Latin name

Amphiprion clarkii

Other name

Yellowtail clownfish

Identification

The body of the Clark's anemonefish is oval, compressed at the sides, with a lateral line.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 16; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 14.

Fish colouring

A colourful fish with bright black, white and yellow stripes. The fish usually has two white stripes, one behind the eye and one in front of the anus. The tail is white or yellow.

Distribution

It has the widest distribution of any anemonefish. It lives in south-east Asia, from the coast of northern Australia to southern Japan, from Melanesia to the northern seas of the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. Its wide distribution is due to its long planktonic larval stage, during which the larvae are carried long distances by ocean currents.

Habitat

A marine tropical species. Inhabits coral reefs. Does not migrate. Depths from 1 to 70 metres.

Size

The body length of these fish is up to 15 cm. Maximum reported age: 11 years.

Behavior

Adults live in lagoons and on the outer slopes of reefs. The species lives in symbiosis with 10 species of actinia: Cryptodendrum adhaesivum, Entacmaea quadricolor, Heteractis aurora, Heteractis crispa, Heteractis magnifica, Heteractis malu, Macrodactyla doreensis, Stichodactyla gigantea, Stichodactyla haddoni and Stichodactyla mertensii.

Food and feeding habits

Omnivores.

Reproduction

Spawning in the benthos. Sex change occurs in less than 5-6 months. Egg-laying, elliptical eggs. Monogamous. Mates during reproduction. Eggs are on the bottom and adhere to the substrate. Males guard and aerate eggs. 

Fishing

Fished naturally for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.