False Percula vs True Percula?

[Mark Henry]

Hello everyone!

I bought two 1" long tank-bred Percula Clownfish at my LFS yesterday and
they're doing well. A friend of mine came over today, looked at the
fish, and said that I had been sold False Percula Clownfish, not true
Perculas. When I asked him what the difference was (IE how he visually
told the difference between the two) he said he couldn't describe it -
just that they wern't true Perculas.

Well, I'm personally happy with the fish. They look good, eat well, and
have alot of energy and "character". Plus, since they're the first fish
inhabitants of my 65g tank they're also the only swimming thing to look
at (the crabs and snails were nice for the first few days, then they got
old).

So, my question is this - how can I tell the difference betwen a true
Percula Clownfish and the False Percula Clownfish (also called the
Ocellaris Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle)?

And does it matter which I have?

Thanks,

mark h

[George]

"Mark Henry" > wrote in message
...
> Hello everyone!
>
> I bought two 1" long tank-bred Percula Clownfish at my LFS yesterday and
> they're doing well. A friend of mine came over today, looked at the fish,
> and said that I had been sold False Percula Clownfish, not true Perculas.
> When I asked him what the difference was (IE how he visually told the
> difference between the two) he said he couldn't describe it - just that
> they wern't true Perculas.
>
> Well, I'm personally happy with the fish. They look good, eat well, and
> have alot of energy and "character". Plus, since they're the first fish
> inhabitants of my 65g tank they're also the only swimming thing to look
> at (the crabs and snails were nice for the first few days, then they got
> old).
>
> So, my question is this - how can I tell the difference betwen a true
> Percula Clownfish and the False Percula Clownfish (also called the
> Ocellaris Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle)?
>
> And does it matter which I have?
>
> Thanks,
>
> mark h

http://www.etropicals.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=41&pCatId=1234

I don't see why it matters. It's still a clownfish. Now, if they had sold
them to you as maroon clownfish, I'd be little miffed.

George

[Wayne Sallee]

One has an extra spine.

The true perculas tend to have more black, but I get both
from the wholesalers, and it's usualy imposible to tell
them appart. I often wonder if they realy know wich one
they have.

Wayne Sallee
Wayne's Pets



Mark Henry wrote on 1/15/2006 6:18 PM:
> Hello everyone!
>
> I bought two 1" long tank-bred Percula Clownfish at my LFS yesterday and
> they're doing well. A friend of mine came over today, looked at the
> fish, and said that I had been sold False Percula Clownfish, not true
> Perculas. When I asked him what the difference was (IE how he visually
> told the difference between the two) he said he couldn't describe it -
> just that they wern't true Perculas.
>
> Well, I'm personally happy with the fish. They look good, eat well, and
> have alot of energy and "character". Plus, since they're the first fish
> inhabitants of my 65g tank they're also the only swimming thing to look
> at (the crabs and snails were nice for the first few days, then they got
> old).
>
> So, my question is this - how can I tell the difference betwen a true
> Percula Clownfish and the False Percula Clownfish (also called the
> Ocellaris Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle)?
>
> And does it matter which I have?
>
> Thanks,
>
> mark h

[kim gross]

Mark Henry wrote:
> Hello everyone!
>
> I bought two 1" long tank-bred Percula Clownfish at my LFS yesterday and
> they're doing well. A friend of mine came over today, looked at the
> fish, and said that I had been sold False Percula Clownfish, not true
> Perculas. When I asked him what the difference was (IE how he visually
> told the difference between the two) he said he couldn't describe it -
> just that they wern't true Perculas.
>
> Well, I'm personally happy with the fish. They look good, eat well, and
> have alot of energy and "character". Plus, since they're the first fish
> inhabitants of my 65g tank they're also the only swimming thing to look
> at (the crabs and snails were nice for the first few days, then they got
> old).
>
> So, my question is this - how can I tell the difference betwen a true
> Percula Clownfish and the False Percula Clownfish (also called the
> Ocellaris Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle)?
>
> And does it matter which I have?

Only if it matters to you.
>
> Thanks,
>
> mark h

Mark

They do look very similiar but come from different areas of the ocean.

Here are a couple of good articles for you.

http://www.orafarm.com/mission.html

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/clownfishcare/l/blpercula.htm
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnidfaqs.htm
http://www.nano-reef.com/fish/?fish=6
http://www.tfhmagazine.com/default.aspx?pageid=33

[TheRock]

Mark,

This is kind of funny. You weren't insulted by your friend comment were you
?
Poor little Nemo : (

Here is Live Aquaria's description:
The Ocellaris "False" Clownfish is often confused with the Percula "True"
Clownfish. Unless you are experienced with both fish, they are difficult to
tell apart. The True Percula is a very bright orange, whereas, the Ocellaris
tends to be more drably colored. The Percula Clownfish also has a thicker
black outline to its white body stripes.

The True Percula is not a fish for beginners. If you want this fish and your
experience is limited, purchase the Ocellaris Clownfish. Percula Clownfish
are good candidates for a reef aquarium, however, they are not as hardy as
the Ocellaris Clownfish. Once acclimated and eating, they are tolerant of
most fish.

PLUS THEY HAVE 2 SPINES ...HA HA HA !!!




"kim gross" > wrote in message
...
> Mark Henry wrote:
>> Hello everyone!
>>
>> I bought two 1" long tank-bred Percula Clownfish at my LFS yesterday and
>> they're doing well. A friend of mine came over today, looked at the fish,
>> and said that I had been sold False Percula Clownfish, not true Perculas.
>> When I asked him what the difference was (IE how he visually told the
>> difference between the two) he said he couldn't describe it - just that
>> they wern't true Perculas.
>>
>> Well, I'm personally happy with the fish. They look good, eat well, and
>> have alot of energy and "character". Plus, since they're the first fish
>> inhabitants of my 65g tank they're also the only swimming thing to look
>> at (the crabs and snails were nice for the first few days, then they got
>> old).
>>
>> So, my question is this - how can I tell the difference betwen a true
>> Percula Clownfish and the False Percula Clownfish (also called the
>> Ocellaris Clownfish, False Clown Anemonefish, and Anemone Demoiselle)?
>>
>> And does it matter which I have?
>
> Only if it matters to you.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> mark h
>
> Mark
>
> They do look very similiar but come from different areas of the ocean.
>
> Here are a couple of good articles for you.
>
> http://www.orafarm.com/mission.html
>
> http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/clownfishcare/l/blpercula.htm
> http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnidfaqs.htm
> http://www.nano-reef.com/fish/?fish=6
> http://www.tfhmagazine.com/default.aspx?pageid=33