Clark’s Anemonefish, also known as Yellowtail Clownfish, is a marine fish in the Pomacentridae family, which includes clownfishes and damselfishes.
This fish lives in lagoons and outer reef slopes. It’s omnivorous and feeds on both plants and animals.
Clark’s Anemonefish live with different types of anemones like Cryptodendrum adhaesivum, Entacmaea quadricolor, Heteractis aurora, Heteractis crispa, Heteractis magnifica, Heteractis malu, Macrodactyla doreensis, Stichodactyla gigantea, Stichodactyla haddoni, and Stichodactyla mertensii.
Sometimes they share their home with other species like A. sandaracinos.
These fish can be raised in captivity and are safe for coral reefs.
Clark’s Anemonefish Interesting Facts
- Clark’s Anemonefish are monogamous and mate for life, forming distinct pairs during breeding.
- They can change their gender in just 5 to 6 months, which is a fascinating aspect of their biology.
- These fish have a wide habitat range, from the Persian Gulf to Western Australia and islands in the Western Pacific.
Clark’s Anemonefish Habitat
Clark’s Anemonefish is found in the Indo-West Pacific region.
Its habitat stretches from the Persian Gulf to Western Australia and includes islands in the western Pacific like Melanesia, Micronesia, Taiwan, southern Japan, and the Ryukyu Islands.
This fish lives in marine environments near coral reefs and does not migrate. It’s found at depths ranging from 1 to 60 meters (about 3 to 197 feet).
Clark’s Anemonefish prefers tropical waters between 30°N to 30°S latitude and 47°E to 172°W longitude.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Clark’s Anemonefish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)
Clark’s Anemonefish grows up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) and lives for about 11 years.
This fish has 10 dorsal spines and 15 to 16 soft rays on its dorsal fin. It also has 2 anal spines and 13 to 14 soft rays on its anal fin.
Its appearance varies greatly in color, with different forms found in specific regions.
Clark’s Anemonefish typically has two white bands: one behind the eye and another above the anus.
Its tail fin can be white or slightly yellow but is always lighter than the rest of its body.
There is also a white bar on the tail base, and the tail fin itself can be white or yellow. The remaining fins can range in color from yellow-orange to black.
The body of this fish is relatively slim, with a depth measuring between 1.7 to 2 times its standard length.
Clark’s Anemonefish Reproduction
Clark’s Anemonefish can change their gender in just 5 to 6 months. These fish are oviparous. They lay eggs on the ocean floor (benthic spawner).
Their eggs have an elliptical shape. Clark’s Anemonefish are monogamous and mate for life, both out of necessity and social behavior.
When breeding, they form distinct pairs.
Their eggs stick to surfaces underwater (demersal), and the male fish protect and provide oxygen to the eggs by fanning them with their fins.
Clark’s Anemonefish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Amphiprion |
| Scientific Name: | Amphiprion clarkii |
| Also Known As: | Clark’s Anemonefish, Yellowtail Clownfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |