Latin name

Premnas biaculeatus

Other name

Spine-cheeked anemonefish, pine-cheek anemonefish, spine-cheeked anemone-fish, tomato clownfish.

Identification

The species name "biaculeatus" was given to this fish because of the presence of two closely spaced growths on the surface of the gill covers.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 10; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 18; Anal spines: 2; Anal soft rays: 13 - 15.

Fish colouring

Brightly coloured fish. Immature individuals and males are red with two contrasting bright stripes, but after sex determination, which occurs after the death of the female, Moorish Clowns increase in size and become dark maroon, almost black.

Distribution

Widespread in South East Asia: from the Andaman Islands to the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and the northern coast of Australia. 

Habitat

Marine tropical species, inhabiting reefs. Does not migrate. Depth from 1 to 16 metres.

Size

The fish are small, up to 17 centimetres long, but usually no more than 13 centimetres.

Behavior

Diurnal species. Adults inhabit lagoons and inshore reefs, usually in sheltered coastal waters and lagoons. Usually found in pairs, males being much smaller than females. They live in association with the actinia Entacmaea quadricolor. 

Food and feeding habits

The diet consists of zooplankton and bottom algae. 

Reproduction

Like other members of the genus, protandric hermaphrodites, changing sex during life. Lay eggs, mate during reproduction. Eggs are on the bottom and attached to the substrate. Males guard and aerate eggs.

Fishing

It is a commercially important species, fished for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. They are used as aquarium fish.