Cinnamon Clownfish

With its red-orange body, the broad black area on its flanks and the single white bar behind the eye, the cinnamon clownfish closely resembles the tomato clownfish (Amphiprion frenatus). The easiest difference is in the fins: in melanopus the pelvic and anal fins are black. Its natural host is usually the bubble-tip anemone (Entacmaea quadricolor). It is hardy; when captive-bred individuals are available, they should be preferred over wild ones.

• At least 110 liters for a pair.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe; it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• An anemone is not essential; a bubble-tip anemone is readily accepted, but it should be added to a mature aquarium.

Omnivorous. Feed twice a day with marine fish granules, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and foods containing algae.

The pair determinedly defends its anemone or nest; as the female grows, her territoriality increases. Clownfish are born male and the larger fish of the pair turns into a female; for this reason, when two juveniles are bought together, a pair forms on its own. Keep a single pair in the aquarium; a third individual and other clownfish species lead to fights.

Good companions: Tangs, dwarf angelfish, large gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Other clownfish species, predatory fish, very shy species in a small aquarium.