Sea & Reef is proud to present the Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish, which is a hypomelanistic version of the DaVinci Grade B Clownfish and first produced by Sea & Reef. Hypomelanism is a genetic mutation that results in reduced pigmentation. When comparing a normal DaVinci Grade B Clownfish and a Tangerine DaVinci Grade B (see pictures below) this reduction in pigment becomes obvious. The Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish does not have any black pigment between the white and orange body coloration, whereas the regular DaVinci Grade B Clownfish has an outline of black pigment that separates the white and orange coloration. Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish also have greatly reduced pigment in the fins, which appear "smoky". The reduced pigment also affects the body coloration. The deep red coloration of the DaVinci Grade B Clownfish has been replaced with a lighter more orange coloration in the Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish. Therefore the name "Tangerine". The very distinct and crisp look of the Tangerine Clownfish sets them apart and is very appealing. The fact that some black pigment is still present in the fins and eyes suggests that the mutation responsible for the Tangerine expression did not destroy the melanin synthesis pathway completely. Tangerine Clownfish are therefore hypomelanistic and as such are considered albino clownfish.

Sea & Reef is the leading producer of numerous hypomelanistic (Tangerine) clownfish variations including Tangerine Ocellaris Clownfish, Tangerine Storm Clownfish, Tangerine Snowflake Ocellaris, Tangerine Solar Storm Clownfish, Tangerine Percula Clownfish, and many more. The Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish was released on March 21, 2023. 

Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish:

Regular DaVinci Grade A Clownfish:

Temperament & Captive Care

The temperament and captive care requirements for the Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish is very similar to that of the regular Ocellaris clownfish. It is relatively peaceful and hardy. They thrive in saltwater aquariums with or without an anemone present.

Feeding

Most clownfish are omnivorous feeders, meaning that they will consume a variety of different food types. In nature the diet of clownfish consists of crustaceans (such as copepods and amphipods), algae, polychaete worms, and leftovers from the anemone’s meal. Our captive bred fish are conditioned to eat a variety of aquarium diets including pellets, flake food, frozen Mysis shrimp, and frozen brine shrimp.

Aquarium Host Anemones

Tangerine DaVinci Grade B Clownfish will readily accept a wide variety of host anemones and many hobbyists keep them with the popular and hardy Bubble Tip Anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). As a reference the natural host anemones of the regular ocellaris clownfish are Magnificent Sea Anemone (Heteractis magnifica), Giant Carpet Sea Anemone (Stichodactyla gigantean) and Merten's Carpet Sea Anemone (Stichodactyla mertensii).