QUICK STATS

Care Level: Easy
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Peaceful to Semi-Aggressive
Reef-Safe: Yes
Venomous: No
Source: Captive Bred / See Options
Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-2"
Approximate Max Size: 3-4"
Recommended Tank Size: 20-30 Gallons or Larger

GLADIATOR x DaVINCI CLOWNFISH

The Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) is a designer clownfish variety known for its bright orange body and smooth, exaggerated white barring. The markings often look painted on, which is where the DaVinci name comes from, while the head pattern may resemble a small gladiator-style helmet. Naturally, the fish is three inches long and still got theatrical branding. Proaquatix describes Gladiator / DaVinci as having smooth exaggerated barring that can look hand-painted, with head barring that may resemble a gladiator’s helmet. 

This variety is typically captive-bred, making it hardy, adaptable, and well-suited for aquarium life. Its care is very similar to standard ocellaris clownfish, which means it is usually beginner-friendly, reef-safe, and willing to accept prepared foods without making everyone beg. ORA notes that Gladiator clownfish are also known as DaVinci or Fancy Clownfish, with smooth lines over a bright orange body.

Like other ocellaris clownfish, this fish does not require an anemone to thrive. It may host in one if available, but it may also choose coral, rockwork, tank equipment, a back corner, or some deeply inconvenient location that makes your aquascape feel personally judged.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in size, color, barring, pattern, and overall appearance.

AQUARIUM REQUIREMENTS

AQUARIUM SIZE

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons or larger is recommended for a Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish. For a pair or community setup, 30 gallons or larger is a more comfortable recommendation. Sustainable Aquatics lists its Gladiator / DaVinci style clownfish as captive-bred, peaceful, maxing around 3 inches, with an ideal tank size over 30 gallons.

HABITAT RECOMMENDATIONS

Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish are hardy and adaptable, making them a strong choice for reef tanks, nano reefs, and peaceful community aquariums.

Aquascaping: Provide live rock, caves, and open swimming space. Clownfish often claim one area and defend it like they own the closing documents.

Substrate: Sand or fine aragonite works well and helps create a natural reef-style environment.

Rockwork: Live rock is recommended for biological filtration, shelter, and overall aquarium stability.

Anemone Hosting: An anemone is not required. If adding one, make sure the aquarium is mature and stable, since anemones are usually much less forgiving than clownfish.

Tank Cover: A tight-fitting lid is recommended. Clownfish are not the worst jumpers, but the floor remains undefeated and annoyingly patient.

WATER PARAMETERS

Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish are hardy once established, but they still do best in clean, stable saltwater conditions. “Easy” means forgiving, not immune to whatever chemistry crime the aquarium decides to commit this week.

Temperature: 75-80°F
pH Level: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.020-1.026 specific gravity
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite should remain undetectable. Nitrate should be kept as low as reasonably possible, ideally below 20 ppm.
Water Flow: Low to moderate flow is ideal. They can handle typical reef flow but should have calmer areas where they can rest and establish territory.

DIET

Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish are omnivores and usually accept a wide variety of frozen, prepared, meaty, and algae-based foods. Captive-bred clownfish are typically strong eaters and are well adjusted to aquarium diets. The Biota Group notes that Gladiator DaVinci Clownfish are tank-bred and raised on prepared foods, making them well-adjusted to aquarium life.

PRIMARY DIET

Frozen Food: Offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, marine blends, and finely chopped frozen foods.

Shop Favorite: Our favorite food to offer is Reef Frenzy by LRS because it provides a strong variety of marine ingredients and usually gets a great feeding response from clownfish. Watching a clownfish eat like it’s settling a personal debt remains one of the hobby’s more reliable joys.

Prepared Foods: High-quality marine pellets or flakes are excellent staple options. Smaller pellet sizes are best for juvenile fish.

Algae-Based Foods: Spirulina flakes or mixed omnivore foods can be added occasionally for variety.

FEEDING FREQUENCY

Feed small amounts 1-2 times per day. Avoid overfeeding, even when the clownfish acts like portion control is a direct violation of its rights.

COMPATIBILITY

Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish are generally peaceful and work well in reef aquariums, especially with other community fish. Like most clownfish, they may become more territorial as they mature, form a pair, or choose a hosting area.

COMMON TANK MATES

Fish: Gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, wrasses, firefish, dwarf angelfish, tangs in larger aquariums, and other peaceful to semi-peaceful community fish.

Avoid: Large predatory fish, aggressive damsels, large triggers, groupers, lionfish, and fish that may bully or eat them.

Invertebrates: Safe with most cleaner shrimp, hermit crabs, snails, urchins, and other common reef invertebrates.

Coral: Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish are considered reef-safe and should not bother soft corals, LPS, SPS, zoanthids, mushrooms, clams, or anemones.

BEHAVIORAL NOTES

Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive. Usually calm with other fish, but may defend a chosen area once established.

Captive-Bred Advantage: Captive-bred specimens usually adapt well to prepared foods, aquarium conditions, and life without a natural host anemone.

Pairing: Can be kept singly or as a pair. When pairing clownfish, it is usually best to introduce two juveniles or one larger and one smaller individual to reduce fighting.

Designer Pattern: Each Gladiator x DaVinci Clownfish may vary in barring, white coverage, head markings, and overall pattern. Premium versions may show more connected bars, while standard Gladiator / DaVinci types usually have smooth, exaggerated barring. Proaquatix describes Premium Gladiator / DaVinci as having at least two bars connected on one or both sides.

Hosting Behavior: They do not need an anemone, but may host in one if available. They may also host in coral, rockwork, equipment, or the dumbest possible corner, because clownfish exist to humble planning.

Reef Compatibility: Excellent for reef tanks. They are safe with coral and most invertebrates.

Jumping: A tight-fitting lid is recommended. Even captive-bred designer clownfish are still fish, tragically operating with fish-level judgment.

ACCLIMATION PROCESS

This acclimation method helps reduce stress by gradually introducing the fish to your aquarium’s temperature and water chemistry.

1. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS & ATO

Turn off aquarium lights to reduce stress. If you have an Auto Top Off system, switch it off before starting acclimation.

2. FLOAT THE BAG

Float the sealed bag in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature in the bag to equalize with the tank.

3. OPEN BAG, ADD FISH TO CONTAINER

Carefully open the bag and transfer the fish and shipping water into a clean bucket or container.

4. ACCLIMATE USING TANK WATER

Add 1/4 cup of tank water to the container every 5 minutes for 40 minutes.

5. TRANSFER FISH TO AQUARIUM

Once acclimation is complete, use a net or specimen container to gently transfer the fish into the aquarium. Discard the shipping water. Do not pour shipping water into your aquarium.

6. REFILL THE AQUARIUM WITH SALTWATER

You may need to replace the saltwater removed during acclimation with fresh mixed saltwater.