In an ocean food chain, a tertiary consumer is typically an organism that eats secondary consumers. In the options provided:
- Clownfish are generally primary consumers, as they feed on algae and small invertebrates.
- Brittle stars are also considered secondary consumers, feeding on detritus and small animals.
- Killer whales are apex predators and can be classified as tertiary or even quaternary consumers, depending on what they are eating.
- Octopuses are generally considered secondary consumers, as they prey on fish and crustaceans.
Therefore, the tertiary consumer in this food chain would be the killer whale.
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