Genus

Common name: Clownfish

Scientific name: Amphiprion Bloch & Schneider, 1801

The genus Amphiprion is best known for its vibrant and charismatic clownfish, which have captured the fascination of both aquarium enthusiasts and the general public alike. These small, colorful fish are native to the warmer waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef and the Red Sea. One of the most distinctive features of clownfish is their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, which provides them with protection from predators. In return, clownfish help to keep the anemones clean and provide nutrients through their waste.

Clownfish are relatively small, with most species ranging from 10 to 18 centimeters in length. They are characterized by their bold color patterns, which often include bright oranges, reds, yellows, and whites, with distinctive black markings. These colors not only make them popular in the aquarium trade but also serve as a warning to potential predators about the anemones' stinging capabilities.

In the wild, clownfish are known for their unique social structure, which is based on a strict hierarchy. The dominant female is the largest fish in the group, followed by the breeding male, and then several non-breeding males. If the female dies, the breeding male will change sex to become the new dominant female, a fascinating example of sequential hermaphroditism.

Aquarium hobbyists appreciate clownfish for their hardiness and relatively easy care requirements. They can adapt well to life in captivity, provided they are given a suitable environment that mimics their natural habitat. This includes having access to a host anemone, although captive-bred clownfish can live without one. They are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter.

Overall, the Amphiprion genus offers a captivating glimpse into the complex relationships and behaviors of marine life, making them a favorite choice for both novice and experienced aquarists.

  1. Skunk Anemonefish (Amphiprion akallopisos) in a sea anemone
    Common name: Skunk Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion akallopisos
  2. Barrier Reef anemonefish (Amphiprion akindynos)
    Common name: Barrier Reef Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion akindynos
  3. Allard's Clownfish (Amphiprion allardi) with his anemone in the background
    Common name: Allard's Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion allardi
  4. Two-banded Clownfish (Amphiprion bicinctus) in the Red Sea, Egypt
    Common name: Two-banded Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion bicinctus
  5. Chagos Clownfish in sea anemone
    Common name: Chagos Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion chagosensis
  6. Mauritian Clownfish (Amphiprion chrysogaster)
    Common name: Mauritian Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion chrysogaster
  7. Orange-fin Anemonefish (Amphiprion chrysopterus)
    Common name: Orange-fin Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion chrysopterus
  8. Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii)
    Common name: Clarkii Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion clarkii
  9. Red Saddleback Anemonefish (Amphiprion ephippium)
    Common name: Red Saddleback Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion ephippium
  10. Tomato Clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus)
    Common name: Tomato Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion frenatus
  11. Seychelles Anemonefish (Amphiprion fuscocaudatus) snuggles in its protective anemone
    Common name: Seychelles Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion fuscocaudatus
  12. Wideband Anemonefish (Amphiprion latezonatus)
    Common name: Wideband Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion latezonatus
  13. Common name: Madagascar Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion latifasciatus
  14. Whitebonnet Anemonefish (Amphiprion leucokranos) swimming in front of anemone in Papua New Guinea coral reef
    Common name: Whitebonnet Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion leucokranos
  15. Common name: Whitesnout Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion mccullochi
  16. Cinnamon Clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus)
    Common name: Cinnamon Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion melanopus
  17. Maldives Anemonefish (Amphiprion nigripes) above sea anemone
    Common name: Blackfinned Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion nigripes
  18. Ocellaris Clownfish by the purple mantle of its anemone host
    Common name: Ocellaris Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion ocellaris
  19. Oman Anemonefish (Amphiprion omanensis)
    Common name: Oman Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion omanensis
  20. Clownfish
    Common name: Percula Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion percula
  21. Pink Anemonefish
    Common name: Pink Skunk Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion perideraion
  22. Saddleback Clownfish (Amphiprion polymnus) close up
    Common name: Saddleback Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion polymnus
  23. Australian Anemonefish (Amphiprion rubrocinctus)
    Common name: Australian Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion rubrocinctus
  24. Orange Skunk Clownfish (Amphiprion sandaracinos) living in an anemone. Underwater life of Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia
    Common name: Orange Skunk Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion sandaracinos
  25. Sebae Clownfish (Amphiprion sebae) from Andaman Sea, Thailand
    Common name: Sebae Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion sebae
  26. Common name: Thielle's Clownfish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion thiellei
  27. Three-Band Anemonefish (Amphiprion tricinctus) with sea anemone
    Common name: Three-Band Anemonefish
    Scientific name: Amphiprion tricinctus