The Snowflake Clownfish is arguably the fish that started the “designer” revolution in the saltwater aquarium hobby. With its jagged, icy-white patterns and classic Ocellaris personality, it remains a top choice for reef keepers who want something a little more unique than the standard “Nemo” look.
If you are looking for a showstopper for your reef tank that is both hardy and full of character, the Snowflake is a perfect candidate.
What is a Snowflake Clownfish?
The Snowflake is a unique color variant of the standard Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris). Unlike the smooth, vertical white bands found on a wild-type Ocellaris, the Snowflake’s bands are irregular, jagged, and often “overflow” across the body, resembling the unique patterns of a snowflake crystal or a frosted window.
See the video below for a great example of a standard Snowflake Clownfish.
Quick Stats
- Scientific Name: Amphiprion ocellaris (Variant)
- Care Level: Easy / Beginner
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Max Size: 3.5 – 4 inches
- Reef Compatible: Yes
Appearance and Patterns
No two Snowflake Clownfish are exactly alike. Their beauty lies in their individuality.
- The Pattern: The white stripes are much wider than standard stripes and feature rough, “zig-zag” edges. As the fish matures, these edges often become even more intricate.
- Premium Grading: You may see these fish sold as “Premium Snowflakes.” This generally refers to fish where the first and second stripes (the head and mid-body) actually connect, covering a larger percentage of the fish in brilliant white.
- Black Snowflakes: A popular variation where the orange base color is replaced by a deep, velvety black, creating a high-contrast black and white look. This is a black Ocellaris with a snowflake pattern.
Origins: A Success Story in Breeding
The Snowflake was one of the first designer mutations to be recognized and purposely bred for public release. It was originally discovered in a clutch of eggs at a professional hatchery in the UK in the late 1990s.
When first discovered, they were considered imperfect and were not released to the general public. However, other breeders, such as Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums (ORA), saw the potential in their uniqueness and a small number were imported to the US to be selectively bred to ensure the trait was passed down to future generations.
It is important for hobbyists to know that while they look different, Snowflake Clownfish are not “genetically modified” in a lab. They are the result of naturally occurring genetic mutations that have been carefully nurtured by expert breeders. They are just as healthy, long-lived, and energetic as their wild-patterned cousins.
Snowflake Clownfish Care
Caring for a Snowflake is identical to caring for a standard Ocellaris. They are exceptionally hardy, making them ideal for both new hobbyists and established reef tanks.
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a single fish or a pair.
- Water Parameters: They thrive in standard reef conditions (Salinity 1.024–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, and Temperature 74–80°F).
- Compatibility: They are peaceful community fish. They can be kept with most other reef-safe fish such as blennies, gobies, and tangs. To learn more about who they get along with, check out our Clownfish Compatibility Guide.
Diet & Nutrition
Snowflakes are omnivores with a healthy appetite. To keep their orange and black colors vibrant, provide a varied diet consisting of:
- High-quality marine flakes or pellets.
- Frozen Mysis or Brine shrimp.
- Occasional algae-based foods.
Anemone Hosting
Like all Ocellaris, Snowflakes do not need an anemone to survive, but they certainly enjoy the relationship. They are most likely to host in:
- Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)
- Magnificent Anemones (Heteractis magnifica)
If you are having trouble getting your Snowflake to settle in, see our guide on Getting a Clownfish to Live in a Host Anemone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Snowflake Clownfish harder to keep?
Not at all. Despite their “designer” status, they are just as resilient as standard Ocellaris and are very forgiving of minor fluctuations in water quality.
Can I pair a Snowflake with a regular Ocellaris?
Yes! Because they are the same species (Amphiprion ocellaris), they will pair and even spawn together. This is a great way to see a variety of patterns in your tank. For tips on identifying the dominant fish in a pair, visit our page on Ocellaris Clownfish – Male or Female.
Why do some Snowflakes cost more than others?
Price is usually determined by the “grading.” The more white coverage the fish has, and the more unique the jagged edges are, the higher the price will typically be.