Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Snowflake Clownfish

Amphiprion ocellaris

Also called Snowflake Ocellaris, Snowflake Ocellaris Clownfish

VarietyShort profile

From Captive-bred designer form of the ocellaris clownfish that first appeared around 1999 at Tropical Marine Centre (TMC) in the United Kingdom1

At a glance the quick version

Length8 to 11 cm2 3

Lifespan6 to 12 years4 5 6

Sizesmall

Every fish has a one-of-a-kind pattern

Easy care level, like the classic ocellaris

Peaceful by clownfish standards

1 3

Looks how to spot one

Coloursorange with irregular white patchesblack snowflake (black body with white patches)1

Personality what they are like

Shares the relaxed nature of the standard ocellaris clownfish: gentle with most tank mates while still guarding its own little patch.3 7

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Prefers to hover near a chosen home base such as an anemone, coral or rock instead of swimming laps around the tank.6 7

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A fully marine fish. Suggested aquarium water: about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, carbonate hardness 8 to 12 dKH and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Rated easy to care for, and it does not need an anemone to do well.3

Home where they are happiest

A saltwater reef or fish-only aquarium of at least about 76 L (20 US gallons), with rockwork or a host to settle into.3 7

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore that accepts marine flakes, pellets and frozen meaty foods, plus some algae-based food.3 7

Company who they like around

Usually kept singly or as a bonded pair; two young fish will pair up, with the bigger one becoming the female.7 2

The story where it all began

The snowflake pattern turned up by chance around 1999, when two normal-looking ocellaris pairs at the UK's Tropical Marine Centre now and then produced heavily white babies. At first breeders saw the extra white as a flaw, yet about 100 fish went to the United States. ORA obtained its first snowflakes from TMC in 2005 and has since developed a sturdier, more colourful line.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
The snowflake look was a happy accident: it showed up in roughly one out of every few spawns from ordinary-looking parents.1
2
When it first appeared, the extra white was thought to be an unwanted fault.1
3
Each fish is checked by a grader who scores the amount of white and how attractive the pattern is.1
4
Clownfish can tell each other apart by counting white bars, so a heavily patterned snowflake may look quite different to its tank mates.8

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Parent species Amphiprion ocellaris assessed as Least Concern; the snowflake is a captive-bred pattern variety2
ORA (aquaculture breeder): Bred and graded as Snowflake, Premium Snowflake and Black Snowflake selections1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Snowflake Clownfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Snowflake Clownfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day with small portions. This gentle fish enjoys a varied diet of marine flakes, pellets, and frozen foods.3 7 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Snowflake Clownfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats marine flakes, pellets, frozen meaty foods, and algae-based foods. For foods to avoid, it's best to ask a vet or breeder, as this isn't covered in the available information.3 7

How much space does a Snowflake Clownfish need?

A minimum of about 76 liters (20 US gallons) for a saltwater aquarium. This gives your clownfish room to hover near its chosen home base, like a rock or coral.3 7

What temperature, light or water does a Snowflake Clownfish need?

Water temperature should be 22, 26°C (72, 78°F), pH 8.1, 8.4, carbonate hardness 8, 12 dKH, and specific gravity 1.020, 1.025. Standard reef lighting is fine, and it doesn't need an anemone to thrive.3

How often should I clean a Snowflake Clownfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan suggests daily temperature checks, weekly glass cleaning and water testing, and a 10, 20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Snowflake Clownfish live with others?

Yes, it's gentle with most tank mates but guards its own patch. It's best kept singly or as a bonded pair; two young fish will pair up naturally, with the larger becoming female.3 7 2

How long does a Snowflake Clownfish live?

With proper care, this charming fish can live 6 to 12 years. A stable, clean aquarium and good diet help it reach its full lifespan.4 5 6

Can I handle a Snowflake Clownfish?

Handling is not recommended, this fish is delicate and should stay in water. If you must move it, ask a vet or breeder for safe methods.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.