Tank size · Saltwater

What size tank for a Ocellaris clownfish? (20 gal minimum)

Ocellaris clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) — adult 3″, medium-bodied, semi-aggressive.

The three sizes — minimum, good, ideal

TierTank sizeWhat it gets you
Absolute minimum20 US galSurvives adult life. No extras — no tankmates beyond the essentials, no aquascape that eats footprint.
Good30 US galRoom for a small community, decor, and parameter buffering. This is where most people should aim.
Ideal50 US galNatural-feeling space. Active swimmers stop pacing, schoolers school freely, aggression drops.

Parameters at a glance

Temperature
7680 °F
pH
8.18.4
Salinity
3335 ppt
Adult size
3
Body type
medium

Source for the tank-size minimum

ORA / Sustainable Aquatics husbandry guides.

Next steps

People also ask

What is the absolute minimum tank size for a Ocellaris clownfish?
20 US gallons as an adult, no strict footprint requirement. ORA / Sustainable Aquatics husbandry guides.
Can I keep a Ocellaris clownfish in a smaller tank when it's a juvenile?
Briefly, yes — fish stores often sell juveniles that haven't reached adult size yet. But you should plan, buy, and cycle the adult-minimum tank from day one. Upgrading mid-life stresses the fish and is far more expensive than buying the right tank up front.
Can I keep more than one Ocellaris clownfish together?
It depends on the species' behaviour (semi-aggressive). Aggressive and semi-aggressive species often need to be kept solo unless the tank is dramatically larger than the minimum. Verify before adding a second.
What temperature and pH does a Ocellaris clownfish need?
Temperature 76–80 °F, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 33–35 ppt.

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