Cinnamon Clownfish

Amphiprion melanopus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Pomacentridae

📍 Pacific Ocean, Fiji to Australia

Deep red-brown clownfish with a single white head bar and dark flanks — a rich cinnamon colouring. One of the more aggressive clownfish. Best kept as a mated pair with a large bubble-tip anemone.

Size4.5"

Min Tank30g

semi-aggressive

Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Cinnamon clownfish are omnivores that require a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes, small pellets, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Feed once daily in small portions that can be consumed within 2-3 minutes. Supplement with occasional vegetable matter like nori or spirulina-based foods to support digestive health.

Behavior

Cinnamon clownfish are among the more aggressive clownfish species, displaying territorial and sometimes combative behavior toward tank mates, especially other clownfish. They are active mid-water swimmers that spend considerable time near their host anemone, darting in and out of tentacles. They form strong pair bonds and should ideally be kept as mated pairs; introducing incompatible individuals can result in serious aggression.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including a large tank (minimum 55 gallons for a breeding pair), stable water parameters, and a healthy host anemone. Pairs will lay eggs on flat surfaces near the anemone base; eggs hatch in 8-9 days and fry are extremely difficult to rear due to their small size and specialized dietary needs. Most hobbyists find breeding challenging without specialized larval rearing setups.

Tank Mates

Ocellaris Clownfish

Same family but cinnamon clownfish are more aggressive; only compatible with established pairs in very large tanks

caution

Cleaner Shrimp

Beneficial for parasite removal; generally tolerated by clownfish

good

Pistol Shrimp

Can coexist peacefully; occupies different tank zones

good

Neon Goby

Small, non-threatening fish that provides cleaning services

good

Flame Hawkfish

May compete for territory; requires careful monitoring and adequate space

caution

Common Diseases

Marine Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy; quarantine affected fish if possible

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, progressive fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality, perform regular water changes, use antibiotic treatments if bacterial; ensure adequate aeration and remove any sharp tank decorations

Velvet Disease (Oodinium)

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, lethargy

Treatment

Increase aeration, raise temperature to 28-29°C, use copper treatments or formalin-based medications; maintain pristine water conditions during treatment

Anemone Bleaching

Symptoms

Host anemone loses color and becomes pale or white, reduced tentacle movement, potential anemone death

Treatment

Reduce lighting intensity, check water parameters (especially calcium and magnesium), improve water circulation, perform partial water changes; may indicate poor water quality or inadequate nutrition