DaVinci Clownfish Care Guide
The DaVinci is a curvy-barred designer form of the Snowflake Amphiprion ocellaris, graded B to Extreme; care follows the ocellaris clownfish.
Overview
The DaVinci clownfish is a designer strain of Amphiprion ocellaris, family Pomacentridae. According to Reef Builders, it is a curvy-barred form of the Snowflake strain, showing curved white striping rather than straight bars. Specimens are graded by Sea & Reef Aquaculture as B (wild, wacky curvy stripes), A (some curvy barring and occasional spotting) and Extreme (a high degree of curvy white coverage). As a colour morph of A. ocellaris it shares the biology and care of the ocellaris clownfish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacentridae
- Genus: Amphiprion
- Scientific name: Amphiprion ocellaris "DaVinci"
- Base species describer: Cuvier, 1830
Habitat
Wild Amphiprion ocellaris occurs in the Indo-West Pacific, on outer reef slopes and sheltered lagoons to about 15 m depth, associating with host anemones such as Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea and Stichodactyla mertensii. The DaVinci strain is bred in captivity.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Adult size: 7-10 cm (2.8-3.9 in)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Amphiprion ocellaris is an omnivore, feeding on zooplankton, copepods and algae in the wild. Captive-bred designer fish accept prepared marine foods, frozen rations and quality flakes or pellets, fed two times daily.
Compatibility
Ocellaris clownfish are territorial but peaceful enough for reef communities. Compatible tankmates include royal gramma, firefish and cleaner shrimp, while lionfish, triggerfish and large angelfish should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
The strain is reef-safe and does not damage corals or invertebrates. A host anemone is optional in captivity.
Breeding
As a protandrous hermaphrodite, the dominant fish of a pair becomes female. Ocellaris are demersal egg layers that guard their eggs, which hatch in about six to eight days. DaVinci offspring arise from pairings of Wyoming White and barred ocellaris, with patterns varying by grade.