Onyx Percula Clown

Overview

The Onyx Percula Clownfish is a premium colour variant of the True Percula Clownfish, prized for its bold black-and-white patterning with vibrant orange faces and fins. They are generally peaceful, reef-safe, and excellent for both beginner and experienced marine keepers.

Quick Facts

• Common Name: Onyx Percula Clownfish
• Scientific Name: Amphiprion percula
• Adult Size: 7–9 cm
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Easy
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 80–100L for a pair

Appearance

Onyx Perculas are a selectively bred form of the True Percula Clownfish.

Characteristics:

• Deep black body coloration
• Bright orange face, fins, and highlights
• Crisp white vertical bars
• Some variation depending on grade and maturity

Grade B specimens may show:

• Less complete black coverage
• Slightly less symmetrical markings
• More orange visible compared to premium grades

This does not affect health or care requirements.

Water Parameters

Maintain stable marine water quality:

• Temperature: 24–26°C
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm (preferably under 10 ppm)
• Phosphate: <0.1 ppm

Tank Setup

A stable, mature marine aquarium works best.

Recommended setup:

• Live rock with caves and hiding spots
• Moderate water flow
• Open swimming space
• Stable temperature and salinity
• Reef or fish-only systems

Optional:

• Host anemone (advanced care)

Suitable host anemones:

• Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
• Magnifica Anemone (Heteractis magnifica) for advanced aquarists

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous and very easy to feed.

Offer:

• High-quality marine pellets
• Marine flakes
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Chopped seafood
• Enriched frozen marine blends

Feeding frequency:
Feed 1–2 times daily.

Temperament & Compatibility

Far more peaceful than Maroon Clownfish.

Good tankmates:
✔ Gobies
✔ Blennies
✔ Fairy wrasses
✔ Cardinalfish
✔ Tangs (appropriately sized tanks)
✔ Reef-safe invertebrates
✔ Other peaceful community marine fish

Use caution with:
⚠ Aggressive damsels
⚠ Dottybacks
⚠ Large territorial clownfish

Avoid:
✖ Mixing clown species
✖ Very aggressive marine predators

Pairing

Easy to pair compared to Maroons.

Best practice:

• Add two juveniles together
  OR
• Pair a larger fish with a smaller juvenile

The dominant fish becomes female.

Reef Compatibility

Completely reef safe.

Safe with:

• Corals
• Shrimp
• Snails
• Crabs

May occasionally defend a hosting coral or anemone.

Behaviour

• Active swimmers
• Curious and interactive
• May host corals, powerheads, or anemones
• Generally peaceful but territorial around their chosen area

Beginner Tips

• Excellent first clownfish
• Keep stable salinity
• Quarantine before introduction
• Avoid mixing clown species
• Feed a varied diet for best colour

Common Issues

Watch for:

• Marine ich
• Velvet
• Brooklynella
• Stress from poor acclimation

Clownfish are hardy, but quarantine is strongly recommended.

Coastal Pets Quick Summary

A stunning designer-style clownfish with the classic clownfish personality, reef-safe behaviour, and beginner-friendly care—perfect if you want something more striking than a standard clown.