Can Ocellaris Clownfish live with Sparkling Gourami?
Case-by-case. Watch group sizes, tank size, and feeding zones.
Why Ocellaris Clownfish and Sparkling Gourami Don't Make an Easy Pair
They can coexist, but you need to manage the setup carefully. The temperament combination (semi-aggressive+peaceful) can work, but you will need to watch them at feeding time for the first week.
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
| Adult Size: | 3.0" |
| Temperament: | semi-aggressive |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 74-80°F |
| pH Range: | 8.1-8.4 |
Sparkling Gourami
Trichopsis pumila
| Adult Size: | 1.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 5 gal |
| Temperature: | 75-82°F |
| pH Range: | 6.0-7.5 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Ocellaris Clownfish | Sparkling Gourami | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 74-80°F | 75-82°F | 5°F ✓ |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 | 6.0-7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: semi-aggressive + peaceful. Semi-aggressive → watch territory and feeding.
Score: 70/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 20 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: keep it between 75°F and 80°F.
- pH: no shared range. One species will be outside its tolerance regardless of what you set.
- Hiding spots: essential for Ocellaris Clownfish — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 20+ gallons:
Marine pellet food for clownfish
Explore Related Checks
See what else works with these fish:
⚠️ Common Reasons This Pairing Fails in Practice
- Overcrowding: Even compatible species fail in tanks that are too small. Double the species means double the bioload — 25% weekly water changes are the minimum.
- Inadequate acclimation: Adding both species on the same day without quarantine is a common mistake. Always drip-acclimate new arrivals and quarantine for 2–4 weeks.
Tools & Resources
Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a semi-aggressive individual Ocellaris Clownfish may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.