tail. Thick black borders edge the bands and fins, thicker than in the similar ocellaris clownfish, and older fish can develop black areas between the bands. It usually has 10 spines in its first dorsal fin.32
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and docile in an aquarium. Groups live by a strict size ranking, with the female largest and the breeding male next.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A weak swimmer that stays close to its home anemone or chosen spot rather than roaming.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
A fully marine reef fish for a stable saltwater aquarium at around 25 to 28 °C. It is peaceful and does well in captivity, though reef-quality water conditions are needed.31
Home where they are happiest
Shallow coral reefs at about 1 to 15 m depth, living in the host anemones Heteractis magnifica, H. crispa and Stichodactyla gigantea.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore that eats algae, zooplankton, copepods, worms and small crustaceans. In the aquarium it takes marine flake, pellet and frozen foods.3
Company who they like around
Usually a breeding pair, sometimes with up to four smaller non-breeding fish waiting in line. Kept as a single fish or a pair in aquariums.13
The story where it all began
Lacépède described the species in 1802. It lives in partnership with sea anemones on Pacific reefs and is a long-time favourite of marine aquarists; collection on the Great Barrier Reef is permit-controlled and captive breeding supplies many aquarium fish.132
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
All percula clownfish start life as males, and the top male turns into a female if the group's female is lost.1
- 2
A breeding female can hold her position for about 12 years, a long time for such a small fish.3
- 3
Eggs often hatch just after sunset on dark nights, after the father fans them for 6 to 8 days.3
- 4
When stressed by marine heatwaves, these fish can actually shrink their body length.3
- 5
Larvae find the right kind of anemone by following chemical cues.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2010)1
- Bernard Germain de Lacépède
- Described in 18021
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Percula Clownfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Percula Clownfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Follow the food label for portion size and check with your vet for exact amounts.3 Furry Diary plan
What does a Percula Clownfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats algae, zooplankton, copepods, worms and small crustaceans, and in the aquarium takes marine flake, pellet and frozen foods. Avoid any food not meant for marine fish; ask your vet or breeder for a safe list.3
How much space does a Percula Clownfish need?
Tank size depends on whether you keep a single fish or a pair. A good breeder or exotic-pet vet can recommend the right aquarium size for your setup.
What temperature, light or water does a Percula Clownfish need?
Keep the water at 25 to 28°C with stable saltwater conditions. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily temperature checks, weekly salinity and water tests, and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. For lighting, follow standard reef aquarium guidelines.31 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Percula Clownfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly and doing a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Regular maintenance keeps water quality high. Furry Diary plan
Can a Percula Clownfish live with others?
Yes, they are peaceful and can be kept as a single fish or a pair. They may live with other peaceful reef fish, but avoid aggressive tank mates.231
How long does a Percula Clownfish live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. Ask your vet or a good breeder for typical longevity in home aquariums.
Can I handle a Percula Clownfish?
It is best not to handle your Percula Clownfish as they have a protective mucus coat that can be damaged. Enjoy watching them from outside the tank.3
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Maroon ClownfishLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Amphiprion percula, Orange clownfish fishbase.seused for range, size, depth, host anemones, group structure, sex change, IUCN, author
- ORA (Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums): Percula Clownfish orafarm.comused for range, black margins, temperament, spawning in captivity
- Wikipedia: Orange clownfish en.wikipedia.orgused for description, size, female tenure, temperature, diet, hierarchy, breeding, fun facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.