Snow Onyx Clownfish - (No Online Purchases)
The Snow Onyx Clownfish is a captivating designer clownfish that is a hybrid cross between the Onyx Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and the Snowflake Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). This hybrid combines the unique white markings of the Snowflake with the black coloration of the Onyx, creating a visually striking fish. Each Snow Onyx Clownfish has its own distinct pattern of white markings outlined in black, often with subtle blue highlights, making them truly individual.
Key Characteristics and Care:
- Appearance: They have an orange base color with irregular and unique white patches bordered by black. The black markings tend to become more pronounced as the fish matures.
- Temperament: Snow Onyx Clownfish are generally peaceful and hardy, similar to Ocellaris Clownfish. They can become territorial, especially when hosting an anemone.
- Size: They can grow to a maximum size of around 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches). Females tend to be larger than males.
- Tank Requirements: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a single clownfish, and 30 gallons (113 liters) or more for a pair. They are reef-safe and do well in established saltwater aquariums with plenty of rockwork and swimming space.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025 SG
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: <20 ppm
- Diet: They are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality marine pellets or flakes, frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. Occasional algae or spirulina can also be offered. Feed them 1-2 times daily in small portions.
- Compatibility: They are compatible with other peaceful tank mates like gobies, blennies, and dartfish. If introducing multiple clownfish, it's best to do so simultaneously, especially if trying to form a pair. Avoid keeping them with aggressive species like triggers, large angelfish, or puffers. They can be kept with anemones, and may readily host Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), as well as other species like Magnificent Sea Anemones (Heteractis magnifica), Sebae Anemones (Heteractis crispa), and Giant Carpet Anemones (Stichodactyla gigantea).
- Breeding: Snow Onyx Clownfish can be bred in captivity. They are sequential hermaphrodites, meaning they are born male and the dominant individual in a pair will transition to female. They lay eggs on a flat surface, which are then guarded by the parents. The fry require a separate rearing tank and a diet of rotifers followed by baby brine shrimp.
Snow Onyx Clownfish are a popular choice for reef tank enthusiasts due to their unique beauty and relatively easy care requirements. Their captive-bred nature often makes them hardier and more accustomed to aquarium life.
