Orangefin Anemonefish

About

The orangefin anemonefish (Amphiprion chrysopterus) is one of the bigger clownfish species you'll encounter in the hobby, and its personality matches its size. Native to a broad sweep of the Pacific, from Queensland and New Guinea out to the Marshall and Tuamotu Islands, it lives along outer reef slopes and passages, where it keeps close to its host anemone. In the wild it associates with at least six anemone species, including Entacmaea quadricolor and Heteractis magnifica, giving it some flexibility that's useful in captivity. Coloration typically features two white body bars against a darker base, with the orange-yellow fins that give it its common name. Diet in the wild is varied, planktonic crustaceans, algae, marine worms, and tunicates, so it adapts readily to prepared foods in the aquarium. Like most clownfish, pairs form strong bonds and the male takes an active role in guarding and tending the eggs after spawning. Where this species differs from gentler relatives is temperament: it is genuinely aggressive toward other clownfish and can be a serious bully in a mixed reef system. Keep that in mind when planning tankmates. It's a rewarding fish for an intermediate keeper who goes in with realistic expectations.