Description

The Aquacultured Platinum Clownfish is a striking and popular color morph of the Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) or sometimes the Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). These fish are selectively bred in captivity to exhibit a higher degree of white coloration, often covering most or all of their bodies, reducing or eliminating the typical orange and black patterns.

Just like other aquacultured clownfish, Platinum Clowns offer several benefits: they are generally hardier, more accustomed to aquarium life, less stressed, and contribute to a more sustainable hobby.

Here’s a care guide for Aquacultured Platinum Clownfish:

Care Requirements:

The care for Aquacultured Platinum Clownfish is very similar to that of standard Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish:

• Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 10-20 gallons (40-76 liters) is recommended for a single Platinum Clownfish. A pair will thrive in a tank of 20 gallons or more. If you plan to house them with an anemone or other tank mates, a larger tank (30 gallons or more) is advisable.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable conditions:
  • Temperature: 74-82F (23-28C) – Aim for the higher end if you plan to keep anemones.
  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity.
  • pH: 7.8-8.4.
  • Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH.
  • Ammonia and nitrite should be 0 ppm.
  • Nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm.
• Filtration: A good quality filtration system, ideally with a protein skimmer, is essential to maintain optimal water quality.
• Water Flow: Moderate water flow is generally preferred. Adjust flow based on the needs of any corals or anemones in the tank.
• Lighting: Standard reef aquarium lighting is sufficient for Platinum Clownfish. If you intend to keep a host anemone, ensure you provide lighting appropriate for that specific anemone species.
• Substrate: A sand or mixed substrate is suitable.
• Live Rock: Provide ample live rock for hiding places and to encourage natural behaviors.
• Diet: Platinum Clownfish are omnivores. Offer a varied diet including:
  • High-quality marine flake or pellet food.
  • Frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood.
  • Occasional vegetable matter or algae-based foods.
  • Feed small portions 2-3 times daily.

Behavior and Compatibility:

• Temperament: Similar to Percula or Ocellaris Clownfish, Platinum Clowns are generally semi-aggressive. They can become territorial, especially when establishing a hosting spot or breeding.
• Tank Mates: They usually get along well with other peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish. Avoid housing them with large, aggressive predators.
• Anemone Partnership: Platinum Clownfish, whether a Percula or Ocellaris morph, may host anemones in your aquarium, such as Bubble Tip, Sebae, or Carpet Anemones. This is a natural behavior but not a requirement for their well-being. They can thrive without an anemone, often hosting corals or other tank structures.
• Pairing: Like other clownfish, they are protandrous hermaphrodites. Introducing two juvenile individuals simultaneously often leads to the formation of a bonded pair, with the larger one becoming female.

Breeding:

Aquacultured Platinum Clownfish can breed in captivity under the right conditions, similar to their standard-coloured counterparts. A mated pair in a suitable environment with good water quality and a nutritious diet may lay eggs. The male will typically care for the eggs. Raising the fry requires a separate setup and specialized care.