True Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) Care Guide

The "true" percula clownfish, often confused with the Common Clownfish (A. ocellaris). Distinguished by thicker black borders around its white bands and a brighter, more vivid orange coloration.

Overview

Amphiprion percula is a species in the family Pomacentridae. The "true" percula clownfish, often confused with the Common Clownfish (A. ocellaris). Distinguished by thicker black borders around its white bands and a brighter, more vivid orange coloration. Found naturally only in a narrow range of the Indo-Pacific. Pairs readily with Heteractis magnifica and Stichodactyla gigantea anemones.

Taxonomy

Family: Pomacentridae
Genus: Amphiprion
Scientific name: Amphiprion percula
Other names: Orange Clownfish, Percula Clown
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Native to the western Pacific around northern Queensland (Australia), Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Lives in obligate symbiosis with three sea-anemone species (Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea, S. mertensii). Almost all specimens in the trade are now captive-bred.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 7-11 cm
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Tangs, Blue Chromis, Firefish Goby, Anemones
Avoid with: Other Clownfish Species, Aggressive Damsels

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: substrate-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate