The Bullethole Clownfish is a distinctive captive-bred designer form of the Ocellaris Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion ocellaris. This variety is characterized by dramatically expanded and irregular white patterning containing isolated orange or dark openings that create the characteristic “bullethole” appearance.
The pair pictured displays extensive white patterning across the body while retaining brilliant orange coloration on the face and fins. The individual arrangement of markings varies from fish to fish, giving each Bullethole Clownfish its own distinctive appearance.
Sustainable Aquatics identifies the Bullethole Clownfish as a captive-bred Amphiprion ocellaris designer variety and describes it as peaceful and suitable for aquariums of approximately 30 gallons or larger.
This listing is for a captive-bred/tank-raised pair 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 other designer forms of A. ocellaris, Bullethole Clownfish are hardy, adaptable, reef compatible, and readily accept prepared foods. They do not require a host anemone to thrive in an aquarium.
Care Guide
Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, 1830
Common Name: Bullethole Clownfish
Variety: Designer Ocellaris Clownfish
Family: Pomacentridae
Availability: Captive Bred / Tank Raised Pair
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; established pairs may become territorial
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 gallons recommended for a pair
Maximum Size: Approximately 4 inches; Sustainable Aquatics lists its Bullethole line at about 3 inches, while A. ocellaris as a species can grow somewhat larger.
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 sufficient swimming room. A host anemone is not required. For a pair, I recommend 30 gallons or larger, which is also consistent with the breeder’s aquarium recommendation.
Temperament:
Bullethole Clownfish generally have the manageable temperament associated with A. ocellaris. An established pair can become territorial around a preferred resting area, host, or spawning site.
Reef Compatibility:
Reef compatible. These clownfish are not coral predators and are well suited to reef aquariums.
Diet and Feeding:
Offer a varied omnivorous diet including high-quality marine pellets and flakes, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and other appropriately sized frozen or prepared marine foods. Sustainable Aquatics recommends a mixture of frozen foods and dry pellets or flakes.
Host Anemone:
A host anemone is optional. Captive-bred Bullethole Clownfish can thrive and pair successfully without an anemone.
