Fancy Longfin Clownfish

Also known as the Ocellaris Clownfish or Premium Clownfish

The Fancy Longfin Clownfish is a captivating marine fish showcasing an enhanced version of the classic clownfish pattern. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Indonesia and the Philippines, this selectively bred variant displays the iconic orange body with white bands bordered by black markings, but features dramatically elongated, flowing fins that create an elegant, almost lyrical appearance. The extended finnage makes this one of the most visually striking clownfish varieties available to aquarists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris (Fancy Longfin variant)
• Common Names: Fancy Longfin Clownfish, Premium Clownfish, Longfin Ocellaris
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (8–10 cm)
• Lifespan: 10–15+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; territorial within anemone
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe 
• Minimum Tank Size: 25 gallons (30+ gallons preferred)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Found in association with sea anemones on coral reefs at depths of 10–40 feet throughout the Indo-Pacific. Form symbiotic relationships with host anemones, providing protection and obtaining food particles.

Tank Environment:

• Abundant live rock with multiple crevices and hiding spots
• Host anemone (Bubble Tip, Carpet, or Magnificent) strongly recommended but not required
• Moderate water flow
• Well-established aquarium (2+ months minimum)
• Plenty of open swimming space

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Essential Equipment:

• Quality protein skimmer
• Efficient biological filtration
• Moderate water circulation
• Regular water changes (15–20% biweekly minimum)

Diet & Feeding

Fancy Longfin Clownfish are omnivores requiring a varied diet of small-sized foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, copepods
• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality marine flakes, small-sized pellets, color-enhancing formulas
• Plant Matter: Spirulina flakes, small pieces of nori
• Live Foods: Occasional brine shrimp (especially beneficial for juveniles and fry)
• Prepared Mixes: Clownfish formula blends, marine cuisine

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions
• Offer variety to maintain health and coloration
• Ensure all food is appropriately sized (small for small mouths)

Note: In the wild, clownfish feed on parasites they remove from anemones, small crustaceans, and zooplankton. They’re opportunistic feeders and readily accept most aquarium foods.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Peaceful and social within their territory
• Highly territorial around their host anemone (if present)
• Generally peaceful toward other fish outside their territory
• May display to other clownfish but rarely seriously aggressive
• Curious and interactive with tank inhabitants

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Peaceful tangs, wrasses, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, peaceful dottybacks, chromis, anthias
• Caution with: Other clownfish (may or may not coexist; depends on species and tank size)
• Avoid: Large aggressive fish, lionfish, groupers, triggers

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-safe: Will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Compatible with most coral species
• May occasionally investigate or interact with anemones
• Excellent addition to reef systems

Anemone Hosting: Fancy Longfin Clownfish typically host in anemones but will thrive without them. Compatible hosts include:

• Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor)
• Carpet Anemone (Stichodactyla mertensii)
• Magnificent Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica)

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation:

1. Standard drip acclimation over 1–2 hours
2. Dim tank lights for first 24 hours
3. Provide hiding spots for initial security
4. Introduce to established aquarium for best results
5. Usually begins feeding within 12–24 hours

Health Considerations:

• Generally hardy and disease-resistant
• Susceptible to marine ich and velvet (less prone than sensitive species)
• Quarantine for 2–4 weeks before adding to display tank recommended
• Watch for feeding and behavioral changes (early signs of stress or disease)
• Maintain pristine water quality

Signs of a Healthy Specimen:

• Active, curious swimming behavior
• Bright, vibrant orange coloration
• Clear, alert eyes
• Eager feeding response
• Smooth, intact fins
• No visible spots, lesions, or parasites
• Interaction with anemone (if present)

Color & Development

Adult Coloration: Fancy Longfin Clownfish display distinctive coloration:

• Body: Vibrant orange-red
• White Bands: Three white vertical bands bordered by black markings
• Fins: Elongated, flowing rays creating dramatic extensions
• Pattern: Classic clownfish three-bar pattern enhanced by extended finnage

Juvenile Coloration: Juveniles display similar pattern to adults but with:

• Shorter fin rays
• Slightly more subdued coloration
• Fin development increases with age

Longfin Development: Fin elongation increases gradually:

• Juveniles: Modest fin extensions
• Subadults: More pronounced extensions
• Adults: Full, dramatic flowing fins

Color Maintenance:

• Requires varied diet with carotenoids for vibrant orange
• Pristine water quality enhances coloration
• Good lighting brings out orange pigmentation
• Stress causes color fading

Special Considerations

Captive-Bred Origin:

All Fancy Longfin Clownfish are captive-bred (not wild-caught):

• ✅ No impact on wild populations
• ✅ Environmentally sustainable choice
• ✅ Better acclimated to aquarium conditions
• ✅ Higher survival rates
• ✅ Already trained to accept prepared foods

Hardy and Beginner-Friendly:

Unlike many marine fish, Fancy Longfin Clownfish are:

• Extremely hardy and forgiving of minor mistakes
• Excellent choice for first marine aquarium
• Readily accept prepared foods
• Adapt well to aquarium life
• Long-lived with minimal special requirements

Paired Clownfish:

Wild clownfish form monogamous pairs:

• Can be kept singly or in pairs
• Pairs may spawn in home aquariums (eggs rarely survive)
• Introducing new individuals to established pairs requires caution
• Females grow larger than males

Longevity:

With proper care, Fancy Longfin Clownfish can live 10–15+ years, establishing themselves as long-term aquarium residents.

Quarantine Protocol

Why Quarantine is Beneficial:

Even though Fancy Longfin Clownfish are hardy, quarantine ensures they’re disease-free and fully acclimated.

Our Quarantine Process:

• Observation Period: 2–4 weeks
• Parasite Prevention: Observation and treatment if needed
• Dietary Conditioning: Training to accept varied prepared foods
• Stress Reduction: Calm environment for shipping recovery
• Health Monitoring: Daily observation for any signs of disease
• Feeding Confirmation: Ensuring consistent, eager feeding

Why Choose a Quarantined Fancy Longfin Clownfish?

Purchasing a properly quarantined Fancy Longfin Clownfish ensures your fish arrives healthy, disease-free, and ready to thrive in your aquarium. The quarantine period allows shy individuals to gain confidence and establishes healthy feeding patterns before entering your display tank. For a captive-bred, hardy species like this, quarantine provides peace of mind and sets the foundation for 10–15+ years of enjoyment with this beautiful, interactive, reef-safe clownfish.