Clark's anemonefish

About

Clark's anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) is one of the most widely distributed clownfish in the world, ranging from the Persian Gulf all the way across the Indo-Pacific to the waters of Japan and western Australia. It's a handsome fish with a dark body, white barring, and a distinctively pale yellow tail that makes it easy to pick out of a lineup. One of the things that sets it apart from other clownfish is just how bold it is. This species has a reputation for being genuinely ferocious in defense of its host anemone, and there are well-documented accounts of Clark's anemonefish charging at divers in the wild. That attitude carries over into the aquarium, so plan accordingly with tankmates. Another notable trait is its remarkable flexibility with host anemones. It associates with at least ten different anemone species in the wild, more than almost any other clownfish, which makes it a practical choice for reefers who want a clownfish-anemone pairing. Clark's anemonefish breed readily in captivity, with the male taking on egg-guarding duties. They're an intermediate-level fish mostly because of that territorial streak, not because they're fragile. Given appropriate space and compatible neighbors, they're quite hardy and rewarding to keep.