The L.V. Picasso Clownfish is a designer variation of the Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) or sometimes the Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula), highly sought after in the marine aquarium hobby for its unique and often striking white markings. The "L.V." likely refers to a specific breeder or line that has developed particular characteristics in their Picasso clownfish.
Here's what you need to know about these captivating fish, keeping in mind you're in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia:
Appearance:
Unique White Markings: The defining feature of Picasso clownfish is the aberrant white banding. Unlike the regular Ocellaris or Percula clownfish with their consistent three white bars, Picasso clowns exhibit thicker, more irregular, and often interconnected white markings. These patterns are highly variable, making each fish unique.
Base Colour: The base body colour is typically the familiar bright orange of Ocellaris or Percula clownfish, often outlined in black.
"Misbar" Variations: Within the Picasso lineage, you might also encounter "Misbar" clowns, where the white bands are even more broken or incomplete.
"Premium" Picasso:Some breeders use the term "Premium Picasso" for specimens with particularly striking and desirable patterns, often with more extensive white coverage or unique facial markings.
Origin:
The Picasso pattern is anaturally occurring genetic mutation found in wild clownfish populations, particularly around theSolomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
However, these wild Picasso clowns are quite rare.
The majority of Picasso clownfish available in the aquarium trade are captive-bred.
Aquarium Care:
The care requirements for L.V. Picasso Clownfish are very similar to those of other Ocellaris or Percula clownfish:
Minimum Tank Size: A minimum of 75 liters (20 gallons) is recommended for a pair. If you plan to keep a larger group or with an anemone and other fish, a larger tank (120 liters/30 gallons or more) is preferable.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24-27°C (75-80°F) - heater is recommended for cooler periods.
pH: 8.0-8.4
Salinity: 1.020-1.026 Specific Gravity (SG)
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock to create hiding places and potential hosting sites for anemones. A sandy substrate is generally preferred.
Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal.
Lighting: Standard reef aquarium lighting is sufficient. If you intend to keep an anemone, ensure the lighting is appropriate for the anemone species.
Temperament and Tank Mates:
Clownfish are generallypeaceful, especially when young. However, females can becometerritorial, particularly when hosting an anemone or during breeding.
It's usually best to keep them in pairs (male and female). Introducing two juveniles simultaneously often allows them to pair up naturally, with the larger one becoming the female.
Keeping multiple clownfish in a smaller tank can lead to aggression unless it's a well-established harem (one dominant female with several smaller males) in a larger tank (at least 280 liters/75 gallons).
Reef Safe: Picasso clownfish arereef safe and will not harm corals.
Suitable Tank Mates: Gobies, firefish, blennies, royal grammas, and cardinalfish. Avoid overly aggressive species or other clownfish (unless in a large, established harem).
Diet:
Clownfish areomnivores. A varied diet is crucial for their health and colouration.
Offer high-quality marine pellets or flakes as a staple.
Supplement withfrozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (vitamin-enriched), and chopped seafood.
Occasional live treats can also be offered.
Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily. Avoid overfeeding.
Anemone Hosting:
While the symbiotic relationship between clownfish and anemones is fascinating, it's not essential for the clownfish's survival in captivity.
If you wish to keep an anemone, ensure your tank is mature and stable with appropriate lighting and water parameters for the chosen species.
Popular beginner anemone species include Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor) and Long Tentacle Anemones (Macrodactyla doreensis).
There's no guarantee a clownfish will host an anemone in an aquarium.
Breeding:
Clownfish are one of the few marine fish that breed readily in home aquariums.
Once a pair bonds, they will often lay eggs on a flat surface near their chosen territory.
If you intend to raise the fry, the eggs need to be removed to a separate rearing tank with gentle aeration.
The fry go through several larval stages and require specific feeding (rotifers, then baby brine shrimp). Breeding clownfish requires effort and a separate setup for raising the fry.
