The Clarkii Clownfish (Amphiprion clarkii), also known as Clark’s Anemonefish or Yellowtail Clownfish, is a marine fish belonging to the family Pomacentridae. It is the most widely distributed anemonefish species.

Distribution and Habitat

Clark’s Anemonefish is the most widely distributed anemonefish, being found in tropical waters from the Indian Ocean to the Western Pacific. These anemonefish most commonly occupy reef biomes at 1 to 60 meters in areas with host anemones. It is the least host specific anemonefish, living in association with all ten species of sea anemones that host anemonefish.

Physical Description

The Clarkii Clownfish grows to 15 cm (5.9 in) with females being larger than males. It has a distinctive coloration with a yellow to orange body, two or three white vertical bars, and a forked caudal fin. Color variations are extensive and can range from yellow to black depending on geographic location.

Diet and Feeding

The Clarkii Clownfish is omnivorous and its diet is based on zooplankton, small benthic crustaceans, and algae. In captivity it accepts a varied diet including flakes, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and pellets.

Behavior and Reproduction

Like all anemonefishes it forms a symbiotic mutualism with sea anemones. It is a sequential hermaphrodite with a strict size-based dominance hierarchy. Anemonefish tend to have a life span of about 10 to 11 years.

Aquarium Care

This species is semi-aggressive and territorial. It requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with abundant live rock. It is considered reef-safe. It is one of the hardiest anemonefish species and is recommended for beginners.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.