Amphiprion ocellaris is the "false percula" - so named because for decades it was confused with Amphiprion percula. The two are distinguished primarily by dorsal spine count (ocellaris has 11, percula has 10) and the thickness of black banding around the white stripes.
Ocellaris is the foundation species of the captive-bred clownfish industry. Sustainable Aquatics, Proaquatix, ORA, Bali Aquarich, and Sea & Reef have collectively produced millions of captive-bred ocellaris over the past two decades, generating dozens of distinct color and pattern lineages along the way.
Ocellaris are reef-safe and peaceful by clownfish standards. They form mating pairs and may bond with anemones (Bubble Tip, Carpet, Long Tentacle). They tolerate most tankmates but should not be kept with other clownfish species except in extremely large systems.
Captive breeding has produced dozens of distinct ocellaris lineages. Each has its own dedicated page on Fast Aquatics.
Ocellaris are sequential hermaphrodites: all juveniles develop as males, the largest pairs into the dominant female. Captive breeding requires a stable bonded pair, regular high-quality feeding (mysis, brine, frozen Cyclop-eeze), and a flat substrate (terra cotta pot, slate tile) for egg deposition. Eggs hatch 7-10 days after laying. Larvae require live rotifers and copepods through metamorphosis.