Saddleback Clownfish, scientifically known as Amphiprion polymnus, is a black and white fish with a unique saddle-like marking.
It’s also known as the Yellowfin Anemonefish. This fish lives in a mutually beneficial relationship with sea anemones without being harmed by their stinging tentacles.
Saddleback Clownfish typically live in lagoons and harbors with silty water.
This species is often found living with Heteractis crispa and Stichodactyla haddoni anemones.
Saddleback anemonefish have been successfully raised in captivity and are reef-safe for aquariums.
Saddleback Clownfish Interesting Facts
- Saddleback Clownfish live in a mutually beneficial relationship with sea anemones, immune to their stinging tentacles.
- These fish follow a size-based hierarchy and are sequential hermaphrodites, changing gender if the dominant female dies.
- Found primarily in the Western Pacific region, they thrive in tropical waters at depths of 2 to 30 meters (6 to 98 feet).
- They grow up to 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters) long and have a unique saddle-like marking on their bodies.
Saddleback Clownfish Habitat
Saddleback Clownfish is found in the Western Pacific.
Its range includes the Ryukyu Islands, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Gulf of Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia’s Northern Territory, and Gulf of Carpentaria, New Guinea, New Britain, and the Solomon Islands.
It has also been recorded in Singapore. This fish lives in marine environments and is associated with reefs.
It doesn’t migrate and is found at depths of 2 to 30 meters (6 to 98 feet).
Saddleback Clownfish thrives in tropical waters from latitudes of 36°N to 33°S and longitudes of 91°E to 164°E.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Saddleback Clownfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters)
Saddleback Clownfish grows up to 5.1 inches (13.0 centimeters) long. It has 10 to 11 dorsal spines, 16 to 18 dorsal soft rays, 2 anal spines, and 12 to 14 anal soft rays.
The color ranges from orange to dark brown with a wide white stripe on the head.
There’s a saddle-like marking from the middle of its back extending down variably. The tail fin has a black section that narrows toward the end.
There are some differences in appearance depending on location, like more orange on the underside in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Saddleback Clownfish Reproduction
Saddleback Clownfish follows a strict size-based hierarchy, where the largest female is at the top followed by the breeding male and smaller non-breeding males.
They are sequential hermaphrodites. This means if the sole female dies, the breeding male changes to a female, and the largest non-breeder becomes the new breeding male.
The male fish changes its gender when it reaches about 9.2 cm in length.
Saddleback Clownfish form monogamous pairs during breeding and lay eggs that stick to surfaces underwater.
Males protect the eggs and help them get oxygen by moving water over them.
Saddleback Clownfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Family: | Pomacentridae |
| Genus: | Amphiprion |
| Scientific Name: | Amphiprion polymnus |
| Also Known As: | Saddleback Clownfish, Yellowfin Anemonefish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |