is this a true perc?

[pennstate]

Hi,

I was sold this clown as a true perc with unique markings.... can anyone tell if this is a true perc without countint the dorsel spines?

thanks...clown

[Jtrees]

Geocities doesn't let you link pictures from their sites.


Jason

[FishDaddy]

Pennstate,
It's getting very difficult to distinguish between Percula's and Ocellaris as both are being captive bred. There can be considerable inbreeding, resulting in anomalies and even hybridization between the two, complicating things even more. LFS usually depend on their source for identification. There is still disagreement as to whether Okes and Perks are different species or geographical variants. It was once thought each was entirely geographically distinct but there has been an area of overlap discovered in the Indo-Pacific.
I have had a couple of Ocellaris with distinct markings; incomplete banding in one and a nice spot on one of the ones I have now. I take it on faith that they are indeed Ocellaris as my very knowledgeable LFS gets them from an Ocellaris breeder but who knows for absolutely certain?
Dick

[Bubafat]

Just for your Info.

There are no "unique markings" for either perc's or ocellaris clowns as it greatly depends on where they are collected. And even if you do count the dorsel spines, there is variation so it is VERY hard to get an exact speciation. As a "general" way of identifying them, look at the price. High price = true perc's. Lots of black usually = true perc's.

I forget, but if i remember right, true perc's like to occupy more bottom of the tank while occelaris usually tend to stay near the top.

Good luck

Buba

[Drew]

OK, just my observations here as I have a pair of both. As said above, I think the price is one of the great indicators of which one you have. If you paid >$20 you probably hace a true perc. As for swiming behaviors between the two, I find that both pairs swim at all levels of the tank. It does seem however, that true percs have more black than false, but that is not always correct.

One thing I want to ask is how do you pronounce Ocellaris? Is the "c" said as an "s" or a "k"? I always thought it was an "s" but want to make sure. Thanks.

Drew