Aquacultured Clown - Black Storm

Description

The Black Storm Clownfish exhibits a compact, oval, laterally compressed body characteristic of A. ocellaris, with a unique blotched pattern of deep black and crisp white. Each individual displays slightly different marbling, giving the variety an appealing and unpredictable appearance. The face may show shades of orange or yellow depending on the breeding line.

Adults reach 7–9 cm (3–3.5 inches). The smooth, velvety black pigmentation and swirling white patches make this variant particularly eye-catching and easily distinguished from standard ocellaris colour morphs.

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 environment with ample rockwork, soft corals, or anemones for hosting behaviour. Moderate lighting and low-to-moderate water flow are adequate. As a captive-bred species, the Black Storm adapts well to a variety of aquarium styles, from nano setups to large mixed reefs.

Diet and Feeding

The Black Storm Clownfish is an omnivorous species that readily accepts a wide range of foods in captivity. A varied, nutrient-rich diet supports healthy coloration and long-term vitality.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and marine plankton

• High-quality marine pellets and flakes

• Finely chopped seafood mixtures

• Supplemental algae-based or spirulina foods

• Occasional live foods such as copepods or blackworms

Feed 1–2 times daily in moderate portions, ensuring food is small enough for easy consumption.

Temperament and Compatibility

The Black Storm Clownfish is semi-aggressive, especially as it matures, though generally peaceful within a community setting. It may exhibit territorial behaviour around its chosen host area but is typically tolerant of other non-aggressive tankmates.

Suitable Tankmates:

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

• Reef-safe invertebrates like shrimp and snails

• Another A. ocellaris only when kept as a bonded pair or introduced simultaneously

Avoid:

• Other clownfish species (to prevent territorial disputes)

• Large or aggressive fish that may dominate or stress smaller tankmates

• Fast, competitive feeders in small aquariums

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

The Black Storm Clownfish does not harm corals, clams, or sessile invertebrates. It may host a variety of anemones and soft corals, including:

• Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)

• Toadstool leather corals

• Euphyllia species (hammers, torches, and frogspawn)

This behaviour is natural and typically harmless to the host.

Additional Information

Maximum Size: 7–9 cm (3–3.5 inches)
Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity (with proper care)
Difficulty Level: Easy (hardy, adaptable, and fully aquacultured)
Natural Behaviour: Social, semi-territorial, often hosts anemones or soft corals
Origin: Captive-bred (designer morph; not found in the wild)
Colouration: Deep black and white marbled patterning, with orange/yellow facial accents

Summary

The Aquacultured Black Storm Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a hardy, vibrant, and uniquely patterned designer variety that thrives in stable marine aquariums. Peaceful yet engaging, it adapts well to reef environments with moderate flow, ample rockwork, and a varied omnivorous diet. Ideal for both novice and experienced aquarists, this captivating clownfish adds personality, colour contrast, and long-term reliability to any mature reef or nano setup.