Mocha Storm Clownfish Care Guide
The Mocha Storm is a dark designer Amphiprion ocellaris bred from a Black Storm crossed with an orange ocellaris, released to hobbyists in 2018.
Overview
The Mocha Storm clownfish is a dark designer strain of Amphiprion ocellaris, family Pomacentridae. It was created by breeding a Black Storm clownfish with a bright orange ocellaris and was made available to hobbyists on 22 January 2018. Mature fish are largely dark with limited orange accents. 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 "Mocha Storm"
- 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 Mocha Storm 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. Mocha Storm fish are propagated through Storm-line crosses to reinforce the dark patterning.