Frostbite Clownfish Care Guide
The Frostbite is a multi-gene designer Amphiprion ocellaris derived from crossing DaVinci and Snowflake lines; care follows the ocellaris clownfish.
Overview
The Frostbite clownfish is a designer strain of Amphiprion ocellaris, family Pomacentridae. According to Reef Builders, the Frostbite ocellaris is a multi-gene phenotype created by breeding DaVinci ocellaris with Snowflake ocellaris, so it carries both pattern genes and shows heavy, frosted white barring. 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 "Frostbite"
- 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 Frostbite 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. Because Frostbite carries both DaVinci and Snowflake genes, pairings produce a mix of patterned offspring.