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(amphiprion polymnus)
Saltwater
Normally found in the Indian Ocean, this fish, also known as a Saddleback Clownfish, is specially breed in captivity for the aquarium trade. They are a dark brown on the top half of the body and orange on the bottom half. There is a white patch, "saddle," in the approximate shape of a horse saddle, on the back, from the beginning of the dorsal fins to approximately mid-dorsal, and running down to approximately mid-body. A white band, outlined in black, runs vertically behind the eyes, and the caudal fin is tipped in white. While not rare, this fish can be difficult to find. It is popular and often a quick sell-out.
Size: 1" to 2"
No. in Tank: Do best in a small group of three, introduced at the same time.
Tank: min. 30 gallon
Temperament: Peaceful. It may become aggressive toward its own kind as it gets older.
Food: (Omnivore) Needs a variety of meaty items such as chopped shrimp and a herbivore preparation. Usually accepts most foods, being on aquarium feeds its entire life.
Light: High
Adaptability: Needs plenty of hiding places and room to swim near the bottom. While they do not need anemones to survive in an aquarium, it will benefit from having some in the tank. It will take 2+ hours to fully acclimate.
Compatibility: Ideal for reef systems, though it may lay inside a large polyp coral, causing stress and the possibility that the coral will never close. In the wild, this fish lives among Carpet, Sebae and Magnificent Anemones, yet do not absolutely need them to survive in the aquarium. Do best with other peaceful tank-mates and most tank-raised clownfish.
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