The Black Storm Clownfish is a distinctive captive-bred designer variety of the Ocellaris Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion ocellaris. Black Storms develop a dramatic black-and-white appearance with highly variable irregular markings, giving individual fish their own unique pattern.
The Black Storm line originated from an unusual mutation that appeared during Sea & Reef Aquaculture's selective breeding of its MochaVinci Clownfish. That fish was subsequently paired with a Black Ocellaris Clownfish, producing offspring with the exaggerated white and black pattern that became the Black Storm strain. Black Storm Clownfish were first commercially released in November 2017.
Young Black Storms may initially display dark brown coloration rather than the intense black associated with mature specimens. According to the breeder, juveniles become jet black as they grow, typically as they reach approximately 1¼–1¾ inches.
This specimen is captive bred/tank raised and maintained at Pacific East Aquaculture in dedicated systems separate from our wild-collected fish. Our captive-bred and tank-raised saltwater fish are carefully observed and maintained under professional husbandry protocols prior to sale, without the routine conditioning and proactive treatment protocols used for wild-collected specimens.
Like standard Ocellaris Clownfish, Black Storms are hardy and relatively peaceful. They are reef compatible and can thrive with or without a host anemone.
Care Guide
Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, 1830
Common Name: Black Storm Clownfish
Variety: Designer Ocellaris Clownfish
Family: Pomacentridae
Availability: Captive Bred / Tank Raised
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; territorial behavior may increase when mature or paired
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 4 inches for the Black Storm line; wild-type A. ocellaris is documented to 11 cm (about 4.3 inches) total length.
Diet: Omnivore
Temperature: 74–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Aquarium Requirements:
Provide a stable, established marine aquarium with rockwork for shelter and adequate swimming space. A host anemone is not required for Black Storm Clownfish to thrive. The breeder specifically notes that they do well in aquariums with or without an anemone.
Temperament:
Black Storms have care and behavioral characteristics similar to standard Ocellaris Clownfish. They are generally relatively peaceful and hardy, although mature individuals and established pairs can defend their preferred territory.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef compatible. Black Storm Clownfish generally do not harm corals or other sessile reef invertebrates.
Diet and Feeding:
Feed a varied omnivorous diet including high-quality marine pellets and flakes, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and other appropriately sized frozen and prepared marine foods. Captive-bred Black Storms readily accept common prepared aquarium diets.
Host Anemone:
A host anemone is optional. Wild Amphiprion ocellaris naturally associates with several host anemones, including Heteractis magnifica, Stichodactyla gigantea, and Stichodactyla mertensii.
