Black Storm Clownfish: A Stunning Addition to Your Reef Tank

Introduction: Why the Black Storm Clownfish is a Must-Have for Reef Aquarists

The Black Storm Clownfish is one of the most eye-catching and unique designer clownfish available in the reef-keeping world. With its bold black and white patterns and hardy temperament, this fish is both visually stunning and relatively easy to care for—making it an ideal choice for hobbyists and intermediate aquarists alike.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Black Storm Clownfish: from tank setup and behavior to feeding tips and compatibility. Whether you're building your first saltwater tank or looking to add a standout fish to your reef community, this guide will help you decide if the Black Storm is the right fit.

What is a Black Storm Clownfish?

The Black Storm Clownfish is a designer variant of the Amphiprion ocellaris (commonly known as the ocellaris clownfish or “false percula”). It was developed through selective breeding to emphasize dramatic black and white patterns, resulting in a marbled, storm-like appearance that varies from fish to fish.

Despite its unique look, this clownfish shares the same care requirements as standard ocellaris clownfish, making it a low-maintenance choice with high visual impact.

Tank Requirements and Setup

Like all clownfish, Black Storms are relatively undemanding, but a well-maintained system is key to their health and longevity. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tank size: Minimum 20–30 gallons for a pair

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025

  • pH: 8.0–8.4

  • Nitrate: <10 ppm

• Filtration: Efficient biological and mechanical filtration is essential. Consider using a protein skimmer and refugium for optimal nutrient export.

• Lighting: Moderate reef lighting is ideal, especially if you’re housing corals.

• Flow: Moderate water flow mimics their natural reef environment.

A reef-safe environment is ideal, and live rock will provide plenty of hiding places while helping to maintain stable biological filtration.

Temperament and Compatibility

Black Storm Clownfish are peaceful by nature, particularly when kept in a bonded pair. They may be territorial, especially near their chosen host anemone or a favorite rock, but aggression is usually minimal.

Compatible tankmates include:

• Other peaceful community fish (e.g., gobies, firefish, blennies)

• Most soft and LPS corals

• Clean-up crew invertebrates (snails, hermit crabs, shrimp)

• Avoid overly aggressive species like large wrasses or predatory triggers

You can also house them with anemones like Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor), although hosting is not guaranteed and is not required for the clownfish’s well-being.

Feeding Your Black Storm Clownfish

Black Storm Clownfish are omnivores and accept a variety of food:

• High-quality marine flakes or pellets

• Frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp

• Occasional feedings of finely chopped seafood (like squid or clams)

• Spirulina-based foods for added nutrition

Feed 1–2 times daily and remove uneaten food to avoid nutrient buildup.

🛒 Tip: Reef Supplies offers a variety of premium marine foods perfect for designer clownfish—check them out here.

Do Black Storm Clownfish Need an Anemone?

Contrary to popular belief, clownfish do not require anemones to thrive in captivity. That said, providing one can enrich their behavior and give your tank a more natural aesthetic.

If you do want to introduce an anemone:

• Wait until the tank is at least 6–8 months old

• Make sure lighting and flow are suitable for anemone health

• Start with hardy species like the Bubble Tip

Keep in mind that hosting is never guaranteed—even with the right setup.

Breeding Behavior

One of the fun aspects of clownfish is that they’re protandrous hermaphrodites—meaning all are born male, and the dominant one becomes female. In a pair, you’ll likely see the larger fish become the female and the smaller remain male.

Breeding is possible in home aquaria, though raising fry requires specialized equipment and diet. If you're interested in clownfish breeding, the Black Storm’s genetics add a fascinating twist to the process.

Common Questions from Reef Hobbyists

Q: Will a Black Storm Clownfish get along with other clownfish?
A: It’s best to keep only one clownfish pair per tank unless you have a large setup (100+ gallons). Different species often fight over territory.

Q: Can I mix Black Storms with regular ocellaris clownfish?
A: Possibly, but temperament can vary. Mixing designer and standard ocellaris should only be done cautiously and preferably from a young age.

Q: Are Black Storm Clownfish wild-caught?
A: No—they are captive-bred, which makes them more disease-resistant and sustainable for the hobby.

Why Choose Reef Supplies for Your Clownfish Gear?

At Reef Supplies, we carry a wide range of reef-safe products to help you create the perfect home for your Black Storm Clownfish. From filtration systems and lighting to high-quality foods, we support Canadian reefers with trusted brands, competitive pricing, and fast shipping.

👉 Need help choosing the right products? Contact us here for personalized assistance from fellow reefers.