Aquacultured Clown - Picasso Grade A

Description

The Picasso Grade A Clownfish features the classic bright orange body and black edging of A. percula, overlaid with bold, asymmetrical white bars that often connect in sweeping lines or patches. Grade A specimens display highly defined, visually balanced markings that set them apart from lower grades.

Adults typically grow to 7–8 cm (3 inches). Their deep orange coloration, distinct black outlines, and elaborate white patterning give them a vivid, ornamental appearance that adds an artistic flair to any marine display.

Aquarium Requirements

Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 US gallons)

Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)

pH: 8.1–8.4

Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.023–1.025

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

Nitrate:< 20 ppm

Aquascape and Environment:
Provide a stable, mature aquarium with ample rockwork, soft corals, or anemones for hosting behaviour. Moderate water flow and consistent water quality are ideal. As an aquacultured fish, this variety adapts easily to nano, mixed, and large reef systems.

Diet and Feeding

The Picasso Grade A Clownfish is omnivorous and readily accepts most aquarium foods. A nutritious, varied diet helps maintain its bright coloration and overall vitality.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and chopped marine blends

• High-quality pellets and flakes for marine omnivores

• Occasional live foods such as copepods or blackworms

• Algae- or spirulina-based foods for dietary balance

Feed 1–2 times daily, offering small, manageable portions.

Temperament and Compatibility

Picasso Percula Clownfish are semi-aggressive as adults but generally peaceful within a community reef environment. They may establish a territory around their chosen host coral or anemone, particularly when kept as a mated pair.

Suitable Tankmates:

• Peaceful reef species such as gobies, blennies, dartfish, chromis, and small wrasses

• Cleaner and ornamental shrimp, snails, and other reef-safe invertebrates

• Another A. percula when introduced as a juvenile pair or bonded partners

Avoid:

• Other clownfish species due to territorial disputes

• Large or aggressive fish that may harass smaller tankmates

• Fast, dominant feeders in small aquariums

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Picasso Grade A Clownfish does not harm corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It may naturally host:

• Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)

• Toadstool leather corals

• Euphyllia species (torch, hammer, and frogspawn corals)

This behaviour is normal and rarely causes significant stress to the host.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 7–8 cm (3 inches)
Lifespan: 10+ years in captivity (with proper care)
Difficulty Level: Easy (robust and well-suited to captivity)
Natural Behaviour: Social, semi-territorial; may develop strong host attachment
Origin: Captive-bred (designer morph; not found in wild populations)
Colouration: Bright orange with black outlines and bold, irregular white barring characteristic of Picasso Grade A patterns

Summary

The Aquacultured Picasso Clownfish – Grade A (Amphiprion percula) is a vibrant and uniquely patterned designer variety prized for its artistic white markings and vivid coloration. Hardy, reef safe, and highly adaptable, it thrives in stable marine aquariums with moderate flow, varied omnivorous diets, and ample rockwork or hosting opportunities. Ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists, this stunning clownfish adds character, colour, and unmistakable artistic flair to any reef or nano setup.