Black Edge True Percula

Of the nearly 30 species of clownfish, there are two types commonly referred to as the orange clownfish—Amphiprion percula and Amphiprion ocellaris. The percula clownfish is distinguished by its vivid orange color and white bands outlined in black.

All clownfish are born male. As they mature, they usually pair off with another clownfish and the dominant individual becomes a female. The female lays eggs, which are protected by both parents until they hatch.

This family of fish is also known as anemonefish because of the symbiotic relationship they have with sea anemones. By building up a protective mucous coating, the clownfish is immune to the stinging cells of the anemone. The clownfish makes its home within the anemone’s tentacles, which gives it protection from predators; in return, the anemone gets to eat the leftovers from the clownfish’s meals. Clownfish also help keep anemones clean.

Clownfish can be found in coral reefs in Australia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Solomon Islands.

Clownfish are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet consisting of algae, zooplankton, worms and small crustaceans.

Clownfish grow to approximately 3 inches in length.