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Saddleback Clownfish
Amphiprion polymnus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Pomacentridae
📍 Western Pacific, from Japan to Australia
Distinctively marked clownfish with a white head bar and a curved saddle-shaped white patch midway along the body. A specialist that strongly prefers Stichodactyla anemones. Somewhat challenging to keep without its host.
Care Guide
Diet
Saddleback 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 copepods. 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 overall health.
Behavior
These clownfish are semi-aggressive and highly territorial, especially when hosting an anemone. They spend most of their time in the mid-water zone and within their host anemone, rarely venturing far from it. They are generally peaceful toward other fish but may become aggressive toward conspecifics or similar-looking clownfish, particularly in smaller tanks.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but challenging and requires a mated pair, stable water conditions, and a suitable host anemone. Pairs will lay eggs on rock surfaces near their anemone, and fry are extremely difficult to rear due to their small size and specialized dietary needs. Most hobbyists do not successfully breed this species without significant experience.
Tank Mates
Different clownfish species may compete for anemone space; monitor closely
Peaceful reef fish that occupy different zones and do not compete with clownfish
Beneficial symbiotic relationship; helps maintain fish health in reef environment
Peaceful nocturnal fish that avoids competition with territorial clownfish
Fast-moving fish that stays near substrate; minimal interaction with clownfish
Common Diseases
Marine Ich (White Spot Disease)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against surfaces, lethargy
Increase water temperature to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, use copper-based treatments or hyposalinity therapy; quarantine affected fish if possible
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, progressive fin loss
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibiotic treatments if bacterial; ensure adequate aeration and avoid aggressive tank mates
Anemone Dependency Syndrome
Stress behaviors, loss of appetite, fading coloration when separated from host anemone
Provide appropriate Stichodactyla anemone species; ensure stable lighting (10-12 hours daily) and strong water flow for anemone health
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior, eye cloudiness
Quarantine immediately, increase temperature to 28-29°C, use copper treatments or formalin-based medications; maintain pristine water conditions
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 4.5 inches
- salinity
- SG 1.020–1.025
- minTankSize
- 30 gallons
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C