Orangefin Anemonefish

The orangefin anemonefish is recognized by its dark brown body, two bluish-white bars behind the eye and across the middle of the body, and orange-yellow pectoral, pelvic and anal fins; in many individuals the tail is whitish. Reaching 15–17 cm, it is one of the larger clownfish. In the wild it lives in passes and on outer reef slopes with many anemones, such as Heteractis magnifica, H. crispa, Stichodactyla mertensii and Entacmaea quadricolor. It is rarely found in stores; most of those sold are wild-caught.

• At least 200 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; if present, large host anemones require strong lighting and experience.
• Keep wild specimens in quarantine for 3–4 weeks; watch out for Brooklynella and velvet.

Omnivorous; in the wild it feeds on copepods, algae, worms and planktonic tunicates. Offer granules, flakes, frozen mysis and brine shrimp along with foods containing algae. Feeding twice a day is enough.

Because of its large size it strongly defends the area it has chosen; it may chase small, shy fish. It gets along better with medium-sized species able to defend themselves.

Good companions: Tangs, dwarf angelfish, large wrasses, foxface, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Other clownfish, damselfish, shy small fish such as firefish, predators such as lionfish.